ASTERS 25 



far beyond the tall, stiff, purple-blue or whites of that 

 period. 



The early Asters will bloom in August if the seed is 

 sown in the open early in the season. They are repre- 

 sented by the Queen of the Market and Queen of Spring, 

 either of which, if started in a hotbed or window, 

 will begin to bloom the last of July. The Queen 

 of the Market is probably the freest of growth, 

 and with its long stems makes a very desirable 

 variety for cut-flowers. In fact, in the rich, mel- 

 low soil in which Asters delight, this variety is 

 likely to have its large flowers on stems so long 

 and slender that the plants will need stakes. 



The Victoria Asters hold a well deserved place China Aster 

 among the leading varieties, and with high culture will 

 generally lead in size and profusion of bloom, the colors 

 ranging from white to the darkest blue. The plants are 

 also well adapted to pot culture. The chrysanthemum - 

 flowered Asters, both tall and dwarf, are excellent, as are 

 the Truffaut Perfection and Peony- flowered. The Comet 

 Asters are amongst the best. The New Branching type is 

 now in great favor. .. 



The culture of China Asters is easy. For early bloom 

 the seeds should be sown in March in boxes of light soil and 

 covered one-quarter of an inch with soil, the soil pressed 

 down or firmed over them and the boxes placed in a hotbed 

 or a sunny window and attention given to watering. When 

 the seedlings are one inch high they should be trans- 

 planted to other boxes, setting the plants 3 inches apart or 

 put into 2 -inch pots. These should be again placed in a 

 frame and grown along until the ground has become com- 

 paratively warm. The soil will need to be well enriched, 

 mellow, and if slightly moist under the surface the results 

 will be all that could be wished. Asters will grow fairly 

 well on rather light soil, even if not very rich, but the best 

 results can only be obtained when the highest culture is 



