292 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



tion of the early-flowering or winter-blooming type, it is 

 possible to have sweet peas throughout the year. In- 

 crease in size, length of stem, and number of flowers on 

 the stem have added to its popularity, and the flowers 

 are now grown in large numbers for the American market. 



403. Greenhouse culture. When sweet peas . are 

 grown under glass, it is necessary for the house to have 

 full sunlight if possible. An east and west house, with a 

 full southern exposure is best. As the peas grow to a 

 considerable height, it is necessary that the sides of the 

 house be higher than for other crops. 



404. Seed sowing in pots. It is well to be quite 

 certain that the seed has a strong germinating power, 

 before it is sown indoors. Frequently it is wise to start 

 the seeds in pots, and transplant these into the rows. 

 This is particularly true of the white-seeded varieties, 

 which have weak germinating power, or when costly 

 varieties are grown. The seed may be started in two 

 and one-half-inch pots, and later transplanted to the 

 permanent beds. 



The white-seeded varieties are usually sown in pure sand. 

 For the others, a finely-sifted, fibrous loam gives the best 

 results. The seed should be sown about two inches deep, 

 and the pots placed in a temperature from 55 to 60. 

 After the seed has germinated, the temperature should be 

 gradually lowered to 50, and the pots placed near the 

 glass in a cool, airy house, where a sturdy, short-jointed 

 growth will develop. 



405. Planting in permanent beds. When the plants 

 are two or three inches high, and the soil well filled with 

 healthy roots, they should be planted in permanent 

 beds. Ordinarily, the sweet peas are planted directly in 

 the soil. 



