ANNUALS FOR AUTUMN SOWING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 10, 5 March 1913, Page 39

ANNUALS FOR AUTUMN SOWING.

Although it is customary to make a sowing of hardy annuals in early spring, to bloom in the ensuing summer, it is not by any means necessary to defer this operation until that season. Many of these charming plants lean safely be in the autumn, and will give a much earlier and brighter display than can be obtained from spring-sown plants. Preparing the Soil. The preparation of the soil is a matter of vital importance if good results are desired. Whatever its nature, whether heavy or light, it must be deeply dug. most annuals producing long roots which go down some distance in search of nutriment. Even better than digging is trenching, which ensures a thorough working of the soil and loosening of the subsoil. Liberal manuring is also desirable, tending to prolong the. flowering season, and ensuring vigorous growth. It may be taken as a general rule that annuals prefer an open, sunny position, fully exposect to light and air; for while it is true that some will grow fairly well

in semi shade, the plants are not so sturdy or vigorous in growth, nor are the flowers so good in colour and texture as are those raised in full sunlight. On the other hand, it is by no means necessary that plants should be iu direct sunlight throughout the day. Many annuals may be grown to perfection where the sun strikes on the bed only for a few hours daily, especially m the morning. When preparing the beds for sowing annuals, the soil, after having been trenched or deeply dug. should be levelled, and the surface made fairly fine, stones and other rubbish being removed. Avoid sowing too deeply, as failures are often expe*riene*e*d from this cause. Seed should he sown at a depth proportionate to its size, but. as a rough rule, a quarter of an inch should suflice for seed of moderate size, while very small seed should be scattered on the surface. How to Sow. Annuals are best sown in lines, ami as thinly as possible. When dealing with very small seed, it is advisable to mix

it with a quantity of fine sand, ami then to distribute the mixture over the allotted area. Mark off the bed. using a rod of string to keep the lines straight. The distance lietween each row will depend on the height the plants attain, l»ut should never lie less than six inches—this for plants which do not reach more than that in height. For taller-growing subjects reaching up to 18 inches in height, a foot will suffice, but the plants when up must be rigorously thinned out. Should the weather prove dry for some days after sowing, it will be well to give the lines an occasional soaking with a tine rosed watering can to assist the seeds to germinate. _ As soon as the seedlings are well up. they should be thinned out. for it is essential that the growth should be iu no wise retarded, but should be stocky and sturdy from the outset, if the young plants are to withstand the rigours of winter. In bleak, exposed situations, it, may in some cases be necessary to provide a little protection during very severe weather, but. under ordinary circumstances, this should not be required. The following are a few of the annuals which especially lend themselves to autumn sowing. Some Good Subjects. Sweet Alyssum (A. maritimum) is a charming plant, white flowered and fra grant. The type reaches a height of six inches, but the variety. Little Dorrit. is a dwaiter and greatly improved form, densely covered with snowy blossom. The Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) cannot be left out. for it is particularly useful for cutting. In addition to the typical blue, there are several other colours obtainable. The height ranges from two to three feet. The Erysimum is very showy, the best variety being E. perofskianum. bearing rich orange-coloured flowers, sweetly scented. It averages eighteen inches in height. The Eschscholtzia has been greatly improved in recent years, and is now alto gether invaluable. The type has bright, vel low flowers, but there arc many varieties with brilliant colours. They all reach about a foot in height. Godetias are related to the Evening Primrose, and are to be regarded as amongst the most effective of hardy an nual.s. There are named varieties, or mixed seed can be obtained, giving a good range of colours. Shirley Poppies. Shirley poppies are among the most popular of the Papaver family, and are handsome when cut. There* art* numerous nhades of colour, and a packet of seed will pro,vide a glorious assortment, including brilliant scarlet-crimson. blu.sh, apricot, salmon-pink, ami white, with an edging of another colour. The height is from two to three feet. Larkspurs, the annual form of the Delphinium, also furnish many eoloui*. including dark blue, bright blue, purple, rose, and white. The double* varieties are most .satisfactory, the dwarf double •stock-flowered averaging one foot in height, and the tall double stock-flowered two and a-ha If feet.