ZINNIA SPRING FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 273 



station. If they thrive the branches will not only meet but overlap, 

 and produce a grand display. In the event of very dry weather 

 at sowing time the ground may be watered before the seed is put 

 in, and then be covered with dry fine soil. 



Zinnias do not transplant well, except as small seedlings. When 

 it is necessary to undertake the task, choose, if possible, a showery 

 day, and shade each plant with an inverted flower-pot for a few days, 

 but take the pots off in the evening. 



Zinnias intended for exhibition must be treated in a more gene- 

 rous fashion than plants that are grown for border decoration, or 

 for the sake of yielding cut flowers. The seed may be raised in 

 heat as already directed, but the border will need to be prepared 

 with special care and liberality. If the soil is heavy, it must be 

 reduced to a friable state during winter. Before the plants are put in 

 raise the land into ridges about four or five inches high. Plant on 

 the top of the ridge, and then an application of soot or lime (not 

 too near to inflict injury) may be used as a precaution against 

 slugs. In a wet season the plants will stand a better chance than 

 if put on the flat, and if a scorching summer comes they will be 

 none the worse for it. As the flowering time approaches mulch the 

 ground with well-decayed manure. 



The plants must be carefully staked and tied out, and it is not 

 merely necessary to secure the main stem, but the branches should 

 also be supported, or when weighted with flowers they will be very 

 liable to give way under a moderate wind. Superfluous branches 

 may be removed, but not so severely as to start new growth to the 

 detriment of the flowers. Disbudding also will have to be practised 

 for the highest class of flowers. Only one bloom should be allowed 

 to develop on each branch at one time, and this must be protected 

 from sun and rain after it is about half grown. 



SPRING FLOWERS FROM 

 SEEDS 



DISPLAYS of spring flowers in English gardens are so much prized 

 that it may contribute both to extend the custom and to promote 

 economy in its observance if we offer a few remarks on the em- 

 ployment for the purpose of spring flowering plants which have been 

 raised from seeds. It will, of course, occur to the reader that a 



T 



