i^74 Gardening Under Glass 



We all know the Rose to be an outdoor plant, so 

 while we are gi'owmg the Rose artificially let us 

 imitate nature's temperatures as nearly as pos- 

 sible, in regard to gradual raising in the morning 

 and gradual dropping toward night. Then we 

 are on the joad to success. 



Keep all flower buds off the plants until they are 

 strong enough to^vithstand cutting, which should 

 be around the end of September, assuming they 

 were planted on the benches during the first week 

 in June. 



Cuttinc) a Floicer 



A Rose bud should always be cut before the 

 petals loosen up much. K fairly good criterion 

 to follow up is to give the bud a light pressure 

 with the finger and thumb. If the bud feels hard 

 and solid, allow it to develop a little more; a bud 

 that is in condition to cut will give slightly by a 

 light pressure. Usually buds soften up during 

 the night. Consequently the house must be 

 gone over every morning, and whatever is ready 

 cut before the sun plays on them. It is also poor 

 policy to cut and use directly for decorating, or 

 for shipping. Far better keep in water in a cool 

 place for a day, which allows the stems to absorb 

 water. The flower will be found to keep in a fresh 

 condition longer. Keep, of course, in a cool 

 place — about 40 degrees would be ideal. 



