RAPID FLOWER CULTURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1640, 28 April 1883, Page 7

RAPID FLOWER CULTURE.

(Sutton's Amateur Guide.) Notes on Raisino the Choicest Flowers

pboji Seed instead of by Propagation.

Another and simpler proceeding will prodnce fairly good results, and we give it for the benefit of those whose resources may be small, or who do not care to incur the trouble of the other method. In some spot shaded from the sun make a heap of stable manure rather larger than the light to be placed upon it. Level the top, and cover with four or five inches of rich soil. Place the frame upon it with the light a trifle open. When the thermometer indicates 60deg draw drills at six inches apart ; sow the seed and cover with a little sifted soil. The light had better not be quite closed, in case of a rise of temperature. As the plants thrive, gradually give more air until in April the showers may be allowed to fall directly upon them in the daytime. Keep the seedlings free from Aphis, either by tobacco smoke or by one of the excellent insecticides now made for the purpose. When the plants are about three inches high they will be quite ready for the open ground, and a showery day best suits the transfer. After thebed has served its purpose the manure will be in the best possible condition for onriching the garden. In the event of there being no frame to spare, drive a stake into each corner of the bed. Connect the tops of the stakes about one foot from the surface'of the bed with four rods secured by nails, and upon these place other rods, over and around which any protecting material at command may be used. With this simple contrivance it is quite possible to grow Asters in a satisfactory manner. Tjhe finest asters are frequently grown in the open air, entirely without the aid of artificial heat, and indeed without any of the usual horticultural appliances. Those who possess the best possible resources will find additional advantages in resorting also to this mode of culture. It gives another string to the bow, and prolongs the season of flowering. For open-air sowings in April,' make the surface level and fine, and about the middle of that month "draw drills three inches deep. In these place an inch of finely-prepared rich soil, and if it is largely mixed with ashes frcn a smother, so much the better. The distance between the drills should be regulated by the variety. For tall-growingsorts, such as Sutton's Giant French, or Victoria, 12 to 15 inchesbetween the rows will not be too much. Ten inches will suffice for the dwarfs, and eight for the miniatures. Sow the seed thinly and evenly, and cover carefully with about half an inch of fine soil. Commence early to thin the plants, always leaving the strongest, and to do this so that finally they will be left at from 8 to 12 inches apart, according to the sort. Keep the ground clean, and before the flowering stage is reached gently stir the surface, but not deep enough to injure the roots, and give a good top-dressing of well-decayed manure. This operates beneficially in keeping the surface cool and moist, and it also promotes the growth of the plant. On no account use raw dung or in a few days the plants will look scorched. In that case further trouble will be wasted, and they may as well be destroyed at once. An occasional application of manure water will be beneficial. Do not allow this to touch tho foliage, but deliver it entirely on the soil, and take care that it is not too strong. For tall varieties it may be needful to provide support. Place a neat stick on that side of the plant towards which it leans ; this takes the strain off the tying material, and saves the plant from being cut or half-straugled. In a dry season, and especially on light soils, thore must be a bountiful supply of soft water, alternated every fuw days with the manure water already alluded to. Evening is the best time to apply it. Asters are liable to the attacks of aphis, both green and black. Syringe with a solution of some insecticide on two or three occasions, at intervals of about three days, and a clearance will generally be effected. Other foes are the various grubs which attack plants at the collar and produce speedy death. On the first sign of failing vigour gently remove with a pointed stick or label the soil around the plant, and in doing this avoid any needless disturbance of the roots. Do noL be satisfied until the enemy is destroyed.

Plants reserved for show purposes require rather more room than we have stated. Only about five buds should bs matured by each, and these, of course, the finest. To bring the various shades of colour to perfection on the same day, it is necessary to remember that dark colours, such as purple and red, come to maturity rather earlier than the lighter tints ; hence the former should be shaded a few days in advance of the latter. To prepare flowers for exhibition is in itself an art, and each cultivator must be guided by his own resources and experience.

Asters in pots make excellent decorative subjects. It is only necessary to lift plants carefully from the borders with a ball of earth surrounding the roots, and pot them just before the buds expand.

Asler seed is not an easy thing to harvest well, particularly in damp weather. The flatpetalled varieties are especially liable to injury, for the lnatuivo flowers retain so much moisture thai the orfCciiis of fructification are easily damaged or destroyed. In certain seasons (such as the autumn of 1SS1) it is next to impossible to secure seed which is really strong in germinating power. But we never allow seed to be sent out unless we are convinced that it will grow satisfactorily under favourable circumstances. Still we advise the cultivator not to risk all in one venture, but to make at least two sowings. Frequently when one sowing fails, success may be obtained at a second attempt from the same {jacket of seed.

• October in Now Zealand,