Wide Selection Of Bedding Plants Discussed

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31499, 13 October 1967, Page 6

Wide Selection Of Bedding Plants Discussed

Reference to seed sowing in tbis article on bedding plants, and also in the first article, means either direct sowing, or in seed beds or boxes. Some plants do not transplant well, and are best sown in the spot where they are going to grow, while others handle well, and can be raised and planted out as desired.

Ipomea comprise some of the loveliest of flowering climbing plants. They are half hardy annuals, also known as morning glory and moon creeper. They are suited by warm rich soil, in full sun. They are very free flowering, seme of the blooms exceeding 4in across. The blooms open in the morning and fade by noon, hence the common name The seed can be sown now direct where they are to flower but should be soaked for 24 hours first.

Lathyrus is more familiarly known as sweet pea and can be had as a dwarf growing plant, attaining little more than 12in in height, or the firmly-established old favourites, which, under optimum conditions, may climb 8 to 10 feet. Good response can be had from growing in a well-limed soil that has had ample organic matter added to it Seed can be sown from August to November for flowering between December and March. Lobelia is a half hardy and hardy perennial genus, some of which are treated as annuals, growing up to 12 inches high. Blue and white colours predominate. The plants are most suitable for edging paths and seed can be sown in boxes in September and can be stopped when about one inch high to induce bushiness. Plant in full sun. Flowering may commence in December and continue until April.

Mathiola will be a most unfamiliar plant name for it seems to be very rarely used. It is the botanical name for

that widely grown hardy bedding plant, stock, which can be sown virtually the whole year round. Size of plants vary from dwarf to 2 feet and apart from producing racemes of flowers which vary in colour from white to bluish, yellow, purple and red many are endowed with a beautiful fragrance such as Mathiola bicorius, the nightscented stock. These plants are gross feeders. and respond to liberal topdressjngs of organic matter. Mesembryanthemum represents half hardy succulents of low spreading nature, ideal for dry sunny positions and hard to beat for the sheer brilliance of colours of the daisy like flowers—red, white, yellow, orange, purple and shades. It is known as Livingstone daisy or less frequently as fig marigold and includes the familiar ice plant. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Sow seed in September for planting out in October. Flowering can be expected from December onwards.

Mimulus (Monkey Musk or Monkey Flower) can be sown in spring or autumn and 'is noted for the brightly coloured gloxinia-like flowers. It is a plant which generally thrives in moist conditions, in sun or semi-shade. Although perennials these plants are treated as annuals and sowings. can be made in September to October in warmer conditions also in autumn. Nemesia is a half hardy annual from South Africa and plants var' in height from 6in to 12in Easily grown and quick flowering, the plants make a good bedding display from December through February if the seed is sown now, preferably in boxes. A cool sheltered position with good drainage is desirable.

Petunia. It is impossible to overlook these plants however familiar they may seem. The advent of F.l. hybrids has given rise to a vastly superior line of plants of greater vigour and uniformity of both colour and habit. These hybrids are'the result of isolating and self-pollinat-ing two parent strains for several generations until they breed absolutely true to type. Seed from hybrids themselves will not bried true and the same crossing must be repeated to obtain the same

strain again. Magnificent displays can be obtained from petunias, which flower until killed by the frost Recommendations are for sowing the seed in boxes containing vermiculite by scattering the seed thinly on top, keeping it moist and covered with glass under germination. Seedlings can be transplanted in November in position of shade or sun.

Salpiglossis.—lf I had to have at least one annual in my garden my choice might be a bed of painted tongues. These distinct and really beautiful flowers, which are funnel-shaped with a wide throat, come in many strains and varieties, in colours ranging from yellow and mahogany to crimson and blue, all with the characteristic mottling and veining. A good, well-drained rich soil suits t’-.em to perfection. Sow in September in boxes or seed bed and transplant in November. The flowering period is between January and March. Salvia is another genus which is really so well known that perhaps it should not be discussed in detail. However, this plant, with its fiery red flowers, also has blue forms such as Salvia farinacea, and Salvia patens, with gentian blue flowers Seed can be sown in September for planting out in November, in sun or shade. Heights vary from 12in to 30in. The flowering period is from January to May. Tagetes are better known as French and African marigolds. Hybridisation has added stature to one of the favourite bedding plants, which can provide such a colourful display of yellow and reds. Even plants which

do not exceed 12in can be had with flowers as big as tennis balls. Selection can provide for flowering from December through April into May. Tithonia is noted for the brilliance of its orange-red dahlia-like flowers which are 3in to 4in across. The plant, which grows from 3ft to sft or more in height, depending on variety, is frost tender and requires a warm sheltered and well drained position, but average soil. Seed sown in September can be expected to flower between February and March. Ursinla is an easily grown South African half hardy annual of very free flowering nature. The daisy-like flowers of vivid orange zoned around the centre with chestnut-red are carried above attractive, finely cut foliage. Requirements are for a welldrained soil in a sunny position. Seed can be sown now direct or -in boxes for transplanting in November. Size varies from really dwarf forms of 4in to Others up to 2ft. Flowering is from December into January. Zinnia is, for an unknown reason, known as Youth and Old Age in its country of origin, Mexico. These flowers, which really need warmth, good drainage and rich soil together with a sunny position to show their beauty to best advantage, provide an exceptionally wide choice of colours of outstanding merit: both very small and tall growing forms are available too. Seed should be sown in October, either directly in the border or in boxes or seed bed for planting out in December. Flowering is between February and April.