Treatment of Young Carnation Stock 



the pot is filled slightly above the rim. The pot is then given a sharp rap 

 on the table and the soil firmed with the thumbs around the edge of the 

 pot and over the roots. 



When the operation of potting is completed the neck of the plant should 

 be about a quarter of an inch below the top, or rim, of the pot. The work 

 should be thoroughly done and the soil well firmed so that it will hold the 

 cutting erect when watered. Care, however, must be taken not to pot the 

 cuttings too deep. The root crown should be about a quarter of an inch 

 below the surface of the soil. As each plant is potted it is placed in a flat 

 which stands at the left of the operator, and as fast as these flats are filled 

 a helper carries them away and places them on the benches in a well-venti- 

 lated, light house. 



The first watering of freshly potted cuttings should be light, and the 

 bench gone over perhaps twice with a light showering in order to afford to 

 all of the plants an even supply of water. A fine Boston rose is used, which 

 throws the water upon the plants in a gentle, misty shower, as is the case 

 when a gentle rain is falling. Under no circumstances should the newly 

 potted plants be soaked with a heavy deluge of water, but the watering should 

 be done in such a manner that in the course of an hour the moisture has 

 penetrated to the bottom of the pot and the soil is evenly moistened through- 

 out, but not in a sodden condition. So far as I have observed, much injury 

 is frequently done by the soaking of freshly potted plants, in many instances 

 the young rootlets being destroyed or drowned out by the surplus water; 

 indeed, I have seen many who profess to be expert carnation growers soak- 

 ing the cuttings to such an extent that a considerable portion of them damped 

 off. The young plant, when taken from the sand with its roots just form- 

 ing, is to a certain extent in a delicate condition, and requires very favorable 

 growing surroundings in order that it may continue growth without seri- 

 ous check. It needs no more moisture in the soil than its root system can 

 absorb and the plant can evaporate through the foliage. Anything beyond 

 this is a surplusage and a distinct detriment. 



After the plants are watered they should be lightly shaded, and so long 

 as they do not wilt they should not receive additional water until root action 

 commences. This can be told from the appearance of the plants, which will 

 straighten up and the foliage become plump and fresh. At this period 

 that is, until the plants straighten up, showing root action the house should 

 be kept a little close and the young plants protected from draughts. If 

 properly treated, root action will commence within thirty-six to forty-eight 

 hours, and it should be well established within three to four days from the 



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