216 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



For tall varieties it may be needful to provide support. If so, 

 place a neat stick on that side of the plant towards which it leans, as 

 this takes the strain off the tying material, and saves the plant from 

 being cut or half strangled. In a dry season, and especially on light 

 soils, there must be a bountiful supply of soft water, alternated every 

 few days with the manure water already alluded to. Evening is the 

 best time to apply it. 



Plants reserved for show purposes require rather more room than 

 we have stated. Only about five buds should be matured by each, 

 and these, of course, the finest. To bring the various shades of 

 colour to perfection on the same day, it is necessary to remember that 

 dark colours, such as purple and red, come to maturity rather earlier 

 than the lighter tints : hence the former should be shaded a few days 

 in advance of the latter. To prepare flowers for exhibition is in itself 

 an art, and each cultivator must be guided by his own resources and 

 experience. 



Asters in pots make excellent decorative subjects. It is only 

 necessary to lift them carefully from the borders with balls of 

 earth surrounding the roots, and pot them just before the buds 

 expand. 



The plants are liable to the attacks of aphis, both green and black. 

 While under glass the pest can be destroyed by tobacco smoke ; but 

 in the open, a solution of some good insecticide may be administered 

 with the syringe at intervals of about three days, until a clearance is 

 effected. Other foes are the various grubs which attack plants at the 

 collar. On the first sign of failing vigour, gently remove with a 

 pointed stick the soil around the plant, and in doing this avoid any 

 needless disturbance of the roots. Do not be satisfied until the 

 enemy is destroyed. 



Aster seed is not an easy thing to harvest well, particularly in 

 damp weather. The flat-petalled varieties are especially liable to 

 injury, for the massive flowers retain so much moisture that the 

 organs of fructification are easily damaged or destroyed. In certain 

 seasons it is next to impossible to secure seed which is really strong 

 in germinating power, and we advise the cultivator not to risk all in 

 one venture, but to make at least two sowings. Frequently when one 

 sowing fails, success may be obtained with a second attempt from the 

 same packet of seed. 



