44 THE FLOWER GROWERS GUIDE. 



carmine, white, pale yellow to deep orange, or purple or brown, with mottled flowers 

 besides. 



To have fine spikes and blooms, generous treatment is necessary, although a few, 

 probably owing to dread of the disease, recommend a poor soil. Eich loam, well 

 enriched with decomposed manure, and trenched 2 feet deep, is appreciated by the 



hollyhock. Shelter from high winds with a fair amount 

 of sun and plenty of room are also needed. 



Propagation of choice varieties is by means of 

 cuttings, divisions, and eyes. Cuttings of young shoots 

 2 or 3 inches long may be taken from the old root 

 almost at any time, inserted singly in a 3-inch pot in 

 light soil carefully watered, and put in a close and 

 shady frame until rooted. If taken in the winter months 

 a little bottom heat is necessary. Division of the root 

 after flowering time is also practised, preserving as 

 many roots as possible and one or two buds with each 

 piece of the crown. In July or August eyes from the 

 side shoots may be used for raising plants by putting 

 them in light, sandy soil under a hand-glass. Old stools 

 may be preserved throughout winter in many gardens 

 by protecting them with ashes or litter. 



Young plants should be kept near the glass during 

 winter in cold frames. In March they must be hardened 

 off, and removed to the beds near the middle or end of 

 April. About 3 feet may be allowed between each 

 plant. Protect from frost at nights, and after the 

 Fig. is. Double Hollyhock fkom Seed, flower spikes appear, top-dress with manure. "Water 



(Sutton's.) 



ought also to be freely given in dry weather. Only 

 strong plants may be allowed to carry more than one spike. A stout stake is required 

 for each spike, and must be placed early. After flowering cut the spikes down to a few 

 inches from the base. 



Seeds of a good strain generally produce a large proportion of excellent double 

 flowers, new varieties being obtained from seed. The single flowers are admired by 

 some. The seeds may be sown in June or July in prepared beds of good soil. The 



