THE ELORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
•207 
THE CINERARIA. 
LOWERING from Christmas to June, and forming 
handsome specimens for decorative purposes at a com- 
paratively small expense, both as regards attention and 
accommodation, and also furnishing a profusion of finely- 
shaped many-coloured flowers for bouquets (which the 
Cineraria does), it well deserves to be, as it is, one of the most 
popular flowers of the day. It is of easy culture, and in most cases 
is well managed ; but, nevertheless, in some instances (where ample 
means exist, and also, doubtless, a desire to produce respectable 
specimens), it exhibits effects of the worst possible treatment. The 
following hints may enable such growers to produce, creditable 
examples of this extremely useful plant. 
The ordinary method of propagating the Cineraria is by root 
suckers, which are produced abundantly by plants after blooming, 
when placed in a shady situation, and properly attended to with 
water. The old plants should be broken up as early in August as 
suckers can be had strong enough ; the latter should be potted 
singly in four-inch pots, and placed in a shady part of a cold frame 
till well established, which will be in less than a fortnight. The 
plants should then be placed near the glass, and receive abundance 
of air, with a view to secure “ stocky ” growth. During autumn, 
and until severe weather occurs, a cold frame will form the most 
suitable situation for promoting rapid growth ; but some attention 
will be necessary not to wet the foliage any more than can be 
helped, and also to avoid cold currents of air, which turn the leaves 
foxy, aod greatly injure the plants. At the same time, however, 
admit sufficient air to prevent weakly growth. Water should be 
applied early in the day, when necessary, giving a good soaking, and 
air admitted on the sheltered side of the frame, to dry the atmos- 
phere and foliage. During autumn and winter the Cineraria is 
somewhat liable to mildew, especially some varieties ; keep, there- 
fore, a sharp out-look for this enemy, and apply sulphur the moment 
it appears to the parts affected. Mildew is greatly encouraged by 
a confined, over-moist atmosphere, which is also very congenial to 
aphides, which will be sure to make their appearance under such 
circumstances. As soon as they are perceived, apply tobacco smoke ; 
but if the plants are kept in good health, neither evil will be very 
troublesome. As soon as frost is likely to occur, the glass should 
be protected every night with straw screens, or some efficient cover- 
ing ; for, remember, the Cineraria will not stand much frost, and 
neglect in covering may do irreparable damage. With respect to 
potting, the plants should be allowed plenty of root room until near 
the period of flowering, and they ought never to be pot-bound 
during the growing season. Liberal shifts may be given to healthy, 
thriving plants, but weak varieties should not be over-potted. 
Specimens may have ten-inch pots at the second shift, which will be 
sufficiently large for the winter, and in March they may be moved 
into twelve or fifteen-inch pots, according to the sized specimens 
July. 
