Gardening for Amateurs 



349 



planted them out in November with ex- 

 cellent results. But you must not leave 

 them in the ground round the parent plant 

 until spring and then plant them out. 

 The tempers of Carnations are most " touchy" 

 in spring, and they will not be trifled with. 

 Any layers you cannot plant out in the 

 open in autumn should be potted up and 

 kept in a cold frame. But planting out in 

 autumn jjivrs the roots 

 more time to grow. 



Growing Carnations 

 in Pots. I have at the 

 commencement of this 

 chapter given directions 

 for the planting out of 

 rooted layers. I will 

 now treat on their culti- 

 vation throughout the 

 year in pots, which is 

 most satisfactorily prac- 

 tised by many amateur 

 growers, and which is 

 ;ilimt essential if suc- 

 cess at shows is desired. 

 I have, however, to make 

 clear that this is not 

 because the Carnation is 

 delicate and sensitive to 

 cold ; on the contrary, 

 the pots are kept in 

 cold frames in winter, 

 and take no harm if 

 they freeze ; and from 

 March till July they 

 stand out in the open 

 without shelter. But the 

 flowers are easily dam- 

 aged by rain, and faded 

 by too full sunlight ; 

 so it is usual to place 

 them under glass as soon 

 as the buds begin to show colour. Those 

 who, having no glass, can only cultivate 

 in the open border, may be recommended 

 to use Jeffries' shades. 



If you intend to go in for pot culture, 

 it is impossible to do better than to follow 

 the directions which have been circulated 

 amongst Mr. Douglas's customers for many 

 years, as follows : " The layers are potted 

 up in autumn in small flower-pots (sixties), 

 they are 3 inches and 3J inches diameter 



inside measure. Two plants may be put 

 into the larger and one into the smaller 

 size. This is usually done in October or 

 even later. Any good potting soil will do. 

 I use soil of 4 parts loam, 1 of leaf- 

 mould, 1 of decayed manure ; some ground 

 oyster shells or coarse white sand should 

 be used to keep the material open and 

 porous ; water must pass through freely. 



The most beautiful pink Carnation, Mrs. Robert Berkeley. 



When the plants are firmly potted, place 

 in a garden frame, which should be kept 

 clone for a week or so until new roots are 

 formed. When the plants are well estab- 

 lished, air may be admitted freely, and in 

 fine weather remove the lights. Careful 

 watering is necessary. With good treatment 

 the plants will soon l>ecome well established, 

 and will be quite ready to be re-potted in 

 March or April. Good fibrous loam should 

 be used, with manure, ground oyster shells, 



