AMONG THE FLOWERS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 6, 22 January 1937, Page 15

AMONG THE FLOWERS

SWEET PEAS. — January and early February ushers in some particularly attractive subjects for planting. Among the most prominent is the sowing of winter sweet peas. The ground requires to be deeply trenched and plenty of rotted manure aug into the soil. A spiinkling of lime and bonedust will also do good. Soak the seeds in water a few hours before sowing. This, during the dry weather, helps germination. The spencer waved vai'ieties are by far the best strain to plant. SPRAYING FOR PESTS— How ara your chrysanthemum plants? Keep a good look-out for rust. This may be checked by spraying with lime and sulphur solution. Many early plants are showing buds. These shoiild be thinned out if good buds are required. Caterqillars are appearing in wholesase numbersj spray with arsenate of lead, li teaspoonfuls per gallon of water. Any insect life on rose or dahlia foliage may be controlled with Black Leaf 40, 1J teaspoonfuls per gallon. HARDY ANNUALS TO SET.— The planting of annuals at this period of the year is always more or less a ticklish job as the gardener has to consider what will succeed in the dry period. For hot borders marigolds are unsurpassed and last a long time in blossom. Phlox and petunias are good subjects and are very bright and showy. Plant the above about 12in. apan&. Other subjects for setting are amaranthus, pyrethrum, celosia, salvia cockscomb and portulacca. POT PLANTS.— Coleus plants are very popular for house decoration, tne brilliantiy coloured foliage being suitable for indoor work. lviany are now begjinning to throw up flower heads. These should be pinches out as tliey spoil and weaken the plant. Whera • plants have drawn up long and spindly, the centres should be nipped out to make them braneh. Most palms, aspadistras and ferns at this period quickly respond to liquid manure. _ Apply after watering say once a fortmght. SEEDS TO SET.— For outside sowing of flower seeds the ground' will be to dry. Most seeds are very small and will be burnt up and eo gardeners are well advised to confine their seed sowing to boxes. The following varieties may now be sown : — Iceland poppies and viola for bedding, antirrhinum, larkspur and calliopsis for borders, anemone and ranunculus for making young bulbs for late spring floweting.