238 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



diately the seedlings are through the soil, it is important to shift them 

 to a rather lower temperature than is necessary for insuring germina- 

 tion, or the plants become soft and worthless. Be very sparing with 

 water, especially if the soil is at all retentive. When two leaves are 

 formed, transfer to seed-pans, allowing about an inch between each 

 plant, and place in a sheltered position. Gradually introduce them to 

 cool treatment, and in March pot off singly. They will thus have a 

 much better start, when planted out in May, than if taken from the 

 seed-pans direct. 



Where there are no facilities for raising Dianthus in heat, it is 

 quite easy to grow them in an open spot from a sowing in June 

 or July, and they will flower freely in the following year. Place 

 finely sifted soil in drills drawn about six inches apart, and cover 

 the seed very lightly. Shade must be given during germination, 

 but when the seedlings are up it should be gradually withdrawn. 

 Transfer to final positions in August. If this is impossible, prick 

 the plants out, and shift them again a little later. It will only do 

 harm to leave them crowded in the seed-bed, and the second 

 move will enable them all the better to withstand winter frosts. 

 Dianthus thrive in a sandy or loamy soil, with full exposure to 

 sunshine, and they scarcely need water or any attention the whole 

 season through. 



DIGITALIS 



Foxglove. Hardy perennial 



BESIDES the native Purple Foxglove, largely grown in gardens, there 

 are several very handsome varieties that are valuable for adorning 

 borders, shrubberies and woodland walks. Specially worthy of at- 

 tention are D. grandiflora, a most beautiful yellow variety ; also 

 D. maculata superba^ producing spotted flowers, rich and varied in 

 colour, on dense spikes three feet in height ; and the still taller white 

 variety with its abundance of charming ivory-white bells. 



Any deep rich soil suits the Digitalis, and seed sown in May, 

 June or July will produce plants which, with very little attention, will 

 yield a fine display of flowers in the following summer. Sow in the 

 open in pans, or on a prepared border, and put the young plants 

 into permanent positions during showery weather in August or 

 September. 



