SEEDLING HOLLYHOCKS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 42, 13 November 1936, Page 16

SEEDLING HOLLYHOCKS

Are More Vigorous Seedling hollyhocks are less liable to be attacked by rust disease, and this is a vital consideration, for a sharp attack of rust can spoil a hollyhock display in no time. If you have a cold frame, germinate the seed in it and keep the plants there until next August. Mix a riddled compost of loam three parts, leafmould. lime rubble and sand one part each and, having filled clean, welldrained 3in. pots fairly firmly to within l-31n. of the top, sow one seed Jin. deep at the centre of each pot. After sowing, water through a rosed can and throw a sack over the light until the seedlings appear. Afterward water and ventilate carefully, more generously, of course, while summer lasts, but never forgetting that the plants are really hardy.

Where the frame method is not possible, sow in a fairly rich, well-drained border. Dibble in the seed separately, half an inch deep into firm, fine land. This method obviates the necessity for transplanting into nursery beds.

After the seedlings show, dress them lightly fortnightly and alternately with weathered soot and lime, stirring in each application. The foliage is retained through winter, in fact, before then, the plants will be tall enough to need a stake.

In early May, mulch with an inch layer of well-rotted stable manure, keeping it clear of the stems.