4 o 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



lobes well-rounded, overlapping each other, and perfectly flat ; throat widening upwards 

 and in proportion to the length of the segments of the corolla ; stems stout ; colours 

 clear and distinct, Foliage healthy, unbroken, of good substance, and covering the 

 pot," Maximum number of points 6, allotted as follows : — (a) massive display of un- 

 blemished flowers, 2 points ; (b) superior culture and unbroken foliage, 2 points ; 

 (c) freshness, quality, and colouration of blooms, 2 points. 



Gloxinias feom Seed. 



Gloxinias are raised from seeds and further increased by cuttings of young shoots 

 and leaves. The first method is most in favour, as it is possible to raise scores of plants 

 from a small pinch of seed, and if this is from a good strain there may not be an inferior 

 variety among them. Six-inch pots half-filled with drainage, or better still, pans 

 properly drained, may be filled with a mixture of fine peat, leaf soil, and sand, making 

 this firm and level. Give enough water to moisten every particle of soil, and two or 

 three hours later distribute the seeds thinly on the surface, only just covering with 

 fine soil. Plunge the pots or pans in a gentle hot-bed, a cucumber or melon frame 

 answering well, dry staging being unsuitable. Cover with squares of glass and shade 

 constantly till the minute seedlings are visible. The soil must be kept constantly moist 

 but avoid drenching heavily, and never apply other than luke-warm water. Gradually 

 expose the seedlings to the light and air and commence pricking them off into pans of 

 fine peat, leaf soil, and sand directly they can be moved with the point of a stick. 

 Disturb those left in the pots or pans as little as possible, transplanting them as they 

 become large enough. All must be kept growing in moist heat, If the seed is sown 

 during January and February, the two best months for the purpose, the plants ought to 

 be in flower during the summer and early autumn months, while if more seed is sown 

 in May, the resulting plants should carry on the display till mid-winter. 



Stem and Leaf Cuttings. 



When the old tubers push shoots long enough to make into cuttings, as some varieties 

 will do, these may be placed round the sides of 5-inch pots, freely drained, and firmly 

 filled with the same mixture as recommended for seedlings. Plunge these in a propagating 

 frame or in handlights on a hot-bed, keepiug them close till rooted. Matured leaves may 

 be treated as cuttings ; the leaf stalk only being inserted in the soil, will strike root and 

 form small tubers suitable for growing to a flowering size the following season. Gloxinia 



