88 BEDDING PLANTS. 



proved kinds may be sown in a gentle hotbed and transplanted to where 

 they are to bloom. 



VERBENAS The varieties of these used to be kept true to name, the 

 plants lifted in the Fall and cuttings taken in early Spring. Seeds can 

 now be depended upon to furnish the finest flowering plants. They 

 should be sown in February and the seedlings potted as soon as large 

 enough. Pinching should be done early to make the plants branch and 

 have them in bloom by planting-out time. 



V. venosa, an herbaceous species, with heads of purple flowers, is 

 hardy in the Middle States. It may be raised from seed sown at the 

 same period as the garden varieties, or from division of the roots in the 

 early part of April. 



TORENIA FOURNIERI is none too common yet as a half-hardy annual. 

 Although it will germinate outside it takes too long a time in blooming. 

 Owing to the color of the flowers (different shades of violet) it is desira- 

 ble, as bedding plants Of that color are not plentiful. Sow indoors mid- 

 dle of March and allow the seedlings to gain a considerable headway 

 before potting. T. asiatica and T. Bailloni are well suited for basket or 

 vase work, as they are of a procumbent habit. T. Fournieri is of erect 

 growth. 



TROP/COLUM (Indian Cress) With theexception of the double-flowered 

 forms, which are perpetuated by. cuttings, those varieties commonly 

 grown are raised annually from seeds. The seed must not be sown too 

 early, because they make rapid progress, and are apt to produce spin- 

 dling growth in small pots. T. majus and dwarf forms and T. Lobbi- 

 anum are well known and useful as climbers, or for planting in beds. 

 All of them are quite tender, and should be put out rather late. 



VINCA ROSEA The Madagascar Periwinkle should be sown about 

 the beginning of January, to have fair-sized plants by the beginning of 

 May. Sow the seed thinly, and when large enough prick off into boxes. 

 From these the seedlings may be shifted into 3-inch pots, from which 

 they are transferred to the open ground. There are three kinds which 

 come true from seed, one with rose-colored flowers, one pure white, and 

 the third has white flowers with pink center. They are among the most 

 satisfactory of bedding plants. 



ZINNIAS Very gaudy flowering annuals of the Daisy family. The 

 tall-growing kinds have given way to the dwarf and much more showy 

 varieties. Sow seed about the end of March and prick off into boxes of 

 rather rich soil. Harden them off in a frame before planting out. 



