324 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



bear in mind that worthless seed takes just as much time and attention 

 as does a first-class strain. The simplest greenhouse culture will 

 suffice to bring the plants to perfection, A light sandy loam will 

 suit them, and the pots need not go beyond the 48-, or at most the 

 32 -size. Flowering will be deferred until re-potting ceases. 



PETUNIA. Towards the end of the month, the seedlings raised 

 in January for pot culture will be ready for transferring to seed- pans, 

 and they should be put in about an inch apart. It will also be time 

 to sow for bedding plants, although the beginning of March is not too 

 late for the purpose. 



PHLOX DRUMMONDII. The attention which has been devoted to 

 this flower has rendered it one of the most varied and brilliant half- 

 hardy annuals we possess. The grandiflora sections make splendid 

 bedding subjects, for they flower freely, and continue in bloom for a 

 long period. These and others are also valuable as pot plants, and 

 even in the greenhouse or conservatory they are conspicuous for their 

 rich colours. All the varieties may be sown now in well-drained 

 pans or shallow boxes. Press the seeds into good soil about an inch 

 apart, and as a rule this will save transplanting ; but if transplanting 

 becomes necessary, take out alternate plants and put into other pans, 

 or pot them separately. The remainder will then have room to grow 

 until the time arrives for bedding out. 



POLYANTHUS. Either now or in March sow in pans filled with 

 any fairly good potting soil, and do not be impatient about the 

 germination of he seed. Many a good lot of seed has been thrown 

 away because it was not known that Polyanthus partakes of the slow 

 and irregular characteristics of his class of plants. As the seedlings 

 become ready, lift them carefully, and transplant into pans or boxes 

 from which a little later they may be moved to any secluded corner 

 of the border, until in September they are put into flowering quarters. 

 While in the seed-pans they must be kept moist, although excessive 

 watering is to be avoided. Should the summer prove dry, they will 

 also need water when in the open ground. 



PRIMROSES of good colours are admirably adapted for indoor 

 decoration, and there is no occasion to grow them in pots for the 

 purpose. Lift the required number from the reserve border without 

 exposing the roots ; pot them, and place in a cool frame until esta- 

 blished. Plenty of space, no more water than is absolutely essen- 

 tial, and progressive ventilation comprise all the needful details of 

 cultivation. 



RANUNCULUS. Although it is not usual to grow this flower from 



