THE CULTURE 
OF POLYANTHUS 
PRIMROSES 
Seed... Seed of Polyan- 
thus Primroses can be sown 
any time of the year, prefer- 
ably in spring or early sum- 
mer, so the seedling will 
reach flowering size by the 
next spring. Sow in any light 
mixture of soil; a good mix- 
ture is one-half leaf mold 
and one-half garden soil. 
Peat and garden soil with 
the addition of sand or any 
other combination can be 
used so long as the soil is light and rich in 
humus. Cover the seed only slightly, moisten 
thoroughly, then cover the flats with burlap 
to keep them from drying out and place in 
heavy shade. When germination takes place, 
in about two weeks, give mcre light but pro- 
tect from direct sunlight. Always keep moist. 
In six to eight weeks the young plants can be 
transplanted into flats again or directly into 
the open ground if large enough. In this case 
they should be protected from direct sunshine. 
The soil in the garden should be enriched with 
either old manure if sandy; or leaf mold, peat, 
and sand, if heavy. Additional feeding in early 
spring with any quick-acting fertilizer when 
the growth just commences. This should be 
preferably an organic fertilizer such as fish- 
meal or cottonseed meal which will help 
greatly to produce fine flowering specimens. 
After two years the plants become too 
large and should be split and replanted in 
fresh soil. The best time for this is imme- 
diately after flowering. Plants transplanted 
late in the season will not get sufficient roots 
established in time for the flowering season 
and will then bring only poor flowers. 
Primroses are hardy in every part of the 
United States. The only dangerous pest at- 
tacking them is the cutworm, of several va- 
rieties, which can be controlled with several 
baits sold commercially for that purpose. 


VISIT OUR GARDENS 
in March 
when the Primroses are in bloom 


21 

CALLA LILIES 
The cultural requirements of Calla Lilies are 
very simple.The pink and yellow Callas, being 
summer flowering plants, should be planted 
from January to April in good average garden 
soil, possibly in slightly shaded places in the 
warmer districts. Plant the bulbs approxi- 
mately four inches deep and keep well sup- 
plied with moisture during the growing sea- 
son and gradually withhold water after flower- 
ing, if possible. They can be left in the ground 
for years in regions with mild winters but 
should be lifted, dried, and stored in a frost- 
less place where winters are severe. 
CALLA RHEMANII SUPERBA—New 
The finest form of the pink Callas yet offered 
in cultivation. The seed of this species came 
from South Africa and it took a number of 
years to propagate it sufficiently for distri- 
bution. It is far superior to the so-called pink 
Callas that have so far been found in com- 
merce. Flowers are fairly large, pale pink, 
plant very floriferous. For rock garden and 
cool borders this is a real acquisition. Delivery 
December to March. 
Price... 35c each; $3.50 per dozen. 
Calla Elliottiana ... The yellow Calla 
Lily has larger flowers than the pink and is a 
very effective garden plant. Planting time 
February to April. Delivery of bulbs Novem- 
ber to February. 
Price .. . 25c each; $2.50 per dozen; $18.00 
per hundred. 
