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