ZONALE PELARGONIUMS. 



211 



the different sections require almost idontical 

 treatment, the variegated forms being the most 

 delicate, and must have the greatest attention 

 during the winter. 

 Propagation may commence early in August, choosing 

 shoots which are firm and short-jointed, those very 

 sappy or spindly usually failing to emit roots. 

 Cuttings of robust growers may be 8 to 9 inches 

 long, weaker growers 5 to 6 inches. Cut them 

 smoothly across just below a joint, trim, not break, 

 off the lower leaves and remove all scales or 

 bracts. If the cuttings are sappy spread them in 

 the sun for a few hours to dry the wounds. The 

 free-growing varieties may be inserted in well- 

 drained boxes 30 inches long, IS inches wide, and 

 4 inches deep, a box holding from 60 to 70 cut- 

 tings ; or in large pots or pans holding a fewer 

 number. The more delicate varieties are best 



Fig. 103. Young Zonale Pelargoniums . 

 a, Kept too long in boxes ; b, drawn and spoiled plant. 



in 4-inch pots, placing five or six cuttings in 

 each. The soil used may consist of two parts 

 loam to one part of leaf soil, with sharp sand or 

 road-grit freely added. Place some of the rougher 

 portions over the crocks and fill the boxes or pots 

 firmly, covering the soil with silver sand. Use a 

 blunt, rather than a sharp-pointed stick, for 

 inserting the cuttings, taking care that they rest 

 on the soil, not being merely suspended in it, and 

 well fix them in position. During August they 

 may be set out in a simny position outdoors, 

 housing them before much wet, cold weather is 

 experienced. Winter them in heated pits, green- 

 houses or other light, dry, airy structures from 

 which frost is excluded, and give water sparingly. 

 Early in the spring pinch out the points, but 

 avoid taking cuttings, as this spoils the young 

 plants. As many as possible should be placed 

 singly in small pots ; others may be given more 



room in boxes and pans, and if the roots of each 

 plant be surrounded with soil enclosed in fresh 

 moss, they will be the better for transplanting. 

 Gentle heat is of great value in starting the 

 newly moved plants into growth. Too often the 

 plants are not moved out of the cutting boxes till 

 bedded out, and they are then in the miserable 

 condition shown at Fig. 103, these contrasting 

 unfavourably with those grown either in pots, 

 mossed and afforded adequate room in boxes, 

 or established in turves in which the cuttings 



Fig. 104. Mossed Pelargonium foe Planting. 

 (See text.) 



were inserted. As the season advances gradually 

 harden the plants so that they sustain no check 

 when planted out towards the end of May. For 

 Mossing as above described, see Fig. 104. 

 Preserving old Plants. — These if taken up and 

 kept safely through the winter yield a good 

 supply of cuttings in the spring. Before they 

 are injured by frosts, fork up the requisite 

 number, pick off all the old or fully-grown leaves, 

 leaving only quite the youngest, lightly trim the 

 roots, and pack the plants thickly together in 



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