PELARGONIUMS— CUL TURE. 



77 



shift into the flowering size, which may be from 8 inches to 10 inches in diameter, 

 according to the size of the plants and the pots they are in. This time a sprinkling of 

 bone meal, or a small quantity of some special mixture used at the rate advised by the 

 vendors, may be added to the compost already recommended, and in the case of vigorous 

 growers firm potting is imperative, or the shoots will be sappy and not sufficiently 

 floriferous. Experts advise preparing the soil and storing it in a heap some months 

 before it is wanted, and it must not be in a wet state when used. 



After this final potting, clear staging or large suspended shelves in a cool, light, 

 well-ventilated greenhouse are suitable positions for the plants. Once more the 

 watering must be done carefully, giving only sufficient to keep the soil just moist 

 till well occupied by roots. If watered recklessly the new soil will become soured, 

 and the leaves of the plants turn yellow and drop off in consequence. When the young 

 growths are about 5 inches long train them outwards by means of strips of raffia 

 attached to small string passed round below the rim of the pots, and top them. If more 

 shoots are required resort to a second topping, and proceed with the training as before. 

 When the shoots are long enough place a neat light stake to each, these being from 2 to 

 3 feet in length, forming a circular outline with a well-raised centre, and hide all 

 bent stems. These specimen plants should be raised near the glass roof in a light 

 greenhouse, allowing them a clear space all round. They ought also to be turned half 

 round every few days, so that all portions of the plants may have an equal amount of 

 sunshine. 



When growing strongly and the pots are crowded with roots, abundance of water 

 should be given, twice a day not being too often in some cases during hot dry weather, 

 and weak liquid manure occasionally. The temperature recommended for young plants 

 also suit the older ones. Trained specimens (Fig. 39), after they have ceased 

 flowering, ought to be treated, as far as resting, pruning, and re-potting are concerned, 

 similarly to the untrained small plants, and may be kept in a healthy, serviceable 

 condition for several years. At the same time it is advisable to have young plants 

 always coming on to take the place of the older ones as they become weakened by age. 



Zonal Pelargoniums. 

 Although very showy at all times, especially if the newer varieties are grown, zonal 

 pelargoniums (often called "Geraniums") have had to give way to tuberous begonias 

 during the summer and early autumn months. The begonias fail in October, and from 



