FOR DECORATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 January 1939, Page 2

FOR DECORATION

COREOPSIS GRANDIFLORA UNEQUALLED.

Where large quantities of flowers are required for decorative purposes and for border decoration in early summer, this plant is unequalled. Although a true perennial, the best results are obtained from young plants raised from seed or from cuttings every year. The best time to sow the seed is during the months of December and January. Any medium quality, and not too heavy soil will suit, it should be in good heart and the addition of some manure will improve the flowers.

A position in full sun Is best for although in partial shade the seed will germinate quite well, plants grown in the shade are invariably weak and spindly. Of course, shade for a few days until the seed has germinated so as to save watering is a different matter and is advisable. Sufficient shade after sowing can be obtained by covering the seed-bed with a few bits of teatree or macrocarpa. Water the ground or drills before sowing and cover the seeds with about half an inch of soil. Transplant when large enough to handle, allowing about six inches between the plants. If given an occasional watering when dry and the soil stirred between the plants periodically, they should make nice plants for planting out in their permanent positions during the late autumn or the early winter and will give a wealth of blooms the following summer.