GROWING EXHIBITION BLOOMS 85 



used in much the same way, except that the 

 lower wire will not be required. When the 

 plants are grown in pots or boxes, stakes of 

 some kind must be usejd. For boxes, a good 

 plan is to have stakes of about the required 

 length and place them in the soil at the 

 sides of the box, fastening them in 

 position by driving a small staple over 

 them and into the side of the box. If 

 No. 8 wire is used this will make a firm 

 support. 



REMOVE SIDE BRANCHES AND BUSHES 



After the plants have become established 

 they will begin to make growths or branches 

 from the main stem at the axils of the leaves. 

 These must be removed or they will absorb 

 the nourishment that should go toward mak- 

 ing a strong stem for the future bloom. The 

 plant must be compelled to concentrate 

 all its energies at one point. These side 

 branches are easily pinched out with the 

 thumb and fingers while less than an inch 

 long, and they should never be allowed to get 

 longer. Always be sure, however, to leave 

 one or two of them at the top of the stem, for 

 the stem will frequently "go blind" that is, 



