52 CULTURE OF THE SWEET PEA 



ket, the time in transit must be added. 

 These factors will govern the time of pick- 

 ing. It is best, however, to pick in the 

 morning or late afternoon. 



The stage at which the flower spikes are 

 picked will depend upon the foregoing 

 factors, and also upon the weather and 

 temperature conditions. The spikes ought 

 to be picked when the upper flower is 

 about one-half open. 



In picking, a knife or scissors should not 

 be used, but the spikes should be pulled. 

 A quick side piill, while holding the stem 

 near the base, will usually accomplish the 

 result without damage to the plant. As 

 soon as picked, the flowers should be 

 placed in water. Vases about eight inches 

 in diameter, and the same in depth, are 

 about right, since the stems can be plunged 

 six or seven inches. Sometimes eight-inch 

 pots are taken and the bottom opening 



