CARNATIONS FOR EXHIBITION AND BEDS. 



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the plants into their flowering pots. For the more robust single plants, and pairs 

 generally, 8-inch pots are suitable, a size or two smaller answering for the rest. All 

 must be clean and well drained. Turn out the plants, remove any soil not occupied by 

 roots, and repot firmly, allowing a little space for top-dressing later on. Arrange the 

 plants on beds of ashes or strips of wood (to keep out worms) where they can be 

 sheltered from heavy rains by glazed lights whenever necessary. Give clear water 

 sparingly at first, more copiously as the roots increase and growth extends, affording 

 weak, clear liquid manure after the flower stems have developed. Only one flower 

 stem is allowed on each plant, supported with a neat stake. Top dress, after staking, 

 with a mixture of well-decayed manure and leaf soil. 



If show blooms are desired severe disbudding must be resorted to. The central 

 or crown bud is retained and one or two starting three or four joints lower down, 

 all the rest removed. In the case of robust plants, four or five buds may be left till it 

 is seen which of them promises to open the best, when the rest must be pinched off. 

 When flowering plants are to be shown, six or seven buds may be left on each stem. 



A light, airy greenhouse, where the plants can be shaded from strong sunshine, is 

 the best place to flower Carnations in, and in these thrips and green fly, which are apt 

 to be troublesome, can best be kept under. Failing a greenhouse, a framework 

 supporting strong cotton netting or canvas on rollers will prove of service in protecting 

 the flowers. Bees should be excluded where possible, their action materially shortening 

 the duration of the flowers. Place an elastic band round the buds before the calyx 

 splits and the bloom is spoilt. 



Carnations in Beds. 

 For affording cut blooms in large quantities or for making an effective display with 

 a minimum amount of trouble, culture in beds is to be preferred. All the varieties 

 named in the selection of Selfs or border Carnations can be successfully wintered in the 

 open during most years, but any extra choice or delicate varieties should be kept in 

 small pots under glass, protecting from severe frost only till early in April, when they 

 ought to be planted where they are to flower. This is the best plan to follow in cold, 

 damp districts. The grandest display follows upon autumn planting. In either case 

 well prepare the sites. A properly-drained position and a moderately- strong loamy soil 

 are essentials. Mix with this soil a liberal dressing of decayed manure, also a light 

 surfacing of soot and bone meal. If the position is naturally hot and dry a layer of 

 cow-yard manure should be placed between the top spit and sub -soil. 



