94 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



ought to be enough fire-heat provided to maintain ajgenial temperature of 40° to 45° 

 by night, opening the top ventilators on all mild days. Weak liquid manure may be 

 applied to the plants when coming into flower. Avoid over- watering. 



The result of raising primulas too early, with the consequent removal of the first 

 or central flower, as previously referred to, is seen in Fig. 48. This is entirely un- 

 satisfactory, yet even more time and attention are bestowed on such plants than on 

 others which are infinitely superior, as will be admitted on reference to Fig. 49. 

 Success is simply a question of good judgment in rearing the plants and their after 

 management on the lines above indicated. 



The small late - flowering plants are frequently the best for producing seed. 

 Fertilise these during February, keep the plants under frames and properly attended 

 to till the seeds are nearly ripe, when the pods may be gathered and the harvesting 

 completed on sheets of paper in the full sunshine. 



Double-Flowering Primulas. 

 As before intimated, some of the so-called double and all the semi- double varieties of 

 P. sinensis are raised from seeds in the same way as the singles, and the plants may be 

 successfully grown in exactly the same manner. The true old double white, P. s. alba 

 plena, and forms of it, are exceptions to this rule. These are largely cultivated by 

 market as well as private growers, owing to the flowers proving more serviceable in a 

 cut state than are those produced by seedling single or double varieties. Added to 

 this, they are extremely floriferous, and at their best at a time of year when cut 

 flowers are most valuable — the late autumn and winter months. In this instance, the 

 stock is increased by dividing old plants soon after they have ceased flowering. 

 Growths or crowns, with long, hard stems, may have either fine leaf soil and loam 

 or moss packed about them, and, if kept constantly moist, roots will probably be freely 

 emitted. All that is further necessary is to detach these rooted growths from the old 

 stem, and to place them singly in small pots, giving them the benefit of gentle heat till 

 well established in the fresh soil. Old plants may also be split up ; all divisions with a 

 few roots attached to be treated as just advised, and the rest as cuttings. Place each of 

 these cuttings in the centre of a small pot, supporting the leaves with a neat stick and 

 strip of raffia. Plunge or arrange in a propagating frame, or in brisk heat, unaccom- 

 panied by much moisture. When they have formed roots, gradually expose the plants 

 to the full light and air, greenhouse shelves suiting them best after this partial prepara- 



