VIOLETS 77 
HOW VIOLETS ARE GROWN 
From the middle of September to the following May, amateurs may 
gather Violet blooms if they possess a few frames and good clumps 
of plants. Without the latter the best frame that can be made, and 
the best soil, will notavail much. The following hints on the layering 
of the runners, and their treatment generally, will be of service to 
those who wish to be successful in the cultivation of this fragrant 
little flower. There are two important points in connection with the 
growing of Violets to which I wish to draw attention, namely, the 
removal of all runners from the time the plants are placed in the 
frames in autumn until, at the earliest, the first week in April. 
After that date runners should be allowed to grow for the purpose of 
layering. In the summer time all flower buds which show must be 
7] a 
, HOW VIOLETS ARE LAYERED: FIG. 1. 
pinched off until the time for lifting comes. The removal of the 
runners, in winter induces free flowering; and pinching off the 
flower buds in summer enables the plants to grow to a good size and 
so be in the best condition for bearing blooms while they are in the 
frames. The best plants are not obtained by allowing all the runners 
to grow and root as they may in the soil in the frame. If one clump 
bears from two to four runners the latter will be strong. All others 
should be cut off. The surface of the soil must be kept open and 
free from weeds, and water should be given when necessary. 
Layering.—Mix together some sifted loamy soil and half 
decayed leaves in equal proportions, and add some coarse sand or 
road grit to make it porous. Keep this prepared compost in a 
shaded place to prevent its getting too dry, if it is not used as soon 
as mixed. Atleast a double handful of it should be used for each 
layer. Fig. 1 shows how the work of layering should be done: A, 
the parent plant; B, a prepared layer pegged down in the new 
