82 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



its immature state is incased in a green pulp or berry, 

 changing to blue as it ripens, and consists of a little 

 nut with several kernels, so that one is sometimes sur- 

 prised with two or more plants from what seems to 

 be a single seed. The seed may be started in the 

 house, or in the hotbed early in the spring; sowing 

 in drills one-quarter of an inch deep. It germinates 

 in from twelve to fifteen days, but soaking in warm 

 water, for a few hours before planting, will hasten 

 its appearance. They require about the same treat- 

 ment as Geraniums, but should be shifted oftener and 

 given plenty of water. As soon as the plants are four 

 or five inches high transplant them to a tobacco pail, 

 or some large wooden receptacle containing a com- 

 post of muck, loam, and old manure, or muck alone, 

 and place in full morning sunshine, out of doors. 

 Thus managed I have grown, from seed sown in 

 March, plants that measured nine feet or more in 

 circumference by September and were a mass of 

 bloom all summer long, the blossoms defying all ef- 

 forts at counting. 



Grown in this way, with an abundance of roots 

 and top room, rich soil, sun, and water, no better 

 ornament could be desired for the porch or steps; 

 but I do not think it a desirable plant for the house, 

 as the hot, dry air causes it to drop its leaves, and it 

 is almost sure to be attacked by the red spider. It is 

 better to start fresh plants each spring and let them 

 go when frost comes. 



