242 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



raised from a reliable strain produce flowers of the finest quality, 

 both as to shape and style of growth. One great advantage to be 

 obtained from seedlings is an almost endless variety of colour, for 

 the careful hybridisation of the choicest flowers not only perpetuates 

 those colours, but produces other fine shades also. Those who 

 have never seen a large and well-grown collection of seedling 

 Gloxinias have yet to witness one of the most striking displays of 

 floral beauty. 



There are three distinct types of Gloxinia, and all need exactly 

 the same treatment. The drooping strain is the oldest, and is 

 gradually giving place to the horizontal and the erect classes. 

 These display their flowers to so much greater advantage than the 

 drooping class, that there is good reason for the increasing favour 

 shown to them. It is not generally noticed that quite as much has 

 been done for the foliage of the Gloxinia as for its flower, and the 

 best strains now produce grand leaves which turn downwards and 

 inwards in such a manner as almost to hide the pot, so that the 

 foliage has an extremely ornamental appearance. 



By judicious management it is possible to produce Gloxinias the 

 year through. Those who care for a display at Christmas can have it 

 from seed sown in June, and a further sowing in January or February 

 should produce plants to flower successively in almost every month 

 of the year. 



The soil most suited to Gloxinias is a light porous compost of 

 fibrous loam. If that is not obtainable, leaf-mould will answer, 

 mixed with peat and silver sand in about equal parts. New pots are 

 advisable, or old ones must be thoroughly cleansed, and free drain- 

 age is essential to success. Fill with soil to within half an inch 

 of the top. Sow thinly, and slightly cover the seed with very fine 

 earth. Place the pots in a warm, moist position, carefully shading 

 from the sun. A light sprinkling of water daily will be necessary. 

 Immediately some plants are large enough for shifting, lift them from 

 the seed-pot by the aid o a pointed stick, so as to least disturb the 

 rest, and prick off into large 6o-pots in which the soil has a convex 

 surface. Follow this process as plants are ready, until all the seed- 

 lings have been transferred. When potting allow the leaves to rest 

 on the soil, but avoid covering the hearts. On the first warm day 

 give air on the leeward side of the house, briefly at first, and increase 

 the time as the flowering period approaches. A clear space between 

 each plant is necessary to prevent the leaves of neighbours from 

 meeting. The final shift should be into 48-pots, unless extra fine 



