106 COMMERCIAL ROSE CULTURE 



rains occur, lay the pots on their sides to prevent the plants 

 becoming too wet and starting into growth. When wintry 

 weather occurs the plants may be stored in a frame until time 

 to force. This will be about the first of January, depending 

 somewhat on the date of Easter, which is the time when large 

 quantities are disposed of. 



It takes about ten or twelve weeks from the time they are 

 brought inside until they are ready for sale, depending on how 

 they are ripened, established, the heat applied, etc. As soon 

 as the plants are brought inside the long canes should be tied 

 into the shape desired. Wire stakes are very useful for this 

 purpose as they may be bent into any shape and, when covered 

 with foliage and flowers are not noticeable. 



The illustrations given in this chapter show the methods 

 of training employed by an English grower which vary little 

 from our own. The temperature at first should not exceed 

 45 at night. Water should be applied moderately at first; 

 after the balls are once wet to the bottom, syringe the plants 

 several times daily to help start the buds. The object is to 

 get all the buds started and all to flower, or the fine effect of 

 the trained specimen is lost. After two or three weeks the 

 temperature may be raised to 50. Later, when the buds are 

 formed, to 55, and finally to 60. 



It should be remembered that a little extra heat may be 

 applied to hurry them along if late, or they may be slightly 

 retarded if too early. The ones grown in moderate heat 

 will be the best and will keep the longest. No forcing should 

 be attempted until after the buds are formed. 



The treatment during the forcing period is much the same 

 as that required by other Roses. Air carefully; feed and 

 water freely during the growing period ; harden off gradually 

 before sending to market, but never leave in a dark, draughty 

 place. It will take one month from the time the flower is 

 formed until its development. 



