ALPINE FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 43 



it becomes difficult to transfer the seedlings later on 

 without damaging the roots. When dealing with minute 

 seeds it is an advantage to mix them with silver sand 

 to ensure their being distributed evenly and regularly 

 over the soil surface. After sowing is completed the 

 pots are placed in a frame or greenhouse, and covered 

 with a piece of glass and brown paper to keep the seeds 

 cool and moist. 



Method of Watering. It is important that the soil 

 be not allowed to get dry. The pots should be looked 

 over each day, and those in which the soil appears 

 at all dry should be immersed to the rim in water, 

 leaving them there until the moisture has reached the 

 surface. This is by far the best method of watering 

 pots or pans of seed, since it ensures the soil being 

 moistened through and the seeds are not disturbed. 

 It is the best way also of watering small seedlings. If 

 water is applied to the surface by means of a watering- 

 can or even a syringe, the seedlings are liable to be washed 

 down and may damp off. As soon as the seedlings show 

 through the glass is taken off, and the pots are removed 

 to a light and airy position near the roof glass, taking 

 care, however, to shade them during sunshine. 



The Period of Germination varies greatly. Some 

 seeds will appear in a day or two, others in a few weeks, 

 while some for instance, those of Primula, Gentian, 

 Anemone, and various bulbs may remain dormant for 

 a year or more. It is wise not to disturb such as these 

 until the second year, as seedlings frequently appear 



