THE FLOWER GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 23497, 10 February 1940, Page 6

THE FLOWER GARDEN

This will be a busy month for the chrysanthemum grower. All side growths must be removed from the plants of the large Japanese varieties, and buds which are just forming must he retained. All buds which are showing from the 20th of the month should he taken. This is advised for the lateflowering varieties, but for the earlyflowering sorts the buds are better when taken about the end of the month or the beginning of March. When the buds have been taken a weak solution of manure water should be given about twice a week, but, as the buds commence to swell the strength of the manure may be increased.

With decora tives and exhibition singles the buds should not be taken until at least about the middle of March, or else the flowers will be coarse and the colour poor. It is essential that all growths should be kept well tied or else much damage can be done at this time of the year with the action of the winds.

American perpetual-flowering carnations should have their last stopping. Keep the plants well sprayed. Once a week is sufficient. The writer uses pinepestol liquid for this work, as it keeps down one of the worst pests that carnations are affected with, and that is rust. The plants will require a little feeding if they are in 6in pots at this stage, but the plant food must he weak Animal manures are the best for this purpose. Carnations do not enjoy artificial manures to any extent. They can be destroyed by using strong chemical manures. Keep the surface open, and all weeds must be removed before they attain any size. Wallflowers, sweetwilliams. Canterbury bells, polyanthus, etc., which were raised early should be pricked out into prepared beds for transplanting later into their permanent quarters. There' is still time to make sowings of these.