COMMERCIAL FLOWERS 29 



too early on Smith's Advance, it may be removed and the next one 

 secured, but Golden Glow usually produces buds as soon as the benches 

 are filled with roots, and the lateral growths which follow the early bud 

 terminate in a cluster of terminal buds so that the removal of the early 

 tud will not greatly retard the flowering season. With this variety the 

 date of planting should be considered before hand if the crop is desired 

 at a certain time. From past experience we would suggest planting in 

 early May for flowers late in August and early September, and early in 

 June for late September crop. By planting every two weeks from May 

 10th to June 25th, succession may be had from August 20 to late October. 



Such semi-early varieties as Monrovia and October Frost should be 

 planted early in May if September flowers are desired and buds selected 

 soon after July 15th. Both of these varieties produce rather thin flowers 

 when planted late or where the later buds are retained. 



The slow development of these early buds gives size and fullness 

 that cannot be otherwise obtained. We can not too strongly impress the 

 Importance of early planting, all kinds that are needed before November 

 1st, and it should be the endeavor to have them benched early in June 

 jtt the latest. It is foolish to expect early flowers from late planted 

 stock, even though the varieties are naturally early flowering. 



Late For late flowers select varieties which naturally mature late, 

 and keep them in a growing state as long as possible. To secure late 

 buds give a liberal amount of water and at the approach of cold nights 

 lessen the supply of air ; this will tend to keep the growth soft. The mid- 

 season varieties planted late in July or early August are usually satis- 

 factory. When this plan is adopted do not use very rich soil and with- 

 hold liquid fertilizers until disbudded, otherwise they are apt to come 

 blind. Buds secured from October 1st to 15th will perfect flowers between 

 'thanksgiving and Christmas. 



Height of Plants It is sometimes advantageous to take crown buds 

 rather than terminals, owing to limited space between bench and glass. 



To know the height a variety will attain at maturity is important, 

 particularly when head room is limited. If records have not been kept 

 it is wise to confer with those who give these matters constant study 

 and can suggest varieties suitable for the purpose. 



When to Cut At what stage of development the flowers should be 

 cut is perplexing to some. The petals have more substance when fully 

 matured, and for this reason most varieties should not be cut before 

 center petals are developed. This gives greater depth, adding to finish 

 of blooms, as well as increasing the keeping qualities and are thereby 

 In better condition to stand the wear and tear of shipping and handling. 

 It is allowable to cut early varieties unmatured, if fancy prices result 

 therefrom, otherwise it is best to let them stand. Varieties having open 

 centers when fully developed may 1 also be cut premature. All blooms 

 should be stored in water at least 12 hours before sending to the market. 



