292 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



increased number of flowers on a stem. All these desiderata can be obtained by the 

 potency of well-selected and judiciously applied pollen. 



Persons who are commencing to grow Hippeastrums for the first time, should pro- 

 cure a dozen or two which are not very expensive. If these grow and flower well, 

 obtain a few choicer varieties before commencing to hybridise ; then may still better be 

 expected, while there is no small amount of interest in waiting and watching new seed- 

 lings open for the first time. It takes three years from the time of sowing seeds for the 

 bulbs to become large enough for flowering. 



Seeds should be sown about a month or six weeks after they are ripe, in a tem- 

 perature of 60° to G5°. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to be handled, four 

 small plants should be placed round the sides of 3|-inch pots, using a mixture of 

 loam, leaf mould, and a dash of silver sand. After they have made sufficient growth, 

 place them singly into small pots, and grow the plants in a genial temperature of 

 €0° to 70° till they require larger pots. The plants must not be dried off whilst young, 

 but kept growing winter and summer. During the months of July, August, and 

 September, expose those which have flowered to all the sun possible, gradually reduce 

 and eventually cease watering, to ripen the bulbs, and dry the foliage. In the autumn, 

 store them in the pots in a dry place, with a temperature of 50°. Some of them will 

 begin to show flower about Christmas time ; as they do so, place them in a little more 

 heat, give weak liquid manure, increasing the strength and quantity as the scapes 

 become stronger and foliage extends. 



Hippeastrums thrive and flower under different treatment, according to the circum- 

 stances of the grower. If a little bottom heat is at command, and the pots and bulbs 

 can be plunged in old tan or decayed leaf mould, then pot in January, if the flowers 

 are required about Easter ; if wanted later, pot accordingly. Shake off all the old soil, 

 clean any decayed matter from the bulbs, then repot in a good mixture of two-thirds 

 fibrous loam and one-third decayed cow manure, with a little leaf mould and silver 

 sand added. The mixture is improved by being stored in a heap three or four months 

 before using ; have the pots well drained and the soil pressed down firmly. 



After potting, the bulbs require the most careful attention as to watering. This is 

 perhaps the most important point in successful culture ; small pots in comparison 

 with the size of the bulbs, are also most important essentials to healthy growth. A 

 space of an inch or a little more all round between the flowering bulb and the pot is 

 sufficient. 



