240 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



of 60 to 70 if sown in February, but heat will not be necessary at all 

 unless it is desired to bring the plants into flower early in the ensuing 

 summer. We have been accustomed to place the seed-pans on a 

 sunny shelf in a cool greenhouse, and have fine plants by the end of 

 June, many of which begin to flower in August. 



GESNERA ZEBRINA DISCOLOR 



Tender perennial 



AN extremely beautiful stove or conservatory plant, with mottled 

 velvety foliage, and bright orange and scarlet flowers. Although a 

 perennial, it can be treated as an annual, and if seed be sown in 

 January the plants will flower in about nine months. Very rich soil, 

 a warm and even temperature, and plenty of water, are requisite to 

 promote luxuriant growth. The culture advised for Gloxinias will 

 exactly suit the Gesnera also. 



GLADIOLUS 



Corn Flag. Half-hardy perennial 



THE Gladiolus is comparatively unknown as raised from seed, but 

 that is probably because the seed which was formerly obtainable was 

 not worth sowing. Now it is saved with so much care that, like 

 many other plants, it will give a splendid display of flowers, a large 

 proportion of which will be equal to named sorts, and some may 

 show a decided advance. 



The use of large pots the 32 -size will answer is advantageous 

 for many reasons, and they should either be new or scrupulously 

 clean, for they will have to remain unchanged for many months, so 

 that a fair start is the more necessary. For the same reason special 

 care should be taken to insure free drainage. Over the usual crocks 

 place a layer of dry sifted moss, and a compost of fibrous loam and 

 leaf-mould in equal parts, with sufficient sharp sand added to make 

 it thoroughly porous. Press the soil firmly into the pots, making the 

 surface quite even, and in February dibble the seeds separately about 

 an inch apart and half an inch deep. This will render it needless to 

 disturb the seedlings during the first season. Put the seed-pots in 

 a steady temperature not exceeding 65 or 70. After watering, it 

 will help to retain the moisture if the top of each pot is covered with 



