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The Weekly Florists^ Review^ 



February 16, 1905. 



CARNATION NOTES.-EAST.ir 



Gu-e of Young Stock. 



I have often noticed the inclination 

 of some growera to let the young stock 

 in a great measure shift for itself. 

 Sometimes the space along the edge 

 of a bench occupied by blooming 

 plants is used to stand them in and 

 they are even seen strung along the 

 edpe of the paths. 



While every grower must utilize 

 bis space to bring the largest re- 

 turns, there is such a thing as giving 

 so much attention t6 immediate returns 

 that the stock intended for future rev- 

 enue is allowed to suffer. Placed in 

 damp, half-lighted or badly-ventilated 

 quarters, the only result will be weak, 

 jpindling plants, good subjects for dis- 

 ease. '!^ 



It is not necessary to give them a 

 house by themselves, or a bench having 

 rreat head room, but it is imperative 

 that there be room to breathe and this 

 neans space between the plants, a 

 sunnv situation and also provision fo^ 

 abundant ventilation. The time is 

 quite near when the sun will raise the 

 temperature very rapidly between 10 

 a. m. and 2 p. m., therefore the matter 

 of ventilation is of great importance. 



For several vears we have used a side 

 bench on the west of a north and south 

 house. A side ventilator opening direct- 

 ly out from this bench has contributed 

 much toward the thrifty growth we 

 have been able to maintain. After 

 planting out time, this bench is filled 

 with beddine or vegetable plant?), fol- 

 lowed by mums to be lifted and pot- 

 ted in late August, then filled with 

 field-rrown. dwarf stevia harvested dur- 

 ing December and Januarv, when it is 

 aeain readv for young carnations. I 

 make this dieression to show this space 

 is a navinp one, withal it is intended 

 mainlv for the reception of vouns stock. 



The importance of keeping clear of 



insect pests cannot be too strongly 

 urged, as by tbeir means various dis- 

 eases gain entrance. Aphides are the 

 most prevalent and at the same time 

 the easiest to combat. They invaria- 

 bly occupy the tender leaves in the 

 heart of the plant and are difficult 

 to dislodge, but with regular fumiga- 

 tion as a preventive, all trouble vrill 

 be avoided. The appearance of red 

 spider indicates decidedly wrong treat- 

 ment; probably too high temperature 

 and close atmosphere have weakened the 

 plants. Such conditions are eagerly 

 seized upon by these pests and once es- 

 tablished are, like the Russians in 

 Corea, hard to unseat, but it can and 

 must be done. Geo. S. Osborn. 



CARNATION NOTES -WEST 



Handling Stock of Novelties. 



By this time you are receiving your 

 stock of new varieties, and a few hints 

 regarding the care of the cuttings and 

 plants will not be amiss. Inform your 

 local express agent not to send any of 

 your boxes out unless the wagon is com- 

 ing directly to your place, and not then 

 if the weather is cold. Have him call 

 you up by 'phone and then you can send 

 for the box and have the stock protected 

 from the cold. If the box shows any 

 signs of having been exposed to the 

 cold, do not open it in a warm room, 

 but keep it in a cool shed for several 

 hour?. 80 it can warm up gradually. You 

 ■nill find in nearly all cases it is advisa- 

 ble to open the boxes in a cool room 

 rntlier than in a warm one. 



Before unwrapping have everything 

 ready to pot up the cuttings, and do not 

 unwrap too many at a time. Remember 

 that these cuttings are not altogether the 

 same ns those yon take from your cut- 

 ting bed. They have been packed up 

 close for perhaps three or four days 

 and are softer than when they were taken 

 out of the san^ and will wilt quicker. 

 The soil should be the same as you use 

 for your own cuttings, good rotted sods, 

 the same as you use for planting, except 



that you do not mix in any bono or other 

 fertilizer. 



The size of pot will depend largely on 

 the cuttings and how well they are 

 rooted. For well rooted cuttings we use 

 mostly 2% -inch pots, but for cuttings 

 that are not strong or well rooted we 

 use 2-inch. Do not pot too deeply, but 

 set the cuttings into the soil deep enough 

 ro they will stand up well. Pot firmly. 

 As soon as they are potted and set away 

 water them sufficiently so the water will 

 go to the bottom of the pot. After the 

 water has soaked in dump one of them 

 or.t and see if it was sufficient. In case ~ 

 you use new pots you vnll frequently have 

 to wiiter twice, unless you soak the pots 

 before potting. 



Cover the cuttings with paper the first 

 two days, whether the sun shines or not, 

 and spray them each morning before cov- 

 ering. On sunny days they will need 

 shading at least a week, and if the sun 

 is quite strong dampen the papers about 

 noon to keep them from drawing moisture 

 from below. Set them on a good light 

 bench, where the sun will strike them 

 full. Always bear in mind that this is 

 your next season's stock, and the best of 

 culture in the field will not rectify any 

 neglect the young plants are subjected to 

 before they are planted out. 



About 48 to 50 degrees is best for 

 them. They will make a' strong, sturdy 

 growth with thick stems and short joints, 

 and when you top them they will break 

 from several eyes. After they have taken 

 hold good, do not snray them except to 

 svringe for red spider or other insects. 

 Watch them closely for any kind of dis- 

 ease, and as soon as you notice any figr.s 

 pick off the diseased leave's and apply the 

 proper remedies. Do not over-water 

 tliem, but rather keep them a little on 

 Ihe dry side after active growth com- 

 Tiiences ; the growth will be firmer and 

 heaHhier. 



Now, all the above apnlies to cuttings; 

 that rrrivo in ffood condition. But sup- 

 pose you roceive a box that shows that 

 the contents havp been subiefted to more 

 or less frost. If von see it before open- 

 ing the box, set it in a temperature of 

 40 to 45 degrees for about twelve hours 

 and let it warm up gradually. If you 

 open it before making the discovery, dip 

 the cuttings into a pail of cool water 

 several minutes before unwrapping and 

 set in a cool place an hour or two before 

 potting. Avoid sudden changes in all 

 eases. 



Bench of Carnation Fred Burki at John Murchie's, Sharon, Pa. 



