STATICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 732, 3 August 1929, Page 28

STATICE

POPULAR EVERLASTING FLOWER The statice is a charming border flower for summer and one of great beauty and usefulness all through the following autumn, winter and spring When the seeds are received from the seedsman, they look like badlywithered flowers from a rubbish heap. They should be carefully sown, however. They are in the shape of pods; each large pod contains about six ' seeds, and strong pods may be broken up. Small ones should be sown intact, j It is advisable to order these seeds and sow them in August in a box,

! placing the seeds about two inches apart in good loam, and covering them . three-qaurters of an inch deep with fine loam. Drain the box thoroughly, keep the box in a greenhouse or frame until the seedlings are well clear of the soil then place the box in a sheltered position outside and finally transplant in October. Dig the soil deeply, manure it well and make it firm. In late summer you should cut the dowers with long stems while the blooms are fresh and at their best. Suspend them in small bunches in a cool, airy shed for several weeks; do not place the stems in water or they will decay. For winter decorations place the stems in vases; these also must not contain water.