404 FRITZ BAHR'S COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE 



ter results can be obtained. Keep on increasing the temperature 

 so as to have the buds show six weeks or so before Easter. Potbound 

 plants properly treated in Fall and started slowly can, toward the 

 end, stand almost any temperature as long as you water and spray 

 them. If they show color weeks before Easter, gradually lower 

 the temperature so as to harden them off before they are sold. 



FORCING FIELD-GROWN PLANTS 



Some growers are quite successful in handling field-grown 

 plants and getting them into flower by Easter, but weather conditions 

 have a lot to do with it. To begin with, you want a good soil, well- 

 manured and deeply cultivated to plant in, with plenty of drainage 

 so you can water during a dry season without causing yellow foliage 

 as a result of sour soil. All Hydrangeas like moisture, but good 

 drainage, too. During a season of favorable conditions, the plants 

 will make good growth and if lifted and potted up by the middle of 

 September, brought into a frame, shaded a little and carefully 

 watered, with a light spraying during the noon hours on hot days, 

 they will keep on growing and become re-established in the pots 

 by the middle of October. That's just what you want. Start in 

 to keep them on the dry side and during November and most of 



Fig. 185. HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS is not only a desirable outdoor flowering 

 shrub but a valuable florists' cut flower as well. Plants cut back in early Spring 



will bloom fully a month ahead of H. paniculate grandiflora. Place stems in water in 

 a cool place for twelve hours after picking. For best res 



results divide field plants 



every second or third year 



