They Repay Abundantly

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 94, 20 April 1940, Page 7 (Supplement)

They Repay Abundantly

THE amateur gardener as a rule does not nearly appreciate the capabilities of liliums as pot plants. Given ordinary care and attention they repay their owner with a magnificent wealth of their gorgeous and powerfully scented blossoms. They are splendidly accommodating plants, for they can be grown to perfection on verandahs and in small greenhouses.

J lie present is a good time to make a st.u t and liear in mind that tlic earlier \ou coinnicncc the better chance of success, for no bulb deteriorates more rapidly bv exposure to the atmosphere. Obtain Tin or Sin pots and well drain tlie 111, [Hitting in at least two inches of drainage material. Then place on this a layer of rough loam, to prevent the tiner soil from washing down into the drainage material and eo blocking the drainage. Now iill the pot threiv parts full with a compost of loam, to which has been added one-third part of leaf soil and sand. Plant the bulbs (irmly, placing a little coarse sand beneath each, and lill the pots to within an inch of the rim. In tli* case of sueh varieties as A lira turn :iikl Speciosum, the potting should be deeper (.-ay, half the depth nf the pot), just the bulb with soil, t>o that as soon as the stem roots are seen to be forming they can be topdressed with the same compost. In a Shaded Position Stand the potted plants outdoors in a shady position and cover with leaf soil or sand to a depth of four inches. hen the top growth commences to push .through this, remove them to the verandah, greenhouse or cold frame. \Vater must be given carefully, increasing the supply as the growth advances. The plants should stand so that the poU are shaded, while the top growth is in full sun. While in full growth, abundance of water will be required, and from the time the buds form until the 'flowers open weak liquid, manure should be given. Staking must be atteirkxl to early, taking care when inserting the stake not to push it through the bulb. If large pots or tubs are available, several bulbs may be planted in each. When flowering is over stand the pots in full sunlight and as the foliage rij>ens gradually reduce the supply of water. When the stems have died away shake out the bulbs and rc-pot at once, for they commence to send out new roots immediately. Offsets, which inay be found attached to the mother 'bulb, should lie pulled off and planted in pans or and grown 011 for a season.