NICOTIANA AFFINIS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20483, 8 December 1934, Page 32 (Supplement)

NICOTIANA AFFINIS.

VALUABLE PLANTS FOR SUMMER BEDDING. This white-flowered tobacco plant, whose flowers are so sweetly-scented in the evening, is worth more wide cultivation. Although of the same genus as the plant that produces the tobacco of commerce, the leaves of this plant have no commercial value. To raise from seed, use a compost of about equal proportions of loam, leaf-mould and sand, and having well crocked a box or pan, fill to within half an inch of the top. Press it for a time to drain, sow the seeds thinly, and cover them lightly with soil. The seeds will germinate in a temperature of 50 deg., but would be better for on© of 60 deg., coming quicker and stronger. When large enough to handle, prick off the seedlings, about an inch apart, into other boxes, and give them plenty of light and air, with a genial warmth, to encourage them to take hold of the fresh soil. When they tuft with on© another, pot them up separately into the 2in size. As soon as the roots are well through the soil give another shift, say, into 3£in pots, and later pot them on into the sin or 6in size, in which they may be flowered, or if larger plants are wanted, they can again be moved, this time into 3in pots. For pot culture, a compost of three parts loam to one each of leafmould, well»!ecayed manure, and sand, will do admirably. When the plants are well in growth, they may be fed with weak liquid manure, but this may be discontinued when the plants commence to flower. Do not forget to 6take the flower stem as it grows. IfMhe plants are intended for the outdoor garden, the treatment need not be so elaborate. When pricking them off, more space can be given between them, and this will obviate the necessity for giving them another move so soon. Then, when the weather gets sufficiently mild, the box can be transferred to a cold frame, where they will grow slowly, and be hardened off prior to planting out towards the end of November. N. Sanderae i© one of the finest sorts, as it is of graceful branching habit. It blooms over a long period, the colours varying from white to flesh-pink, rose and crimson. N. affinis is the old sweet-scented tobacco, with pure white flowers; it is excellent for pot culture. N. Sylvestris has very handsome foliage, which produces a sub-tropical effect, and long tubular white flowers. STOPPING VINE SHOOTS. Good grapes cannot be had when vines <«re allowed to grow without restraint. But with this simple little figure foi* guidance, anyone can succeed. Vines

are hard-pruned to spurs in winter. The best new growth only from each spur is retained to fruit. This is stopped at one leaf beyond the bunch of fruit, as shown, and” all lateral shoots removed entirely, except that the end one may be allowed to extend to and retain its second leaf. SULPHUR TOMATOES. Tomatoes at this season are benefited by occasional dustings with powdered sulphur. This acts as a fungicide, and as a fertiliser, and if a little sulphate of potash is added to the soil it keeps the plants in a healthy condition and to promote the growth of fruit and improve its flavour. This, of course, does not do away altogether with spraying with arsenate of lead as protection against caterpillar and other fruit destroying insects. MYSTERIES OF PRICKING OUT Just now there are multitudes of little plants being “pricked out” from their seed boxes or pans into other boxes, pan or pots, and it is an operation that requires a good deal of skill and patience. The best way to go about this job is to moisten the soil around the seedlings an hour or so before the pricking out is to be done. This makes the soil cling to the roots. Also moisten the new soil. Then care should be taken to make the hole into

that there is ample room and to spare. The little plant can then be held with its roots dangling into the hole and in such a position that ensures it being planted at the correct depth, neither insufficiently covered nor nearly buried. A pinch or two on the side with a blunt stick fixes the roots in the soil, and a few drops of water will finish the job. Do not attempt to hold the tiny plants in your hand —unless you are an expert —they are so easily crushed. Us© a forked stick, a small table fork, or even an okl narrow screwdriver blade. A gas mantle fork is ideal. Do not swamp the little plants with water; keep them out of the direct sunshine for a few days; a few hours away from the light will help them to recover. INCREASING HERBS. This is a good time to increase herbs. Sage is best rooted from cuttings. Common thyme can be raised from seed, but the lenfon should be propagated by cuttings. Chevril is raised from seeds, and about three sowings should be made during the season. Mint is best propagated by thrusting a knife, when the young shoots are above the ground, severing the root stem below, and lifting out the young shoots with a tuft of roots attached. These grow away at once when planted in fresh ground.