TENDER BEDDING PLANTS 331 



Calceolarias should have a better and moister soil than Zonals. 



The ground ought to be dug deeply, and thoroughly broken up, 



to assist it in holding moisture in dry 



weather. Regular hoeing should be 



practised, in order to keep the surface 



loose and crumbly, for this conserves 



moisture. The plants may be set a 



foot apart. They will soon begin to 



flower, and will retain their beauty all 



the summer. An occasional soaking 



with water or liquid manure will do 



good. 



Although we recommend earlier 



planting than in the case of Zonals, 



we recommend later propagation. If 



the cuttings are struck in August, the plants are liable to make 



growth the same season, and that is not desirable. When the cut- 

 tings are inserted in October and kept cool 

 throughout the winter, they will remain 

 alive, but will not start growing until 

 spring. The best wood for cuttings is 

 short, sturdy, flowerless side-shoots, which 

 may be taken off beneath a joint, de- 

 prived of the lower leaves, and inserted 

 firmly in a frame. The soil ought to be 

 of a very sandy nature, and should be 

 moist. The cuttings must be inserted 



PROPAGATING BEDDING CALCEOLARIAS 



A shows how to prepare the cutting. The 

 stem and two basal leaves must be cut off 

 as shown by the dark lines. B shows how 

 to insert the cuttings in sandy soil in a low 

 frame. 



PINCHING BEDDING CALCEOLARIAS 

 A shows point of plant to be pinched 



hows point of plant to be pinched _.. , r i .. i i 



off; B.B.B show side-shoots grow- firmly just clear of each other, and given 



ing as a result. 



a light watering overhead. The frame 

 should be kept quite close and shaded for the first week, but 

 afterwards air may be given in fine weather. A thick mat or 

 some other warm covering should be placed over the glass in very 

 cold weather, but a slight frost will not hurt the cuttings. 



