Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1881-04-22
STARTING rla.ts for Ea+lr Bloo.ins.


There are some plants which linex
perienced persons cannot always propa
gate proiitably, nor comIlete with th'
professional florist either in the qualit,
I Of plants produced or the facility of pro
ducing them. For instance, one wht
knows but little of the methods of in
creasing plants had belter not try u
raise camellias without first trying som,
of the more easily pppagated varieties
such hasverbenas heliotropes, geraniums
etc. Such plants rs the last named MAJ
be propagated very readily with but lit
tie trouble. ssgYf z, YEy.gs sfYTr,
No gnrien is complete without {
good-sized bed of verbenas, and nc
plant gives more show and profusion o.
flowers for the effort required to pro
duce it. A small plant of perhaps three
or four inches in height will, if planted
in good mellow soil, covera yard square
before autumn, and afford a continuous
succession of gorgeous bloom during the
eason. When plants are propagated
from cuttings, of course the varieties art
the same as those of the parent plants
but as the verbena is subject to almost
infinite variation by seed reproduction,
some amateurs will find it more interest
ing to raise their plants from seed
Whichever methcd is pursued, there is
no need of having the plants large OF
old. Small, vigorous ones are much
better. II grown in pots, never allow
them to become pot-bound or the roots
hard, if you wish to have them make a
vigorous growth from the start. Also,
never allow the plants to grow tall or
spindling, but if necessary nip in the
long shoots. In purchasing varieties, il
only a few very desirable ones are
wanted, by all means get pure white,
deep crimson, scarlet with white eye,
maroon, light pink, and deep purple.
Lantanas are chiefly valuable on ac-
count of their free-blooming qualities
and rich tints, the perfume of both
flowers and leaves being rather offensive
than otherwise. Still, a few of the high
colored sorts, at least, are worthy of a
place in every garden. They are easily
propagated from slips or cuttings, but
are impatient of being transplanted un-
less pot-grown. Heliotropes are as
easily and quickly grown, bloom as free
", and are so useful for summer bou-
9uets that they should be liberally
planted in every garden. They do well,
and make a good appearance, planted
either in masses or interspersed with
other bedding plants. Heliotropes de-
light in heat and moisture, hence never
allow these conditions to be wanting
either in propagating or growing the
plants. They also need plenty of pot
room, and when growing freely need
frequent shifting. In removing hello
tropes to the open ground, they should
be well-protected from the wind for
some time, or it will be almost sure to
blacken and wither the foliage.
Of the ornamental-leaved plants, such
as are used for ribbon or carpet beds,
geraniums, coleus and achyranthes are
among those most easily raised at home.
Those varieties of geraniums having the
most clearly defined zonale marking on
the leaves are the most snowy for this
style of planting; but blooming va
rieties should always be chosen. The
General Grant is always desirable on
account of its rich color and free-bloom-
ing qualities. Notwithstanding the
many new varieties of coleuS that have
been introduced of late years, the old
verschaffeltis, a dark, velvety, crimson
sort, is still regarded as one of the best
for bedding purposes. Tip " cuttings
If coleus and all other bedding plants
ire always preferable.
Geraniums propagated now will make
small plants for setting in the open
ground on the approach of summer,
lfter which they may be stored in the
cellar or kept in the house during win
er. If wanted to bloom in winter, the
;uds should be removed during summer.
Keeping geraniums in pots during the
summer is good plan when they are
wanted for early fall and winter bloom
ng. BY careful selection, cuttings of
,eraniums can often be taken from
,lants without injuring their symmetri-
al form, and sometimes with positive
benefit to the appearance of the plant.
When new and vigorous shoots start out
rom the base of the plant, the older
,art of the plant may be cut away en-
irely. These new shoots will form a
inc shapely head. Geraniums that are
,ept in the cellar during winter may be
,rought up to the light and allowed to
row few weeks before setting out in |
he open ground. Window plants often |
uffer from lack of light, which causes
hem to grow one-sided and tender To
ounteract this in measure they should
'e turned occasionally, that the light
nay strike all sides of the plant. Plants
# German ivy are very useful for filling
tands and baskets, and for other similar
Large plants of this and
ther trailing and creeping plants may
'e easily raised in small pots. Two and
ne.half inch pots are large enough if
ept plunged in sawdust, and the plants
'lentifuliy supplied with water.
Those who raise annual Towering
lants from seed will do well to sow
ONE of the seed early, in order to have
arly bloom. Plants of these kinds
hould be grown in pots like other plants,
or convenience in transplanting. The
stra care and expense required to pro.
uce early ANNALS of the favorite varie-
les is well remunerated by the early
loom. 1t is during the early part OF
utuiutI tiiit liOWCIS dlc IuOSl Iccltu,
ence the earlier ANNALS can be made
D bloom the better, especially when
here is lack of early bulbs, roses,
etc. A good-sized bed of what
re usually termed greenhouse or bed.
ing plants is always valuable addition
, garden, for they make show of
overs and foliage earlier than plants
aised from seed In the fall, also, af-
II early frosts, there is a scarcity of
overs. Chrysanthemums and arti-
lesias are excellent for late blooming.
.lmost every ga den has some secluded
orner where the sun shines but part of
lie day. This is just the place for pam
es, and without few of these plants
,e fower-garden is incomplete. In
rder to hasten early bloom the seed
lust be sown early. When the seed
ngs are of sufficient size they should be
into pots of small size,