238 PLANT CULTURE 



tonensis^ S. wiseionensis is thought to be a hybrid between 5. 

 pinnatus and S. Grahamii and is widely used as a pot plant because 

 of its dwarf ness and attractive pyramidal form. A white variety has 

 proved very popular for cutting. (See page 240.) 



Culture. The Schizanthus requires cool treatment throughout 

 its whole existence. When given a temperature much over 45 de- 

 grees, night, the plants grow spindly. Keep the plants growing 

 vigorously and do not let them become pot-bound, for they start 

 to bloom so soon as their roots become too confined. Pinch back 

 the young plants to make them bushy and flowery. By constant 

 shifting and pinching huge plants may be flowered for Easter in 

 8-inch or lo-inch pots. They are great feeders and Uke a rich, 

 rather heavy soil and should be supplied with applications of liquid 

 manure and plenty of water. The Schizanthus requires frequent 

 syringing to keep down red spider. 



Propagation. The Schizanthus is an annual and can be easily 

 raised from seed which is usually sown from September to November 

 for Spring bloom. 



SWEET PEAS. Without doubt, the Sweet Pea is the most 

 popular annual out of doors. Everyone grows them, but many 

 times with varying success. Sweet Peas should be planted on a 

 well drained soil only, or one in which the excessive rains of Spring 

 will not cause water to stand around the roots and start mildew. 

 They do not like excessive shade, for the plants should make a 

 sturdy growth. In the shade the growth is weak and spindly and 

 but few flowers are produced. Place Peas, then, in the open, giving 

 them all available light and air, although a Httle shade from midday 

 suns of June and July is, of course, beneficial. Hot weather causes 

 short stems on Peas and the best hay and grain weather makes an 

 end of them. 



The Preparation of the Soil is one of the most important 

 points in the success of Sweet Peas. They Uke the cool soil and at- 

 tempt to strike down deeply. Dig a trench two or three feet deep, 

 break up and turn over the subsoil. Do not use it for top soil if it 

 is poor. Put in a liberal amount of stable manure and work in a 

 heavy dressing of bonemeal. This preparation should be made in 

 the Fall and the bed left all Winter. When working over in the 

 Spring give a good, liberal coating of well decayed manure or some 

 fertilizer. If the soil is deficient in lime, dust the surface with fresh 

 hme in Fall or Winter, using it as soon as slaked. 



