EXHIBITION BLOOMS 



37 



we apply in the way of food is immediately taken to the parts which 

 are now being constructed, namely the petals. 



At this stage of development the foliage on healthy plants will be 

 dark green and glossy, which is due to the high living, but is not indi- 

 cative of excessive feed; unless the leaves are curling badly and very 

 important detail can only be gained by the closest observation, learning 

 to know the need by appearance of the growth. 



It is no great credit to stage a winning dozen if hundreds have been 

 ruined to secure this "survival of the fittest," it is high average that 

 denotes accomplishment in this art. 



Pot System Growing to maturity in pots has some advantages espe- 

 cially with respect to feeding as the roots are more closely confined, each 



FIG. 19. BUDS BLASTED BY THE USE OF TOO STRONG 

 FERTILIZERS. 



brittle. Under such conditions caution is advisable. The mastery of this 

 variety can be treated as to its specific needs and again the small quality 

 of earth to which the roots are restricted permits of more frequent 

 application of liquid fertilizers. 



As soon as the plants in small pots need shifting it should be given 

 immediate attention and with each shift a soil of a coarser nature should 

 be used. Such material is usually available when plenty of sod compost 

 is at hand. 



The shifting continues until the flowering size is reached, which are 

 generally 8" in diameter. When the cuttings are struck in February this 

 final potting takes place early in June and liberal drainage should be pro- 

 vided by the use of broken pots and fibrous parts of sod. Tamping it very 

 firm with a blunt stick. As soon as they reach the flowering size they 

 are placed about 12 inches apart each way on the benches that have 

 previously had an inch covering of coal ashes or sand to assist in retain- 

 ing moisture. After providing a system for tying, the same details as 

 given in the bench system will be adequate if given close and constant 

 attention. 



