In potting Petunias, those which are weakly among the singles will probably produce the most valued colours, and from seed sown for doubles it may be accepted as a rule that from the feebler seedlings the finest rosette-shaped flowers may be expected.

All Petunias are impatient of being pot-bound, and this applies especially to the double varieties.  They will, if treated generously, do ample justice to the 8-or even the 10-inch size.  The growth should not be hurried at any stage, and if the foliage has a dark, healthy, green colour, free from blight, there will be magnificent flowers four or five inches across.  The final shift should be into a sound compost, consisting, if possible, of good loam and leaf-mould in equal parts, with sufficient sand added to insure drainage.  About a fortnight later commence giving weak manure water once a week instead of the ordinary watering, and as the buds appear it may be increased in strength, and be administered twice a week until the flowers expand.

Petunias are accommodating in their growth, and may be trained into various forms.  The pyramid and fan-shape are most common, and the least objectionable.  We confess, however, to a feeling of antipathy to fanciful shapes in plants, no matter what they may be.  It is a necessity of our artificial conditions of culture that many of them should be trained and tied to produce shapely specimens, but the more nearly the gardener’s art approaches Nature, the greater pleasure we derive from his labours.

==Phlox Drummondii==

==Half-hardy annual==

Those who are acquainted with the older forms of this annual might fail to recognise a friend under its new and improved appearance.  There are now several beautiful types, each possessing characteristics of its own, and all producing flowers that are perfect in form and brilliant in colour.  The large-flowered section produces splendid bedding plants, but the dwarf compact varieties are also highly prized for effective massing and general usefulness.  The latter attain a height seldom exceeding six inches, and are therefore eminently suitable for edgings and borders, as well as for bedding.  They bloom profusely for a long period, not only in the open ground, but also as pot plants in the greenhouse or conservatory, where they are conspicuous for the richness of their display.

For early flowering sow seed of all the varieties in February or March in well-drained pans or shallow boxes.  Any good sifted soil, made firm, will suit them, and every seed should be separately pressed in, allowing about an inch between each; then cover with fine soil.  This will generally give sufficient space between the plants to save pricking off; but if the growth becomes so strong as to render a transfer necessary, lift every alternate plant, fill the vacant spots with soil, and those left will have room to develop.  Pot the plants that are taken out, give