HARDY FLOWERS FROM SEED 



FEW pastimes are more interesting than that of raising plants 

 from seed. When a plant is purchased, and the colour of 

 its flower is known, we are exactly acquainted with what to 

 expect, but in raising from seed this is not always so. There 

 is joy in anticipation. Amongst the seedlings may occur a 

 jewel brighter than anything already in gardens. Such prizes 

 occur more amongst some races than others ; Carnations, as 

 an example, occasionally giving a prize amidst, of course, 

 many blanks. Even when the flower raised is not likely to 

 startle the world, there is satisfaction in knowing that this 

 good garden plant was ",one of my own raising"; it has 

 an especial merit in the raiser's eyes, and prompts him to 

 further endeavours. 



In offering a few simple remarks on raising of seedlings, 

 a few groups of the more popular kinds may well serve as 

 general examples. It must be clearly understood that the 

 chances of a seed growing after it is placed in the soil depend 

 upon its vitality. That is to say, a life-long experience in 

 gardening or the raising of seedlings avails nothing if the 

 seed is devoid of the germinating power viz. the power to 

 reproduce itself. 



Some of the most popular plants raised from seeds are 

 Carnations, Auriculas, Polyanthuses, Primroses, Anemones, 

 Ranunculus, and so forth. 



Soil is undoubtedly the most important consideration. 

 Where possible there will be a desire to go to the nearest 

 florist to obtain soil of the right sort, but in many cases this 

 is impossible, and the common soil of the garden must be 

 used. Take some of this, pass it through the ordinary 

 cinder sifter, mix with it some finely sifted ashes when no 

 sand is available, and put it for a week in a large box, or 

 other dry and convenient place. If the soil be moist and 

 sticky, it must be fairly dry before it is fit for use, and this 

 is accomplished by spreading it out thinly to allow the 

 moisture to evaporate, or by adding some dry sand. The 

 orthodox compost for sowing fine seeds should consist of 



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