258 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



to transplant with any measure of success. During March or April 

 sow in lines or groups, and thin to about a foot apart. Large clumps 

 of some of the bolder colours should be sown in spots that are visible 

 from a distance, and they will present glowing masses of flowers. 



PORTULACA 



Purslane. Half-hardy annual 



THIS is a splendid subject when the weather favours it. In a dry hot 

 season, and on a sandy soil, Portulacas can be grown as easily as 

 Cress. Sowings are sometimes made early in the year in greenhouses 

 or frames ; but as a rule it is a vain attempt. Wait until May or 

 June, when the weather appears settled ; then put the seed into the 

 open border, and the lighter the soil, and the hotter the season, the 

 more brilliant will be the display of flowers. Sow on raised beds, in 

 rows six or nine inches apart, and cover the seed with sand or fine 

 earth. Should a period of rain ensue, the raised beds have a distinct 

 advantage over a flat surface, and rows afford opportunity for stirring 

 the soil and keeping down weeds. 



PRIMROSE 



Primula vulgaris. Hardy perennial 



THE mere name of this flower is sufficient to recall visions of spring, 

 and perhaps of happy visits to its haunts in days gone by. But 

 many ardent lovers of the Primrose may not know that the strains 

 which are now in favour embrace a wide range of colour, from pure 

 white to deep crimson or maroon, and various shades of yellow and 

 orange. In fact, in a batch of seedlings nearly every plant may differ 

 from its companions. They all agree, however, in possessing the 

 delicate perfume which is characteristic of the hardy woodland 

 favourite. Fancy Primroses are prized as pot and border flowers, 

 and they fully reward florists for all the care which has been devoted 

 to their improvement. They will bloom satisfactorily in any shady 

 spot ; but to grow them to perfection requires a stiff moist loam, on 

 the north side of some hedge or shrubbery, where glimpses of sun- 

 shine occasionally play upon them. Here large flowers, intense in 

 colour, will be abundantly produced far into the spring. 



The seed may be sown from May until July. If inclined to take 



