FOR GREENHOUSE CULTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23436, 26 February 1938, Page 23

FOR GREENHOUSE CULTURE

LACHENALIAS AND FREESIAS One of the most charming sights of early spring is a well-known group of Cape Cowslips, or lachenalias, displayed on the staging of the cool greenhouse. They provide a cheerful splash of colour during August and September. the dominating. colour being yellow, with crimson, scarlet, or green bands edging the tubular blooms of some varieties. The foliage, too. is handsome, spotted attractively, and of a fine deep green. Culture is quite simple, and is mainly a question of steady growing under cool conditions, and judicious feeding when the flower spikes appear. Wellripened and robust bulbs must be potted during, March in suitable compost. Opinions differ as to the latter, one school preferring well-rotted loam, with no addition except good drainage at the base of the pot. Such a medium will, of course, promote sturdy growth, but the utmost care in watering will have to be exercised, or disaster will follow, owing to waterlogged conditions. For the average amateur with less opportunity for frequent inspection of the plants, the following compost may make a "greater appeal. Rotted loam, hand-broken, not sieved, three parts; leaf soil or moss peat, one part; old manure a-half part; and sand according to the texture of the loam. Five-inch pots are the most suitable, and these must be well crocked, and a little rough leaves or other drainage placed over the crocks before adding soil to within. one inch of the top. Place six bulbs evenly N over the surfa je, and cover in, pressing somewhat firmly, when it will be found that they are about half an inch below the surface of the soil, and one inch below the top edge of the pot. Place the pots in a cold frame on an ash bottom, and water in, using a rose on the can. Keep shaded and without further water until growth has commenced, when light, airy, conditions must be provided, and enough water to encourage active root and foliage. When the cold, damp nights of autumn arrive, the plants must be housed in a temperature of 45deg, with plenty of air and a light position. The appearance of the flowering spikes is the signal to commence feeding. Liquid fertiliser, preferably of an organic nature, should be given once a week, and later, rather more often to the stronger varieties. Continue this treatment until the plants are in full flower,- when both feeding and water supply must be gradually eased off as the flowers fade. Ripening off the plants is very important. When the foliage has died down, and water is, of course, no longer required, place the pots on a shelf in full sunlight for several weeks. This is followed by turning out the bulbs, sorting them into sizes, since it will be found that they have each produced several off-sets, and they are then ready for repotting. Those who like plants in baskets will find lachenalias very amenable to this form of treatment, and a very attractive decoration for the conservatory they are. The baskets must be filled round the sides with moss in the usual way, and a somewhat lighter compost than that recommended for pots will be desirable THE FREESIAS The special charm of the freesia is its scent, but modern strains produce a variety of colour undreamed of a few years ago, such is the advance which has been made by the hybridist. From white and all degrees of yellow and orange, through the pinks rose, and carmine, red and crimson shades to lavender, mauve and blue there is something to suit everyone. Culture is simple, and largely follows that already given for lachenalias The best compost consists of good loam, with plenty of sharp sand, and a Mttle bonemeal, and well-drained pots. Eight corms will fill a five-inch pot. Add a little weak soot water occasionally to the feeding instructions. Keep a cool temperature after housing, about 40deg being sufficient, as sturdy stems are desirabl , Support the foliage with four thip sticks and a loon round, or with carnation wires. Dry and ripen off as in the case of lachenalias. Of good varieties there are many among them being Elder’s Gianl White: Buttercup, a splendid yellow: Sweet Lavender: Melody the earliest vellow: and Jojyon a good cherrv-red The mixed hybrids now available are a splendid collection, embracing most of the colours found in the named varieties, and carry an abundance of blooms on stout stems, most of which are fragrant.—W E N. in Amateur Gardening.