346 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



sowing in May, or seed then sown may have failed in consequence, 

 but there is yet ample time for raising this flower either in beds or 

 pots. 



PRIMROSE. It will astonish a good many lovers of the garden to 

 learn that this fine old favourite may be grown from seed in almost 

 any shade of colour from white to deep crimson, and in various tints 

 of yellow. They make beautiful pot and border flowers. Now is 

 as good a time as any to sow seed, but May or July will answer. 

 Seed-pans can be used, or the sowing may be made in drills in the 

 open. In the latter case, a free dressing of soot must be employed 

 to render the spot distasteful to slugs. When transplanting, give the 

 plants a deep retentive loam if possible, and a shady position. 



PRIMULA. To insure a succession of flowers next spring, make 

 another sowing as advised under May. Seedlings which are ready 

 should be got into small pots, and afterwards they must be re-potted 

 when necessary ; but never shift them until the pots are full of roots, 

 and always put them in firmly up to the collar. 



SOLANUM. The berried varieties may be grown entirely in pots, 

 or they can be put into beds for the summer, from which they will 

 lift for potting again just as the handsome berries are turning colour. 

 The spiny-leaved varieties are valuable for sub-tropical gardening. 

 Small plants are of little worth, hence they should be put into very 

 rich soil, with a thick layer of manure on the surface, and have 

 copious supplies of water to induce free growth. 



STOCK, BROMPTON. Magnificent spikes of this flower may be 

 seen in May and June, even in cottagers' gardens. Seed is some- 

 times sown where the plants are to flower, but a certain degree of risk 

 attends this mode of procedure, and the plant is so valuable that it is 

 worth more careful treatment. Either now or in July sow in pans, 

 and place them under shelter until the Stocks are an inch high ; 

 then stand them in the open for a week before planting out. 



TOBACCO. To expose Tobacco plants before warm weather is 

 established will give them a check from which they may not recover 

 until the summer is half over, if they recover at all. Spare frames 

 with movable lights will prepare them admirably and save labour. 

 The second week of this month is generally warm enough for the 

 planting ; and they must have a very rich soil, and abundance of 

 water in dry weather. A heavy mulch of decayed manure will help 

 to supply them with food, and also check evaporation. 



WALLFLOWER. There is still ample time to sow seed. Follow 

 the instructions given under May. 



