VIOLETS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1940, Page 9

VIOLETS

HEALTHY STOCK IMPORTANT. One good thing about the violet is that it will thrive in any soil in which vegetables will grow well. Light, hungry soil requires a good dressing of well decayed manure. Where the soil tends to crack under the sun. leaf mould is a great help in prevention, and, as it is rich in humus, which the violet enjoys, it serves a double purpose. Burned material from the rubbish i heap is also good. Healthy stock is important. When dividing plants after the flowering is| over, reject all that look feeble. Cuttings are taken from the beginning of October onward according to the district in which they are grown, but the work should be completed by the end of November or the plants will not withstand the summer sun. . Take off all the runners and bad leaves. The best cuttings are the outer growths which show healthy roots; the old centre of the plants is no longer vigorous. The single kinds may be planted at 15in. apart. Plant with a. trowel, making sure that the roots are not doubled up and see that, the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Violets also like to be planted very firmly; if they can rise out of the ground they never thrive. If planting is done during dry weather it is best to water the bed thoroughly first. It seems like bad advice to state that weeds should be left if they appear in the violet beds soon after planting is

done, but the soil should not be disturbed until the violets have really taken hold. The hoe can then be safely used. Runners should be taken off as soon as they appear, or they will rob the plants of strength. During dry, hot weather, the plants should be sprayed frequently with water to keej the leaves healthy. Watch should be kept for caterpillars, red spider and wireworms.