DOUBLE SCARLET NASTURTIUM

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 187, 9 August 1930, Page 6 (Supplement)

DOUBLE SCARLET NASTURTIUM

(Tropacolum Ma jus Plena.)

The tall or climbing nasturtium is more or less a weed in vacant places about Auckland. They grow with great freedom and clothe many a vacant spot with their light green foliage and various coloured flowers. The double scarlet is, however, a much more desirable plant and one worthy of a place in any garden where there is a position suitable. It has a certain advantage over the single varieties, inasmuch that it does not produce seed. The position suited to it is a hot, dry bank where the soil is not too rich. It also looks well climbing over a dry, stony, wall. The nasturtium is one of those plants which should not have liberal treatment. When grown in a rich soil and moist position thev make so much foliage that the flowers are hidden, whereas when grown in poor soil the flowers stand out above the foliage, and the plant*is of much more decorative value. It is propagated by I .cuttings taken off any time during the summer. The growing shoots make good cuttings, and should, be taken off about six inches long. All the flower buds should be removed. This is' important, as it is detrimental to a cutting rooming if it is trying to develop flower buds. Trim the cutting as close to a joint as possible with a sharp knife, remove the lower leaves. The cuttings should be planted in sandy soil, which should be made firm. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings shaded till thdy are rooted.