CUT-FLOWER CROPS 803 



are kept in vigorous growth throughout the spring. About 

 the middle of May, the plants should be plunged out of 

 doors in a cold frame or in an open field. Here they are 

 pinched to induce branching, and every effort made to 

 stimulate a strong growth. A plant, stunted in its 

 development, is of little value for cut-flowers. 



443. Season for planting in greenhouses. Plants for 

 early flowering are placed in the greenhouses from July 

 first to August fifteenth. For later flowering, the seed- 

 lings or cuttings may be propagated as late as June. 

 They are grown in pots, under cool conditions during the 

 summer, and may be planted in beds in the fall after the 

 chrysanthemums have been removed. The plants may be 

 grown either in raised benches, or in solid beds. Benches 

 will give earlier blooms, but if the flowers are desired 

 for Memorial Day or later, solid beds are preferred. 



444. Soil and its fertilization. Antirrhinums grow 

 best in a light soil, which should be prepared the same as 

 for mignonette culture. No fresh animal manure should 

 be used when the benches are filled, for a strong, active 

 compost is especially injurious to this plant. One suc- 

 cessful grower gives the soil a liberal application of finely 

 ground limestone and rock phosphate. 



The effect of too much nitrogen in the soil may be 

 detected by the tendency of the flowers to " sport." 

 The dominant yellow color of the antirrhinum becomes 

 evident. The pink and white varieties will show a 

 yellow lip, and often the whole flower is suffused with 

 yellow. This injures the sale of the flower, for the market 

 demands pure, solid colors. 



445. Planting and watering. As soon as the benches 

 are filled with soil, the plants are planted firmly eight by 

 ten inches apart. After planting, they are given a thor- 



