210 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



plants are grown together in a pot, each producing a single large spike of bloom. The 

 variety known as Machet (Fig. 98) is the best for the purpose, but other improved large- 

 flowering forms of a more branching habit are suitable if stems to be cut for bunching 



are most desired. The second or third 

 week in August is the time to sow 

 if the plants are wanted in flower 

 before midwinter, another sowing in 

 September affording a good succes- 

 sion. Fill well-drained 5 -inch or 6- 

 inch pots with a compost similar to 

 that recommended for trained mignon- 

 ette, not omitting the crushed mortar 

 rubbish nor the sprinkling of soot. 

 Make this solid, and level the surface. 

 Sow good seeds thinly, or from twelve 

 to fifteen in each pot, and cover lightly 

 with fine soil. Arrange the pots on 

 ashes in a cold frame or shallow pit, 

 give a gentle watering, and shade the 

 frame heavily till the seedlings appear. 

 Subsequently shade lightly during the 

 hottest part of the day only, and admit 

 air freely. Thin out the seedlings 

 before they become crowded, leaving 

 about five in the smaller-sized pots 

 and seven in the 6 -inch size. After 

 September a light greenhouse stage 

 or a hanging shelf is the best position 

 for the plants. If grown as sturdily 

 as they ought to be, very little sup- 

 port will be required. If needful, place a short light hazel stake to each plant, or stakes 

 may be placed round the sides of the pots, and strips of raffia passed round the plants. The 

 flower spikes will be increased in size if the side growths that form immediately below 

 them are early pinched out. If a number of the pots are arranged either on a firm 



Fig. 98. Mignonette Machet. 



