JULY

Antirrhinum.--A sowing in drills during the present month or August

will supply plants for flowering next year. Transfer direct from the

seed-bed to the positions where they are intended to bloom.



Calceolaria.--If more plants are wanted, sow again. Among the

seedlings which we left last month just as they had been pricked off, it

will soon be evident that there is a wide difference between the

strength of the plants. As a rule, the most robust are those in which

yellow largely predominates. These make bright and showy decorative

plants, but the colours that are especially valued by florists will

probably come from the seedlings which are weakly in the early stage.

Hence these should be specially prized, and under skilful management

they may be grown into grand specimens. The thumb pots for Calceolarias

need careful preparation with crocks covered with clean moss or

vegetable fibre, and they must be filled with rich porous compost.

Transfer the plants with extreme care, and place them in a sheltered

part of the greenhouse or in a shaded frame, allowing free access of air

on the leeward side. If aphis has to be dealt with--and it is very

partial to Calceolarias--fumigation is the best remedy. Choose a quiet

evening for the operation; on the following day carefully water the

plants and shade them from the sun.



Campanula.--The perennial varieties may still be sown, either in pans

or in the open. Give them a good light soil, and do not stint the supply

of water.



Cyclamens which are forward enough should be shifted into 48-sized

pots. Follow up the process until all are re-potted.



Lobelia.--In pots or pans sow seed of the perennial varieties to

provide plants for the borders next year. Pot off singly when ready, and

protect in a cold frame through the winter.



Mimulus sown in the open ground will flower in the following spring.

If possible, make the seed-bed in a moist retentive soil and in a shaded

situation.



Primula.--To force the growth of this plant is to ruin it. The most

satisfactory results are invariably obtained from specimens which have

matured slowly, and have been treated as nearly hardy after the seedling

stage. From this month up to the middle of September it will be quite

safe to expose them freely, day and night, except in inclement weather.

Even in the winter protection is only needed from frost, damp, and keen

winds.