MIGNONETTE— MIMOSA— MITRA EI A . 



21 I 



light border or a bed of ashes in February, and the plants allowed to root through into 

 this, they will grow strongly, branch freely, and produce a bountiful supply of spikes 

 for cutting. The later-raised plants should be at their best in the spring. 



Mignonette generally requires close attention. Allowing the plants to become very 

 dry at the roots gives them a severe check, and exposure to drying winds also has an 

 hardening effect upon their growth. While quite young, shallow frames facing the 

 west afford the best position for them. The leaves ought to present a rich green 

 succulent appearance, and not look pinched and bluish green. Never turn a plant out 

 of its pot with a view to giving a larger one before seeing if the soil is dry. The 

 plants must be in a moist state at the roots when re-potted. After re-potting water 

 ought not to be applied to the soil for three or four days, but the frames should be 

 kept rather close, the plants syringed twice daily, and light shading afforded. When 

 the new soil is well occupied by roots abundance of water will be needed, and 

 clear soot water should be given once a week, at least, after the plants have 

 become strongly established in their flowering pots. An occasional light surfacing 

 of crushed saltpetre, or special plant manure, may be given with advantage to 

 specimen plants. 



During the late autumn and winter months mignonette must have a light airy 

 position in a cool greenhouse. Mixing the plants among a variety of other kinds, 

 unless raised well above them, causes weakly growth. All old seed pods ought to be 

 piuched off as fast as they form, and everything possible done to keep the plants in good 

 health. 



mimosa. — Of this large genus two species are principally grown, and this on 

 account of their sensitiveness, the leaves closing and drooping directly they are touched. 

 M. pudica and M. sensitiva are both " Sensitive Plants," and for greenhouse culture 

 should be treated as annuals. Sow seed in light soil, in brisk heat, in February or 

 March. From 2-inch pots, in which each plant is first placed, shift into 5-inch pots, 

 using a mixture of two parts sandy loam to one of leaf soil. Assign them a light 

 position not far from the glass, and keep well supplied with water. The plants should 

 not be topped. 



mitraria. — M. coccinea, the Mitre Flower, is a half-hardy trailing evergreen 

 that succeeds well in a cool greenhouse, and produces bright scarlet flowers freely 

 from May to July. It may be increased during the summer by division in April, or by 

 cuttings in light sandy soil, in a close, cool frame. The pots used for this plant 



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