270 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



plants, blooming far on into the autumn after many of the regular 

 bedders have become faded and shabby. There is an extensive 

 choice of colours in reds, yellows, and browns which come perfectly 

 true from seed, and all possess the merit of flowering freely on very 

 poor soil. They grow luxuriantly on rich land, but then the foliage 

 becomes a mere mask under which the flowers are concealed. 

 There is not one of the Tom Thumb class that may not be treated 

 as a hardy annual, and all afford opportunity of making a gorgeous 

 show of colour at a cost ridiculously disproportionate to the effect 

 obtained. They are also admirably adapted for pot culture, making 

 shapely plants covered with bloom for a long period. 



As the flavour of the flowers and leaves somewhat resembles that 

 of common Cress, they are frequently used in salads, and are 

 accounted an excellent anti-scorbutic. The flowers are legitimately 

 employed in decorating the salad-bowl, because they are not only 

 ornamental but strictly edible. 



In a green state the seeds of both tall and dwarf varieties make a 

 first-rate pickle, which by some persons is preferred to capers. 



VERBENA 



Vervain. Hardy and half-hardy perennials 



VERBENAS raised from the best strains of seed come true to colour, 

 and the plants are models of health and vigour, and make resplendent 

 beds. It is of the utmost importance to remember that the Verbena 

 requires very little of the artificial heat to which it is commonly 

 subjected, and which fully accounts for the frequency of disease. 

 The seeds may be sown in boxes in January, February, and March, 

 the earlier sowings naturally requiring more heat than the later ones. 

 As the seedlings become large enough, they should be potted on and 

 planted out in May, when they will flower throughout the summer, 

 and far into the autumn. 



Verbenas may also be raised from seed sown on a well-prepared 

 bed in March, and the plants will appear towards the end of April, and 

 should be planted out as they become fit. If this rough and ready 

 method is thought too hazardous, the seed may be sown in March in 

 boxes, and put into a frame, and if kept moist a lot of plants will 

 appear in about a month, and when large enough these must be 

 carefully lifted and potted. A rich, mellow, and very sweet soil is 

 needed by the Verbena. Many of the failures that occur in its 



