IOO 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Few flowers had more care in the preparation of the bed in which they were to 

 grow than the florists' ranunculus, and the flowers well repaid the extra pains taken. 

 To do them full justice they should be grown in beds, although they may also be grown 

 in groups in the border. The beds should have an open situation, well exposed to 

 the sun, but sheltered from northerly winds. The soil must be rather moist and 

 retentive beneath. The compost for the bed ought to be prepared some time before 

 it is required, and frequently turned over, so as to be well mixed before being 

 laid down. Two parts of sound, rich loam, from the top spit of old pasture, to one 



part of well-decayed cow-manure, 

 which must, if possible, be a year 

 old, make a good compost. The 

 beds (about 4 feet wide) must be 

 prepared as early in autumn as 

 possible, not later than the begin- 



Kg. 51. Ranunculi'! 



preferable, making the soil good 

 to a depth of 2 feet. Let it settle 

 for about a month. On the top 

 add light, fresh soil, to raise the 

 surface one or two inches above 

 the path. Edge with slates or 

 boards, to prevent the water from 

 the path running into the bed. 

 Some growers put very little cow- 

 manure in the soil, but place a 

 Should the soil be loose at planting time, make it 



layer at the bottom of the bed 

 firm. 



Turban ranunculuses can be planted in October, but from the 15th of February 

 to the end of the first week in March is the best time for the others, should the weather 

 be favourable and the ground in suitable condition. Plant in rows about 6 inches apart ; 

 each tuber 5 inches from the next. The rows may be marked off with a hoe, and 

 drills made for the tubers, covering these with a little sand before levelling the bed. 

 The crown of the tubers must be upwards, and 1^ inch below the surface. Eight and 

 wrong methods of planting are shown on page 203, Vol. I. 



