HARDY PLANTS FORCING 401 



654. Commercial importance. Lilies-of-the- valley are 

 grown in large quantities to supply the demand of retail 

 stores. They are* jiow standard, all-the-y ear-round flower 

 crops. Certain specialists produce them, and most general 

 ranges force them to some extent. 



655. Outdoor culture. The lilies-of-the-valley are 

 especially good for planting in partially shaded spots. 

 They like a cool, moist, and rather rich soil. Old beds are 

 liable to run out after a few years, because the root- 

 stocks become crowded. It is better to replant every few 

 years with small, vigorous clumps. They may be bought 

 from nurserymen, and the wholesale price is usually about 

 fifteen dollars a hundred. The foliage of the lilies-of-the- 

 valley makes an excellent ground cover, and is often 

 observed along shady roadsides and in old gardens. 



Lilies-of-the-valley may also be grown in hotbeds during 

 the summer. The pips are kept in cold storage until they 

 are to be potted. A hotbed may be prepared in May, and 

 the flowers produced the same as they are grown in green- 

 houses earlier in the year. 



656. Indoor culture. Lilies-of-the-valley, being a short 

 crop, lend themselves readily for forcing, and at any 

 season of the year. The pips are mostly French, German 

 or Holland grown. German pips are considered best for 

 early forcing. The wholesale price varies, but is approxi- 

 mately thirteen dollars a thousand. The pips are received 

 in bundles of twenty-five, and to have them force evenly, 

 it is considered essential to freeze them for a week or two. 

 This may be done by leaving them packed, in some open 

 shed, taking them out for forcing as required. They are 

 often kept in cold storage for summer use. Few new roots 

 are made in forcing. 



When lilies-of-the-valley are to be forced in large 



