DOUBLE SCARLET NASTURTIUM.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1930, Page 18

DOUBLE SCARLET NASTURTIUM.

The tall or climbing nasturtium is more or less a weed. They grow with great freedom and clothe many a vacant spot with their light green foliage and various coloured flowers. The double scarlet is, however, a much more desirable plant and one worthy of a place in any garden where there is a position suitable. It has a certainadvantage over the single varieties, inasmuch that it docs, not produce seed. The position suited, to it is a hot, dry bank where the soil is not too rich. It a’so looks well cliraing over a dry, stony wall. The nasturtium is one of those plants which should not have too liberal treatment. When grown in a rich soil and moist position they make so much foliage that the flowers are hidden, whereas when gi'owii in' poor soil the flowers stand out above the foliage, and the plant is of much more decorative value. It is propagated by cuttings taken off any time during the summer. The growing shoots make good cuttings,• and should be taken off about six inches long. All the flower buds should be removed... This is important, as it is detrimental to a cutting rooting if it is trying to develop flower buds? Trim the cutting as close to a joint as possible with a sharp knife, remove the lower leaves. The cuttings should be planted in., sandy soil, which should Ire made firm. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings shaded till they are rooted.