The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



yield an ample return for the little trouble bestowed in raising them. 

 A few plants potted separately will be certain to prove useful in 

 filling up blanks caused by failure. 



It may be well to mention a fact here which is not always 

 remembered, although the knowledge of it is generally assumed. 

 Seed can only be saved from single flowers, but those who have 

 made a study of the business find little difficulty in selecting plants, 

 and treating them in such a manner that seed obtained from them 

 will produce a large percentage of double blossoms in the following 

 generation. But the experience of the most skilled growers has not 

 enabled them to save seed which will result entirely in double- 

 flowering plants ; and this is scarcely to be regretted, for the perpetua- 

 tion of the race is dependent on single flowers. In keeping the 

 various colours true there is one very awkward fact. Certain sorts 

 invariably produce a difference in colour between the double and 

 single flowers. 



Intermediate Stocks are most valuable for house and window 

 decoration in spring. It is easy to grow them in pots, if the protection 

 of a house or pit can be given during the winter to preserve them 

 from frost. A simple plan is to sow in August or early in September 

 five or six seeds in 48-sized pots, and plunge these in ashes under 

 a frame until March. Thin to three plants in each, and of course 

 a larger pot with more plants can be used when desirable. Give 

 air whenever possible, and water regularly. There is no need for 

 artificial heat ; indeed, it is not well to hurry the plants in any way. 

 A good top dressing of rich soil is advisable before flowering, and as 

 the buds appear, manure water, weak at first, but gradually increased 

 in strength, may be given once a week until in full bloom. If seed 

 be sown in March or April, the plants will flower in the succeeding 

 autumn. 



Brompton Stocks are remarkable for the size of their spikes of 

 bloom and their striking appearance during May and June, They 

 do well under the shelter of trees and shrubs, and on cold soils this 

 position will save them from damage by frosts. In some seasons it 

 may answer to sow in blooming quarters, but the practice is too 

 precarious to be risked generally. A safer method is to sow in seed- 

 pans in June or July. Place these under shelter until the plants are 

 an inch high, then stand them in the open for a week before trans- 

 planting. Have ready a piece of freshly-dug soil, and on a dull day 

 put them out at eight to twelve inches apart. If the growth is too 

 rapid during September, it may be advisable to lift them and plant 



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