CARE IN SOWING SEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

CARE IN SOWING SEEDS.

| Seeds of both the begonia and gloxinia are very small and need to bo sown with the greatest care on a finely sifted surface of fine soil. Well-decomposed leaf mould with a little silver sand is the best. Fairly shallow pans are preferable for sowing the seed and in no case should a large body of soil bo used, an inch to an inch and a-half of soil being ample. Whether sown in pans, boxes, or pots, tho bottom portion should consist of rough soil or other material that will allow of free drainage. On this, the depth of soil mentioned should bo placed, mado perfectly level, and watered with a fine rose. Then carefully sow the seeds as evenly as possible over tho surface, cover with a pane of glass and shado with a piece of paper until the seeds show signs of'germination, when the paper should bo removed. Tho soil should be kept at a nice oven moisture, but in no case over-sodden. Once the seedlings are well up, the glass should be removed and the plants placed near tho glass to prevent them from bocoming drawn and weak. As soon as tho- plants uro large enough to properly handle they should be pricked out into pans, pots or boxes, containing similar soil. Then, as soon as large enough, any of tho most forward plains may bo potted off singly and if carefully looked after will flower freely.

ESCHSCHOLTZIA. Of recent years special attention has been paid to the improvement of the oldfashioned flower, eschscholtzia, resulting in a number of extremely beautiful varieties. They show a distinct range of most brilliant colouring, producing a gorgeous effect for summer bedding. Although eschscholtzias We strictly perenials the modern system is to grow them as annuals; they are very hardy and seeds sown in the autumn in the open ground, where they arc intended to flower, and thinned to suitable distances apart, arc now strong, healthy plants that will come into flower next month. Sowings made now will provide a further succession of bloom. The improved strains have a wide range of attractive colours, comprising various shades of bright orange and yellow, coppery orange, scarlet, apricot- buff, old rose, claret, chamois, richest crimson and ivory white—there is a doublo orange-coloured form. The original species is a native of California, known as the Californian poppy. Eschscholtzias ( require to be grown in groups or masses and are specially suited for the rock garden wall.