46 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOTST. 
[ February, 
signs of decay placed in heat; it is too eavly for general stock. Centaurea 
ragusina compacta, if now started in heat, pinching out the tops of the shoots, 
will produce an abundance of side-shoots, which root freely. Accelerate the 
growth of Alternantheras^ Coleuses^ and such plants as are required in quantities, 
by placing them in bottom-heat and a growing temperature of from 65° 
to 70°. Seeds of various kinds of plants should now be sown, including 
such sub-tropical kinds as Acacia lophantha^ Canna^ Centaiireas^ Chamce- 
peuce, Cineraria acanthifolia, Ferdinanda, Geranium canarieiise, Melianthus 
major^ Pyrethrum^ Solanums^ Lobelias^ Wigandias^ &c. Verbena venosa 
should not be overlooked, as it is most effective in mixing and massing. It is 
readily propagated from pieces of the roots, cut up and laid upon fine soil, in a 
sharp heat. The rooting temperature for bedding plants should range from 
65° to 70°, with a bottom-heat of from 80° to 85°. The germination of seeds 
will often be accelerated by steeping them in water previous to sowing. Chry¬ 
santhemums should be propagated from cuttings in a mild heat. The present is 
also a good time to propagate by means of cuttings, the varieties of Phlox 
decussata which have been started in a greenhouse. Strong cuttings rooted now 
and gradually hardened off to be planted out early in May will flower freely the 
same season, keep particularly dwarf, and form exquisite groups. 
Auriculas should be top-dressed with rich soil, consisting of about equal parts 
of mellow loam, leaf-soil, and thoroughly-rotten manure, adding a dash of sharp 
sand. Pot off young offsets, using pots according to the quantity of roots ; they 
do not do well when over-potted. Seeds may now be sown in light, sandy soil. 
Cuttings of Carnations which have been excited in heat will now root freely, and 
oome in useful for autumn flowering. Seeds of these should now be sown ; the 
plants will come in useful for cutting from, as they generally produce a large 
per-centage of doubles. 
Proceed with the potting of Heaths^ examining the balls previously, in order 
to ascertain if they are in a healthy state as regards moisture. Early-forced 
varieties of Azaleas and young stock plants should now be started in gonial 
heat. In potting, use a sound, healthy peat, that is rich in vegetable flbre, silver- 
sand only being added. Cajnellias that have done blooming should bo pruned 
into form, shifting such as require it, and examining the drainage of all. They 
should then be placed in a genial heat, and freely syringed. Bouvardias^ which 
are so valuable for winter blooming, should be placed in heat to produce cuttings ; 
they may also be propagated from pieces of the roots in bottom-heat. Cinerarias 
should be repotted as they require it, and insects vigorously kept down. Pelar¬ 
goniums will, with the increasing light, grow stronger, and will require limited, 
but sufficient water, so that it penetrates to the ball; and give sufficient heat to 
admit of air being admitted daily. Finish potting, as they never flower satisfac¬ 
torily unless the pots are filled with roots. Afford to the general stock full 
ventilation, and avoid using fire-heat to induce growth at this season. 
The great majority of Stove Plants will require to be examined and shifted 
during the month, and to secure successful results it is important that the 
proper qualities of soils should be prepared and sufficiently aerated for use. Such 
plants as Gardenias^ Ixoras^ Dipladenias^ &c., require peat; whilst such strong¬ 
growing subjects as Allamandas^ Bougainvilleas^ &c., succeed best in loam and 
rotten manure. The strength and nature of the roots are a sure index to their 
requirements. Guard against over-potting, and water sparingly until the roots 
get hold of the fresh soil. Advance the temperature by degrees as the days 
lengthen, ensuring a genial atmosphere by the use of the syringe, and airing in 
accordance with the state of the weather. Orchids should now be potted, using 
