258 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



grown in six- or eight-inch pots. It is considered that they 

 may be given better care than when grown in beds or 

 benches. They may also be moved from place to place, 

 and thus given different temperatures as their growth 

 requires it. They may be fed more easily and with less 

 risk of over-feeding. Cuttings for single-stemmed plants 

 are usually taken in March and potted and grown the 

 same as other types of plants, except that they are not 

 pinched unless they bud too early. Much care is taken to 

 keep all lateral shoots pinched back, and to develop a 

 strong plant with a straight, succulent stem. It is de- 

 sirable to retain all the basal roots possible, and to feed 

 the plant judiciously. 



Single-stemmed plants in benches and beds. When 

 grown in benches or beds, exhibition flowers or those grown 

 to a single stem are propagated at the same time as 

 those grown in pots. When they have become well es- 

 tablished in three-inch pots, they are planted in the 

 benches. The same general care is given as is given the 

 potted plants. 



Plants for commercial cut-floicers. For commercial 

 use, medium-sized flowers are the most in demand. 

 Three or four flowers, therefore, are usually allowed to 

 develop on a plant. 



322. Propagation for commercial cut-flowers. For 

 commercial purposes, cuttings are usually taken in 

 March. As soon as they are rooted, they are potted in 

 two and one-quarter-inch pots. It is very essential that 

 the stock plants from which cuttings are taken be given 

 careful attention so that strong, healthy, close-jointed, 

 basal shoots are produced. As soon as the old plants are 

 through flowering, they are cut down. The plants are 

 then lifted from the benches and planted in fresh soil, 



