NEMESIA STRUMOSA SUTTONI

Half-hardy annual



THIS beautiful South African annual is remarkable for its floriferous

character, long duration of bloom, and diversity of colour. Since we

introduced it to this country in 1888 it has attained great popularity

as a pot plant for table decoration, and some of the most resplendent

bedding effects in public parks and gardens have been secured with this

flower.



For an early show of bloom sow in pots or pans in March under glass,

using a compost consisting largely of good fibrous loam, with the

addition of a small proportion of wood ashes. No more heat than

necessary should be used, and when the seedlings are large enough to

handle prick them off and gradually harden for planting out in May.

Other sowings may be made in May and June, and at this period of the

year the seed germinates most quickly in boxes placed in a cool shady

spot out of doors. In early summer seed may also be sown in the open

border, and by thinning to a distance of six or eight inches sturdy

plants will be secured, which will remain in bloom until quite late in

autumn.



For winter and early spring flowering in pots seed should be sown in

August or September. There must be no attempt at forcing, or attenuated

worthless plants will result. A further sowing may be made in January

for blooming in the later spring months.



Like the seed of Verbena, Furze, and some other subjects, the

germination of Nemesia under artificial conditions is somewhat

capricious, but no difficulty will be experienced with open-air sowings.