CLARKIA
C. elegans. C. pulchella. Hardy annuals
The two distinct classes of Clarkia named above include several
varieties that have long been freely grown in gardens as summer annuals.
But the very beautiful recent introductions in the Elegans class have
lifted these flowers to a
higher plane of usefulness for producing
brilliant sheets of colour in beds, borders, shrubberies, and beside
carriage drives. Although all the Clarkias bloom profusely in ordinary
garden soil they well repay liberal treatment. Seed may be sown from
March to May, or in September if an early display is wanted. In good
ground each plant of the Pulchella varieties should be allowed a space
of eight or ten inches, but rather more room must be given to the
Elegans class to do the plants justice.
The Elegans varieties are of special value when treated as pot plants
for conservatory decoration in May and June. From seed sown in August or
early in September the plants can be slowly grown into magnificent
specimens four feet high and almost as much in diameter. Our own
practice is to sow thinly in clean well-drained 48-size pots. These are
placed in a temperature of from 50 deg. to 55 deg., and when the seedlings are
large enough to handle they are pricked off into shallow boxes about
three inches apart, the base of the boxes being freely perforated to
insure ample drainage. The most suitable soil is composed of equal parts
of sound loam and leaf-mould, with the addition of a gallon of coarse
sand to each bushel of the mixed soil. After the plants are well
established, ventilate freely to secure robust growth. When three inches
high pinch out the points, and a little later transfer separately to
small pots, keeping them close for a few days and as near the glass as
possible. As the roots develop, transfer again to larger pots, and then
the second and final stopping of the shoots must be done. Should very
large plants be wanted they can be flowered in 16-size pots, using a
compost slightly heavier than that advised at a younger stage of growth.
The night temperature during winter should be about 45º, giving air
freely by day whenever possible to do so with safety. As the branches
need support, sticks of a suitable length must be provided, and the
stems tied out in good time to prevent them from breaking off.
Previous: CINERARIA
Next: CLERODENDRON FALLAX
|
|
| SHARE | |
 |
|
| ADD TO EBOOK |
