THE GARDEN

Southland Times, Issue 24873, 13 October 1942, Page 6

THE GARDEN

PERENNIALS FROM SEED By RIWHI Now that the rush of work for the raising of annuals is past its peak it is time to think of the sowing of perennials. Stocks of perennials can, of course, be increased by other means than the sowing of seed—it is possible to divide those that grow in clumps, to make layerings or take cuttings. There is always, however, a place for growing new plants from seed. It is the cheapest way of obtaining stocks; the stock so obtained will certainly be vigorous and healthy, and there is the thrill of expectancy of new or brilliant shades of colour and plants of exceptional quality. Perennials do not usually flower from seed in the first season of growth,-and this is why the sowings are delayed till late spring when conditions are so much more favourable for germination. The following varieties may be sown: Anchusa, anemone, aquilegia, carnation, delphinium, gaillardia, geum, gypsophila, hollyhock, lupin, penstemon, phlox, pyrethrum, scaoiosa, polyanthus, auricula. These may be sown out-of-doors in a well prepared nursery plot or in pots or boxes in the glasshouse. The latter method will give the best results so long as the seedlings are not coddled after germination has taken place. In some cases germination will be slow and irregular, and it may even be necessary to withdraw the first seedlings from the seed pan to be pricked out, leaving the soil as little disturbed as possible until other seeds have been given every opportunity. The seed pans should be covered with sheets of gltfes and kept moist at a temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. HARDENING OFF As soon as the seedlings have been pricked out they should be given more air and should be gradually hardened off so that they can be placed out-of-doors altogether. From the boxes the seedlings may again be transplanted into nursery quarters in the garden where they will spend the rest of the summer. They should be ready for planting into their permanent quarters in March or April. In the case of' polyanthus it is especially necessary to see that there is no lack of moisture during the hottest months of summer, they should be lined out where they get shade in the afternoon. SOWING OUT-OF-DOORS If seeds are sown in the garden the soil should be carefully prepared and some sharp sand and leaf mould incorporated. Partial shading should be given until germination has been effected. The more hardy types such as anchusa, gaillardia, hollyhock and lupin are probably better grown in the open. With few exceptions perennials are especially fond of lime and applications should be made where the young plants are to be lined out as well as on the sites where they are to be permanently planted. Hardy perennials have always been characteristic features of “English” gardens and the majority of our old fashioned flowers belong to this group. Of all sections of garden plants they are on the’ whole the most satisfying and the most interesting. Each individual plant comes to possess a certain character and certain associations of its own, which no annual and no tender transplanted flower of a season can ever possess.