272 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



WIGANDIA 



Half-hardy perennial 



THIS plant is grown for its foliage, and is extensively used in sub- 

 tropical gardening. The instructions given for raising Ricinus in 

 heat apply equally to this plant ; but it is not wise to rely on an open- 

 air sowing for a supply of Wigandias. 



ZINNIA 



Zinnia elegans. Half-hardy annual 



A MARKED change has been made in the value of this flower since 

 the introduction of the double varieties. These are so varied in colour 

 and beautiful in form, that they deserve to take high rank as exhibition 

 flowers. They have so entirely eclipsed the single sorts, that even the 

 most enthusiastic lover of single flowers would scarcely venture to 

 institute a comparison between the value of the two for decorative 

 purposes. 



The Zinnia is a delicate subject, and if sown too soon it becomes 

 more plague than profit. March is quite early enough to commence 

 operations, and the first week in April will be none too late for sow- 

 ing. A compost that suits Asters will answer admirably for Zinnias. 

 Sow in 4^-inch pots, which should have very free drainage, and 

 cover the seed thinly with fine soil. Plunge the pots at once in a 

 temperature of about 60, when the seed will germinate quickly, and 

 the plants on attaining one inch in height can be potted off separately. 

 Place them in a close frame, shade from sunshine, and when well 

 established gradually give air and harden off. It will not be safe to 

 transfer to the open until the first week in June, unless the position 

 is exceptionally sheltered, and the soil very dry. A shrubbery 

 border is a suitable spot, and the more scorching the season the 

 finer will be the flowers. There must, however, be shelter from 

 the wind, for Zinnias are unusually brittle, and easily damaged by a 

 storm. 



A satisfactory display of this flower may be obtained without the 

 aid of heat by sowing in the open ground about the middle of May. 

 Select a sunny sloping border or bed for sowing, enrich the soil and 

 make it fine. Press this down rather firmly, then drop three or four 

 seeds at intervals of from fifteen to eighteen inches between each 

 group, and lightly cover them. In due time thin to one plant at each 



