268 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



which the plants are desired to flower. The old dry balls of soil should be carefully- 

 separated, the tubercles picked out, and placed an inch or so apart, and covered in pans 

 or well-drained 6-inch pots of sandy peat soil. Start them in a temperature of 60° to 65°, 

 and do not give much water till top-growth has well commenced. When the shoots are 

 about 2 inches high the time has arrived for grading the plants into sizes, and trans- 

 planting them in their flowering receptacles. Achimenes succeed well and are very effec- 

 tive in deep pans as well as in hanging baskets, and are frequently seen in good condition 

 growing in 5-inch or slightly larger pots. In every case the drainage should be good. 



A suitable compost is formed by a mixture of equal parts of fibrous loam, peat, and 

 leaf soil, with a liberal addition of sharp sand and well-decayed manure, warmed 

 through prior to using. Move the small plants carefully out of the pans they were 

 started in, and replant about 2 inches apart, arranging them according to their height 

 and vigour. If somewhat scarce they may be spread out more thinly and topped 

 soon after they have become well established in the fresh soil, this causbg them to 

 branch freely. After repotting, assign the plants in a light position, not far from the 

 glass, and shade them, also at all other times, from strong sunshine. Keep the soil 

 uniformly moist, but not saturated, increasing the supply of water with advancing 

 growth. Up to the flowering period syringe morning and evening, a moist atmosphere 

 favouring healthy growth. When the plants have filled the soil with roots apply water 

 freely, varying this with weak, clear, liquid manure. Support the growths with neat 

 hazel stakes and flower the plants after May in a greenhouse or conservatory. When 

 the flowering is over, gradually withhold water from the roots, and during the winter 

 store the pots or pans on their sides out of the way of drip in a warm greenhouse. 



When grown in baskets little or no staking is required. A few of the central 

 growths may, or may not, have supports to keep them upright; but the majority 

 should fall gracefully down and form, as they will under good management, charming 

 floral tresses. The baskets employed must be firmly lined with moss, and particular 

 care taken that the soil is not once allowed to become too dry, at the same time guarding 

 against excessive wetness in the early stages of growth. When the plants are in full 

 vigour they will be likely to need much water in their suspended receptacles, and 

 occasional applications of perfectly clear soot water, of the colour of the palest of pale 

 ale, will act beneficially. How beautiful Achimenes are when well grown in baskets 

 may be seen by the representation (page 267) of one of many similar examples produced 

 under the directions of Mr. Owen Thomas, Her Majesty's chief gardener at Windsor. 



