Planting, Staking, and Fertilizing 95 



the fertilizer down where the roots can reach 

 them, and in a fortnight a noticeable difference 

 may be found in the appearance of the plant. 

 New soft growth has started from the main 

 branches; the leaves are a luscious, vivid green, 

 and flower buds soon appear on the terminals. 



Sheep manure and hen manure are strong in 

 nitrates, acting as a stimulus only. They produce 

 vigorous growth of stem and foliage, help the 

 blooms achieve great size, and in sweetening 

 the soil through alkaline reaction, add strength 

 to their colour. By hastening the growth of 

 stem before the blooms expand, the fibres are 

 weakened and unable to support the added 

 weight of extra size. 



Such vigorous top growth must naturally be 

 at expense of the roots, and if allowed too much 

 such stimulus there will be little or nothing left 

 to carry over winter. Unless the plants show 

 buds it is best to hold back any fertilizer, for 

 otherwise there will be a tendency to go to leaf 

 altogether. 



One such dressing is usually sufficient. Here 

 and there may be a backward plant which, 

 though having splendid roots, seems to be de- 

 veloping slowly above ground. Such plants may 

 have with safety a second dose about a fortnight 

 later. 



