308 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



only to a limited extent commercially. They are 'easily 

 grown and are valuable for cut-flowers during the winter 

 and early spring. For an early crop, which will bloom in 

 January and February, the seed should be sown about 

 September 10. For later bloom, seed should be sown in 

 January. Later sowing in April will bloom by Memorial 

 Day. Two or three seeds are usually sown together, and 

 when the seedlings are well developed, three of the groups 

 of seedlings are potted into a six-inch pot. This makes a 

 compact attractive plant. If the plants are to be grown 

 in shallow benches, the clumps are planted in rows twelve 

 inches apart. They are spaced eight inches apart in the 

 row. For spring crops, the seed is sown directly in the 

 benches or in the pots where they are to bloom. The 

 soil should be of a light, porous character, well enriched 

 with thoroughly decayed compost. 



When large fancy spikes are desired, the varieties of 

 mutabilis are grown. They require a longer season to 

 develop. They are vigorous growers and occupy con- 

 siderable bench space. The rows are usually spaced 

 two feet apart, and the plants are placed nine inches apart 

 in the rows. Seeds sown in October will give fine blooms 

 from February to April. 



The plants are liable to " damp-off," even when of con- 

 siderable size, if the soil is too retentive of moisture, or if 

 watered injudiciously. It is a safe plan to keep the 

 plants rather dry in mid-winter. After March first, there 

 is little danger of over-watering. They are very sus- 

 ceptible to mildew, therefore they should never be 

 sprayed or exposed to cold drafts. 



Lupines grow best in cool houses. A minimum night 

 temperature of 45 is sufficient, and this should never go 

 above 48 in mid-winter. 



