MIMULUS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 303, 18 September 1936, Page 16

MIMULUS

For Moist, Shady Situations

The Mimulus is a plant which, though used very largely in gardens before the war, is not seen so frequently as it should be these days.. In one particular respect it is mose valuable, for it is a shade and moisture-loving plant and, therefore, of particular use for those damp and dark corners of the garden. , Plants all ready for bedding out can be purchased from the end of'September onwards in the same way as other plants, but as it is so easily grown from seed, many amateurs may care to choose this, the cheaper way, of obtaining their stocks. The old-fashioned Musk (Mimulus moschatus) Is easily raised, and there are several varieties of Giant-flowered Mimulus which have highly-coloured blooms of large size. Sow seed in boxes of gritty soil, making sure that the drainage is perfect. Sow thinly and only just cover the seed so that it is out of sight. , Water the boxes well before sowing, then watering won’t be necessary again for some days. „ •

A very important point is the pricking out. Left too long, with the plants rather thickly together, damping-off sets up. But If the youngsters are pricked off when they have three, or at the most, four tiny leaves, the trouble is avoided.

Once the plants have been pricked off—-about 2in. apart—and they have recovered somewhat, get them used to more airy conditions gradually, until they may be placed outside. Dig the ground where the plants are to grow, but don’t over-manure it. Put the plants 6in. or 81n. apart and make the roots firm in the ground.

Should the weather at planting time be very bright, place a few shrub or tree branches among the plants to break the sun’s rays and spray the plants early in the evening for the first week, if there is promise of a mild night.