CLARKIA

C. elegans. C. pulchella. Hardy annuals



The two distinct classes of Clarkia named above include several

varieties that have long been freely grown in gardens as summer annuals.

But the very beautiful recent introductions in the Elegans class have

lifted these flowers to a higher plane of usefulness for producing

brilliant sheets of colour in beds, borders, shrubberies, and beside

carriage drives. Although all the Clarkias bloom profusely in ordinary

garden soil they well repay liberal treatment. Seed may be sown from

March to May, or in September if an early display is wanted. In good

ground each plant of the Pulchella varieties should be allowed a space

of eight or ten inches, but rather more room must be given to the

Elegans class to do the plants justice.



The Elegans varieties are of special value when treated as pot plants

for conservatory decoration in May and June. From seed sown in August or

early in September the plants can be slowly grown into magnificent

specimens four feet high and almost as much in diameter. Our own

practice is to sow thinly in clean well-drained 48-size pots. These are

placed in a temperature of from 50 deg. to 55 deg., and when the seedlings are

large enough to handle they are pricked off into shallow boxes about

three inches apart, the base of the boxes being freely perforated to

insure ample drainage. The most suitable soil is composed of equal parts

of sound loam and leaf-mould, with the addition of a gallon of coarse

sand to each bushel of the mixed soil. After the plants are well

established, ventilate freely to secure robust growth. When three inches

high pinch out the points, and a little later transfer separately to

small pots, keeping them close for a few days and as near the glass as

possible. As the roots develop, transfer again to larger pots, and then

the second and final stopping of the shoots must be done. Should very

large plants be wanted they can be flowered in 16-size pots, using a

compost slightly heavier than that advised at a younger stage of growth.

The night temperature during winter should be about 45º, giving air

freely by day whenever possible to do so with safety. As the branches

need support, sticks of a suitable length must be provided, and the

stems tied out in good time to prevent them from breaking off.