POLYANTHUS AND PRIMROSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1046, 9 August 1930, Page 30

POLYANTHUS AND PRIMROSES

Polyanthus Is among the most beautiful of spring-flowering plants, whether groups of it are grown by themselves or In conjunction with other plants, as a groundwork for Tulips and Daffodils, or an edging to wallflowers, for instance. They are also extremely effective massed in borders, thin shrubberies, or in semiwild places and woodland areas. There are now many fine strains obtainable, which come fairly true from seed, especially the yellow and white varieties. Seeds may be sown now in pans or boxes under glass, in friable soil, to produce strong plants for flowering the following year. After sowing, the soil should never be allowed to become dry, otherwise the seed-coat hardens and germination is affected. If seed is sown under glass, the resultant plants should be hardened off gradually and transplanted to the open ground as soon as they are large enough, in rows nine inches apart, with four inches betw-een the plants. During hot weather it may be necessary to water the plants, but much depends on the soil and situation in which they are growing. A partiallyshaded situation with a northern aspect, is preferable for growing the plants during summer. They will grow in any good soil, providing it is well dug, and contains plenty of humus, without being light. Keep the surface soil stirred between the rows with a Dutch hoe at frequent intervals, to conserve moisture and destroy weeds. Hoeing promotes growth to a remarkable extent. DIVIDING THE OLD PLANTS Polyanthus may also be increased by division and if care is exercised, splendid plants may be obtained by the following autumn. On passing out of flow'er the plants will split up into several heads or crowns, when they may be separated and transplanted, growing them in the same way as advised for seedlings during summer. The plants soon feel the effects of removal, consequently they should be ieplanted with as little delay as possible. Take care to preserve as many roots as possible when dividing the old plants. The ground intended for the summer quarters should be shady and moist, and prepared some weeks before planting, adding at the same time a good dressing of manure. The divided plants may be put in closely, when the leaves will soon cover the ground, thus reducing evaporation considerably.