GLOXINIA

Tender perennial



Gloxinias can now be flowered in the most satisfactory manner within six

months from the date of sowing seed. Hence there is no longer the least

temptation to propagate these plants by the lengthy and troublesome

method formerly in vogue, especially as seedlings raised from a

first-class strain produce flowers of the finest quality, both as to

form and style of growth. One great advantage to be obtained from

seedlings is an almost endless variety of colour, for the careful

hybridisation of the choicest flowers not only perpetuates those

colours, but yields other fine shades also. Those who have never seen a

large and well-grown collection of seedling Gloxinias have yet to

witness one of the most striking displays of floral beauty.



Quite as much has been done for the foliage of the Gloxinia as for its

flower, and the best strains now produce grand leaves which are reflexed

in such a manner as almost to hide the pot, so that the foliage presents

an extremely ornamental appearance.



By successive sowings and judicious management it is possible to flower

Gloxinias almost the year through. The most important months for sowing

seed are January, February, and March, and to secure an early display in

the following spring some growers sow again in June or July.



The soil most suited to Gloxinias is a light porous compost of fibrous

loam. If this is not obtainable, leaf-mould will answer, mixed with peat

and silver sand in about equal parts. New pots are advisable, or old

ones must be thoroughly cleansed, and free drainage is essential to

success. Fill the pots to within half an inch of the top. Sow thinly,

and slightly cover the seed with very fine soil. Place the pots in a

warm, moist position, carefully shading from the sun. A light sprinkling

of water daily will be necessary. Immediately some plants are large

enough for shifting, lift them tenderly from the seed-pot, so as

scarcely to disturb the rest, and prick off into large 60-pots in which

the soil has a convex surface. Follow this process as plants become

ready until all the seedlings have been transferred. When potting on

allow the leaves to rest on the soil, but avoid covering the hearts. On

the first warm day give air on the leeward side of the house, briefly at

first, and increase the time as the plants become established. A clear

space between the plants is necessary to prevent the leaves of

neighbours from meeting. The final shift should be into 48-pots, unless

extra fine specimens are required, and then one or two sizes larger may

be used. An occasional dose of weak manure water will prove beneficial,

taking care that the foliage is not wetted. A moist atmosphere, with the

temperature at about 60 deg. to 65 deg., greatly facilitates the growth of

Gloxinias. With care, however, they may be well grown in greenhouses and

pits heated by hot water. Although the plants love a humid atmosphere

while growing, this ceases to be an advantage, and, in fact, becomes

injurious when the flowers begin to expand. At that time, also, the

manure water should be discontinued.



Under 'The Culture of Flowering Bulbs,' page 331, further instructions

are given.