Garden Notes - Daffodil to Gloxinia

Daffodil

Many new strains of the Narcissus family have been developed in recent years. Most of the larger varieties can be grown successfully in fiber or in a compost of fibrous loam two parts, well-decayed leaf-mould one part, and sand one part. Pot in September, placing three large or six medium-sized bulbs in a 5 inch pot, and allowing apex of bulbs to show just above surface. Place under cinder ashes outdoors or in frame, and water sparely until growth begins; then remove to greenhouse or window watering moderately, and applying weak stimulants when blooms appear.

Erica

Our illustration shows a variety of winter-flowering Heath which is well adapted for greenhouse cultivation, being easily raised and of rapid growth. Re-pot in spring in compost consisting of fibrous peat two parts, silver sand one part, and provide good drainage. From October to July plants require a light airy greenhouse, and a temperature of about 45 degrees; while from July to October they will do well in a sunny position out of doors. Water with rain-water, and apply soot-water as stimulant. Prune shoots to within 1 or 2 inches of base after flowering.
 

Freesia

These fragrant spring-flowering bulbs are ideal for conservatory decoration and for cutting. Compost for pot culture: decayed manure one part, loam one part, leaf-mould and sand one part. Ripe bulbs may be potted from August to December, for flowering from January to April. Nine or ten small bulbs or seven or eight large ones should be planted about one inch deep in a 5 inch pot. Until growth appears stand in cool frame, and water sparely; then transfer to greenhouse (45 to 55 degrees0, and water freely, applying liquid manure when in bud. Freesias may also be raised from seeds sown in light sandy soil in frame.
 

Fuchsia

Prune old Fuchsia plants in February, and set in a temperature of 60 degrees, syringing regularly. Plenty of cuttings will be available in a few weeks, and should be cut off two or three inches long close to a joint. Remove two lowest leaves, and set and inch apart in 3 inch pots, filled with sandy compost and well drained. Re-pot at intervals as growth requires. Nip top out when plant is a foot high, and pinch side shoots to get good bushy pyramidal plants. Allow leading shoots to extend to 3 ½ or 4 feet, and the top, if standard plants are desired.
 

Gloxinia

Although really stove plants Gloxinias may be cultivated successfully in a warm greenhouse. Prepare 6 inch pots with ample drainage covered with moss or fiber, and fill up with a compost of equal parts fibrous peat, loam, leaf-mould, and decayed manure, adding a little silver sand. Level soil on surface, soak pots in tepid water, and drain for an hour or two before sowing seeds. Plunge in moist fiber in frame (75 to 80 degrees), and cover with glass, removing to light position near glass when seed germinates, and shading from sunshine. Transplant carefully one inch apart, and in due course singly into 3 inch and finally into 5 inch pots.