CULTURAL SUGGESTIONS 
In preparing the soil, it is necessary to have 
ground deeply dug, and if not in very good condi- 
tion it should be manured the previous autumn or 
at the time of digging. 
The time for planting is from early May until 
the middle of June although this rule need not be 
strictly adhered to, as I have obtained splendid re- 
sults by planting right through into July. 
It is necesary to Plant firmly and set plants 
about 18 inches apart each way and keep the 
ground in moist (not wet) condition at all times. In 
late plantings the plants may be set 12 to 14 inches 
apart. I recommend a second planting in early 
July for the Coast area. 
The method of stopping and disbudding varies 
acording to the purpose which the grower re- 
quires, whether for garden, decoration or exhibi- 
tions. A good general rule, however, is that the 
plants should be pinched back to within 5 or 6 
inches of the ground as soon as they have started 
a healthy growth after planting. Then if required 
for exhibition, 3 to 6 of the shoots which are pro- 
duced from the joints can be retained and the 
remainder taken away. Keep these growing shoots 
free from insect pests, etc., with the usual spraying 
and retain the crown bud on each shoot. 
If required for cut-flower or garden decoration 
no thinning or disbudding is necessary after stop- 
ping. 
The ground should be kept free from weeds by 
frequent hoeing and applications of weak liquid 
manure or a balanced fertilizer (2 oz. per sq. yd.) 
may be applied alternately every week or 10 days 
until the buds begin to show color, not longer, 
I sometimes mix a tablespoonful of equal parts 
superphosphate and bone meal in hole for each 
plant at time of planting. 
Unless the ground is well drained, dig up plants 
in the fall, and winter them over in a cold frame or 
a dry sheltered spot outside where they can get 
air—not in a basement. 
