The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 669 pages of information about The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots.

The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 669 pages of information about The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots.

==Calceolaria.==—­For wealth of bloom, combined with richness and intensity of colouring, the Herbaceous Calceolaria has no rival among biennials.  A large greenhouse filled with fine specimens in their full splendour is a sight which will not soon be forgotten.  One great source of interest lies in the annual changes in shades of colour, and the variations in the markings of individual flowers.  From a first-class strain of seed, high expectation will not be disappointed.  Indeed, the excellence of seedlings is so fully recognised, that there is not the smallest advantage in propagating the plant by the tedious method of cuttings.  But Calceolarias will not be trifled with.  They must have an even temperature and unremitting attention to maintain a thriving condition.  Fill the seed-pans or pots firmly with a compost which is both rich and porous; the last point is of great consequence in helping to secure free drainage.  Make the surface perfectly even, and whiten it with silver sand; this answers the double purpose of revealing the seed and afterwards of showing when it is sufficiently dusted over with fine soil.  Whether or not this method be adopted, the sowing must be thin and even, and as the seed is exceedingly fine, the task is rather a delicate one.  Sheets of glass placed over the pans and turned daily will check rapid evaporation.  Place the pans in a moist, shady spot, where the temperature is constant, and germination will take place in from seven to nine days, when the glass must be promptly removed.  Then comes a critical stage, and a little neglect may result in the loss of past labour, and necessitate a fresh start.  Still keep the pans in some sheltered corner which can be thoroughly shaded from the sun.  This question of shade needs much vigilance.  So also does the supply of water, which must not be administered wholesale, but rather by frequent gentle sprinklings.  On the appearance of the second leaf, promptly prick off the seedlings in carefully prepared pots, allowing about two inches between them.  They will need dexterous manipulation because of their small size, but a skilful hand will transfer them without injury, and perhaps with a little soil adhering to the roots.  As all the seedlings will not be ready at one time, it will probably require about three operations to clear the seed-pans, and the early removals should be so made as to avoid injuring the remainder.  A pen, with the point firmly pressed into the holder, makes a small handy implement for the task.  Retain the seedlings in a sheltered position, and continue the attention as to shade and watering.  In about a month the plants will be ready for thumb pots.

==Canna.==—­In the mixed border, and also in the sub-tropical garden, Cannas are much valued for the exceeding grace and beauty of their foliage.  They should be put into very rich soil; and, like all other plants of rapid growth, they will need copious supplies of water in dry weather.  In mild districts and on dry soils the plants may remain out all the winter, under the protection of a heap of ashes.  But, as a rule, it will be necessary to store them in frames until spring; and they may be finer in the second than in the first season.

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The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.