4 6 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Dutch growers, with all their experience, cannot produce large solid bulbs under four 

 years, while many of the finer samples are five years old, and it is therefore a little 

 surprising that they can be sold so cheaply. 



The old florists' ideas as to what constitutes a perfect hyacinth, are too lengthy to be 

 given here, but they may be summarised as follows. Pips when viewed from the front 

 must be circular in outline, looked at in profile, semi-circular. Petals or segments 

 reflexed, this being the most pronounced in the case of single varieties. Lower pips to 

 be the largest, or from 1 inch to \\ inches in diameter, gradually diminishing in size to 

 the summit ; stem straight, stout, and long enough to raise the lower pips above the 

 points of the leaves. Colours bright and distinct. Fragrance indispensable. Leaves 

 stout and not rising above the flowers. 



Cultivation in Pots. 



As previously indicated Hyacinth bulbs are raised in Holland, and are sent to this 

 and other countries in millions, when they are in the best condition for flowering. They 

 are raised from seeds, and increased by division, also from bulblets as shown on page 202, 

 Vol. I. The flower stems are picked out for three or four years, with the object of 

 developing strong foliage, as it is from the deposition of organized matter by the leaves, 

 that the bulbs are formed and the embryo flowers in them. All we have to do then is to 

 bring out in the best possible manner the finest leaves, spikes, and flowers that are closely 

 encased in the bulbs. We cannot add one more flower to a spike than already exists in 

 embryo, but both spikes and blooms may be spoiled by defective management and 

 cultivation. If hyacinths are wanted in flower late in December, or during the early 

 part of January, a portion of the bulbs should be potted early in September, giving 

 preference to those medium-sized and heavy of single-flowering varieties. A succession 

 can be insured by potting more, at intervals of about three weeks, up to the end of 

 November. There ought to be no further delay in potting the later bulbs, as these should 

 not commence top growth before root action has progressed considerably. The plants 

 can be retarded in cold frames after the pots have been well filled with roots. Pots 

 5 inches in diameter are largely used for hyacinths, but the finest spikes of bloom are 

 usually had from those rooted in the 6 -inch size. 



A suitable compost consists of two parts of the best fibrous loam procurable, to one 

 part each of leaf soil and crumbled manure, with an eighth part of the bulk of sharp 

 sand, the whole well incorporated a month before required for use. The pots must be 



