Most Viewed
The Pests Of Garden Plants
Leek
Asparagus
Broad Bean
May
Tall
Streptocarpus
Iris
Lettuce
Pansy
Least Viewed
Asparagus
Lettuce
Spinach
Tall
Medium
Sunflower
Achimenes
Amaryllis
Anemone
Begonia, Tuberousrooted
|
COLEUS
Stove perennial
There is so much difficulty in carrying Coleus through the winter in
vigorous health that the modern plan of treating it as an annual is
advantageous for the saving of trouble and fire-heat in winter, and also
because it offers the charm of constant diversity. The fact is that our
winter days are too short and gloomy to maintain the splendour of
colouring which makes Coleus so attractive and valuable; and seed from a
good strain may be relied on to produce plants which will delight the
eye all through the summer and autumn. Some experienced men sow in
February and succeed, but the majority of cultivators will show prudence
by waiting until March, when increased daylight favours the rapid growth
of the plants. Flowerpots are better than pans, as the greater depth
affords opportunity of securing effectual drainage. The pots should be
nearly half-filled with crocks, covered with a layer of moss to prevent
the soil from being washed away. Fill them with light turfy loam,
mingled with almost an equal bulk of sharp sand. Make an even surface,
on which sow thinly, and shake over the seed a slight covering of fine
soil. Place the pots in a temperature of not less than 65 deg.. Watering
needs particular care, because of the peculiar liability of the young
plants to damp off, especially in dull weather. The strongest seedlings
are pretty certain to be those in which green and black predominate, and
they may without scruple be removed to make way for the slower-growing
but better-coloured specimens. These should be transplanted round the
edges of pots while quite small; and such as show delicate tints,
especially those having pink markings on a golden ground, are worth
nursing through the early stage with extra care. The pots must be shaded
from direct sunshine, but should be kept near the glass. In May the
plants will be large enough for 48-sized pots, beyond which there is no
occasion to go. When the pots become full of roots the foliage increases
in brilliancy, whereas larger pots encourage free growth to the
detriment of colour. A dry atmosphere is particularly injurious, while
an occasional dose of manure water will maintain the plants in health.
COLUMBINE--see AQUILEGIA
Next: COSMEA
Previous: COCKSCOMB
Viewed 207
|
Informational
