Gardening for the Million · Chapter 4T. Fisher Unwin (4)
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Celery.—Sow in February or early in March on a mild hotbed for the earliest crop. Prick the seedlings off into shallow boxes as soon as they are large enough to handle, and keep them rather close and warm until they are established. Towards the end of March prick them out in rows in a frame, setting them 6 in. apart each way, and early in May transfer to rather shallow trenches, protecting them from night frosts. For main and late crops sow in a cold frame in April and plant out in June or July, 9 in. apart, in trenches 3 ft. distant from each other, 9 in. wide, and 18 in. deep, pressing the soil firmly round the roots. Earthing up should be delayed until the plants are nearly full grown, and should be done gradually; but let the whole be completed before the autumn is far advanced. When preparing the trench plenty of manure should be dug into the soil. Water liberally until earthed up to ensure crisp, solid hearts, and an occasional application of liquid manure will benefit the plants. During winter protect from frost with straw, or other suitable material.
Celosia (Feathered Cockscomb).—Sow the seed in early spring in a warm frame; prick off singly into small pots, and re-pot as they advance in strength in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, old manure, and sand. Their final shift should be into 24-sized pots. Give them abundance of liquid manure, never allowing them to become dry, and syringe freely. These half-hardy annuals, rising to the height of 3 ft. and bearing fine spikes of flowers in July and August, make fine pot-plants for table decoration. They may be planted in the open, in June, choosing a warm, sheltered situation and rich, loamy soil.
Centaurea.—The hardy annual and biennial kinds merely require to be sown in the open in the autumn. The half-hardy ones must be sown on a slight hotbed, where they should remain till strong enough to be planted in the border. Cuttings of the perennials should be inserted singly in 3-in. pots filled with sandy loam, placed in a shady, cool frame till established, and then watered very carefully. The different varieties vary from 6 in. to 2 ft. in height, and flower from June to August.
Centauridium Drummondi.—A blue hardy annual which may be sown in the open in spring.
Centranthus.—Ornamental hardy annuals. Sow in the open border in March in any good, well-drained soil. They flower in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Cephalaria (Yellow Scabious).—Strong-growing hardy perennials, suitable for backs of borders. They succeed in any garden soil, and are propagated by seed or division of root. Height, 3 ft. to 5-1/2 ft.
Cephalotaxus (Podocarpus Koraiana).—Handsome conifers of the Yew type. These shrubs are quite hardy, and in favoured localities will produce berries. They succeed best in a damp, shady spot, and may be increased by cuttings planted in heavy loam.
Cerastium Biebersteini.—A hardy trailing perennial which will grow in any light soil, and may be increased by suckers. It flowers in June. Height, 6 in.
Cerasus Padus (Bird Cherry).—An ornamental tree; useful in the shrubbery in its earlier stages, as it will grow in any soil. It may be increased by seed, budding, or grafting; flowers in April. Height, 35 ft.
Cerinthe.—Hardy annuals, suitable for any ordinary soil, and needing merely ordinary treatment. A grand plant for bees. Height, 1 ft.
Cestrums.—Charming conservatory plants, flowering early in spring. Cuttings may be taken in autumn, placed in small pots in a light compost of peat and sand, and given a little bottom-heat. The young plants may be topped to form bushy ones. Re-pot before the roots have filled the small pots, using two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sharp sand. C. Parqui is suitable for the open if planted in a sheltered position.
Chamaepeuce.—Half-hardy perennial Thistle plants of little merit. Any soil suits them, and they may be increased by seed or division. Flower in June. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Chamaerops (Chusan Palm).—Fine greenhouse plants, delighting in a rich, loamy soil. Height, 10 ft.
Cheiranthus.—See "Wallflower."
Chelidonium.—This hardy perennial will flourish in any garden soil; flowers in May, and may be increased by division. Height, 2 ft.
Chelone.—Charming hardy herbaceous plants. Succeed well in a mixture of peat and loam or any rich soil. Increased by division of root, or by seed treated like other hardy perennials. They are very effective for the centre of beds, or in groups. Bloom in July. Height, 3 ft.
Cherries.—A light, rich soil is the one that Cherries succeed in best, though they will grow in any fairly good dry ground. The position should be open, but at the same time sheltered, as the blossoms are liable to be cut off by spring frosts. The planting may be done at any time during November and the beginning of March, when the ground is in a workable condition. Cherries are often worked upon the Mahaleb stock. As they have a tendency to gumming and canker, the knife should be used as little as possible, but where pruning is necessary, let it be done in the summer. If gumming occurs, cut away the diseased parts and apply Stockholm tar to the wounds. Aphides or black-fly may be destroyed by tobacco dust and syringing well with an infusion of soft soap. Morello succeeds on a north wall. Bigarreau, Waterloo, Black Eagle, Black Tartarian, May Duke, White Heart, and Kentish are all good sorts. Bush trees should stand 10 ft. apart, standards 30 ft.
Cherry (Cornelian).—See "Cornus Mas."
Cherry Pie.—See "Heliotrope."
Chervil.—For summer use sow in March, and for winter requirements in July and August, in shallow drills 6 or 8 in. apart. Cut for use when 3 or 4 in. high. The tender tops and leaves are used in soups and stews, to which they impart a warm, aromatic flavour. They likewise give piquancy to mixed salads.
Chestnuts.—To raise trees from seed sow the nuts in November, about 2 in. deep. When two years old they may be transplanted to their permanent site. The only pruning they require is to cut away any branches which would prevent the tree forming a well-balanced head.
Chicory.—Sow in May or June in drills of rich soil, and thin out to 6 in. apart. In autumn lift the roots and store them in dry sand. To force leaves for salads, plant the roots closely together in boxes or large pots, with the tops only exposed, using ordinary soil; place in a temperature of 55 degrees, and keep in the dark. Long blanched leaves will soon appear, ready for use.
Chilli.—Same treatment as Capsicum.
Chimonanthus Fragrans (Japan Allspice).—This delightfully fragrant hardy shrub, known as the Winter Flower, produces its blooms in January before the leaves appear. Should sharp frost set in, protection ought to be given to the flowers. The plant requires a fairly good soil, and is most at home when trained against a wall. It is generally propagated by means of layers. Height, 6 ft.
Chinese Sacred Narcissus (Oriental Lily, Joss Flower, or Flower of the Gods, the Chinese emblem of good luck).—This is a very beautiful variety of the Polyanthus Narcissus, and is grown to bloom at the advent of the Chinese New Year. It is very fragrant and free blooming, and is generally flowered in an ornamental bowl of water, the bulb being surrounded with pretty pebbles to keep it well balanced. It may also be grown in a pot of mould, kept in a dark place for about ten days, then placed in a sunny position and supplied with water. It flowers from six to eight weeks after planting.
Chionanthus Virginica (Fringe Tree).—A curious shrub which is best raised from seed. It succeeds in any soil, and bears white flowers in July. It will grow to the height of 20 ft. or more.
Chionodoxa Luciliae (Glory of the Snow).—A pretty hardy spring-flowering bulbous plant. The blossoms, from five to six in number, are produced on gracefully arched stems, 4 to 8 in. high, and are nearly 1 in. across, star-like in form, and of a lovely blue tint on the margin, gradually merging into pure white in the centre. Fine for growing in clumps. Plant the bulbs in autumn in equal parts of loam, peat, and sand. It succeeds fairly well in the open, but reaches perfection in a cold frame, where the flowers will be produced in March. Height, 6 in.
Choisya Ternata (Mexican Orange).—A pretty evergreen wall plant, bearing sweet-scented white flowers in July. The bush is round, and extremely ornamental when grown in the shrubbery. It delights in a mixture of peat and loam, and is propagated by cuttings placed in sand under a handglass, or, better still, by layers of the lower branches in March, detaching them in the autumn. While young it makes a fine pot-plant. Height, 6 ft.
Chorozemas.—These Australian plants delight in rich turfy peat mixed with fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and coarse sand. When freshly potted they should be given a warm part of the greenhouse and watered cautiously till they are in full growth, when a little clear liquid manure may be given twice a week. May be shifted at any time except from October to Christmas. Propagated by cuttings about 1 or 2 in. long of half-ripened young wood taken in July or August, and inserted in sand under a glass. When the pots are full of roots shift the plants into larger sizes. They bloom nearly all the year round, especially in the winter and spring. The plants have rather a rambling habit, and are usually trained over balloon or pyramidal trellises; but this trouble can be spared by cutting them back freely and employing a few light sticks to keep them within bounds.
Christmas Rose.—See "Helleborus."
Chrysanthemum.—The Chrysanthemum will grow in any good mould, a naturally good soil being often preferable to an artificial one. Where the ground is not in good condition a compost may be made of one-half rich loam and one-fourth each of well-rotted manure and leaf-mould, with sufficient sand to keep it porous. Cuttings taken in November or December make the finest exhibition plants. Pot them singly in 2-in. or 3-in. pots; stand them on coal ashes in a cold frame, and re-pot them in March or April in 6-in. pots, making the soil moderately firm. When they attain the height of 6 in. pinch off the extreme point of the shoot, which will induce the growth of side-shoots. Shift the plants from time to time into larger pots, until at the end of May they receive their final shift into 10-in. pots, after which they must not on any account be stopped. In June they may be placed in a sheltered and partially shaded part of the open border, standing the pots on pieces of slate to prevent the ingress of worms. Syringe the leaves each day and give the roots a liberal supply of liquid manure. When the flower-buds begin to show colour, discontinue the manure water. Thin out the flower-buds, leaving two or three only of the strongest on each stem. At the end of September they must be removed to a cool greenhouse to flower. Where there is no greenhouse a canvas structure may be erected to protect them from the cold. Good plants for the border may be raised from cuttings in March or April. These should be kept close in a frame until rooted, then gradually hardened off, and planted in rich soil. Syringing with soot-water twice a week until the flower-buds appear will darken the leaves and deepen the colour of the flowers.
Chrysogonum Virginianum.—A free-flowering, hardy, herbaceous plant, best grown in loam and peat. Its deep-golden, star-shaped flowers are produced from June to September. Cuttings of ripened wood planted in sand and subjected to moist heat will strike. It may also be increased by dividing the root. Height, 1 ft.
Cichorium Intybus.—This is a hardy herbaceous plant producing blue flowers in July. It will grow in any soil and needs no special treatment. Seeds may be sown either in autumn or spring. Height, 2 ft.
Cimcifuga.—These hardy herbaceous plants will flourish in any good garden soil and are easily raised from seed, or they may be increased by dividing the roots. Various species produce their flowers from May to September. Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Cinerarias.—These grow well in a soil composed of equal parts of rich loam, leaf-mould, and thoroughly rotted horse-dung, liberally mixed with sharp sand. They are increased by seed, cuttings, or off-sets. The seed should be sown as soon as it is ripe and covered with the lightest layer of the finest soil; or it may be sown during March on a slight hotbed. Keep the young plants shaded from the sun, and as soon as they can be handled put them into 3-in. pots. Return them to the hotbed and keep them shaded till established, then gradually harden them off, and towards the end of May they may be planted in the open, choosing a sheltered situation. The first flower-stem should be cut out close to the bottom, but the side-shoots may either be reduced or not. At the end of September place them in a cool frame to bloom during the following month. They require to be well supplied with manure water. As soon as the plants have done flowering, cut them down, and keep them well supplied with water, and in March shake them out of their pots and plant each sucker separately. Other sowings may be made in April and May. To obtain cuttings, when the plants have flowered cut them down, and when they have again grown large enough take the cuttings and plant them in pots filled with the above compost, putting a layer of silver sand on the top. When the cuttings have made shoots 3 in. long, pinch off the tops to make the plants grow bushy. Re-pot when the roots are well grown, but before they get matted, and give occasionally a little liquid manure. Keep a good look-out for green fly, and as soon as this nuisance appears fumigate the plants with tobacco paper. An excess of fumigation is injurious. Those that have bloomed in pots may be planted in the north border of the garden in July, where they may shed their seed, from which early plants will be produced. They may also be increased by off-sets. If the old plants are cut down and kept well watered they will throw up suckers, which may be separated and potted off into thumb pots, transplanting into larger ones when required. They must always be kept shaded from the sun. A cool frame suits them in summer, and being nearly hardy, should never be subjected to a forcing temperature, sufficient heat to keep away frost and damp being all that is necessary.
Cinnamon Plant.—This is a stove or greenhouse plant, and requires a loam and peat soil. Cuttings of the ripe wood strike freely.
Cissus Orientalis.—Useful climbing plants which delight in a light, rich soil. They are increased by cuttings planted under glass and kept in a gentle, moist heat.
Cistus (Rock Rose).—A compost of loam and peat suits these beautiful evergreen shrubs. They may be increased by layers, ripe cuttings covered with a hand-glass, or seed. Though the plants are pretty hardy it is advisable to afford them protection during severe frosts. June is their flowering month. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Citrus Japonica.—A greenhouse evergreen tree, requiring a rich loamy soil. Very little water should be given it while in a growing state. It is generally budded on an orange or lemon tree and plunged in a bottom-heat. June is its flowering season. Height, 5 ft.
Cladanthus.—The annuals may be sown in the open in April to flower in July. The greenhouse evergreens may be propagated by cuttings under glass. These produce flowers in June.
Clarkia.—These hardy annuals make a pretty display in the borders during summer. Seed ripens plentifully, and merely requires sowing in the open in March, or in September if protected in winter. The bloom lasts from June to September. Height, 18 in.
Claytonia Sibirica.—A hardy herbaceous plant which yields light yellow flowers in June. It is not particular as to soil, and may be raised from seed sown either in autumn or spring. It stands division of the root. Height, 4 ft.
Clematis (Virgin's Bower).—These plants like a dry situation. They will grow in smoky districts, and may be increased by cuttings of firm side-shoots under a glass in summer or by layers in September. With the protection of a greenhouse they come into flower early in spring. They are the most beautiful of all flowering hardy climbers. The stove and greenhouse varieties are best planted in loam and peat, though they will thrive in any light soil. Any good garden soil suits the hardy kinds. The herbaceous varieties are increased by dividing the roots early in spring. They bloom at various periods. After they have ceased to flower, the Jackmanni and Viticella sections should be cut down to within 9 or 12 in. of the ground. The Patens and Florida do not require pruning; those of the Lanuginosa should be cut back moderately, but not too close. A good dressing of leaf-mould and manure should be dug in about November. Heights vary from 2 ft. to 20 ft. (See also "Traveller's Joy.")
Cleome.—The species of this genus are very pretty and free flowering, some being half-hardy climbers notable for their foliage. They like a rich, light soil. Cuttings of the stove kinds root freely under a glass. Some of the annual species require to be sown in a hotbed frame or in a hot-house, then potted off and placed with tender annuals. The hardier ones may be sown on a hotbed, and afterwards planted out in a sheltered position. They flower in May, June, and July. Heights vary from 6 in. to 8 ft.
Clethra Alnifolia.—This hardy deciduous shrub bears in September deliciously scented pure white flowers on the side-shoots of the previous year's growth. It needs a light soil and a dry, sunny situation. It may be propagated by cuttings placed under glass in sandy loam, or by suckers taken when the leaves have fallen, but is more generally increased by layers. Height, 3 ft.
Clianthus.—A genus of very elegant, free-flowering, evergreen greenhouse shrubs. They flourish in the border of the conservatory (or against a south wall if protected from cold) in an equal mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Cuttings root freely in the same soil under glass. Seed sown early in spring produce flowers the first year, in May. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.
Clintonia.—Very pretty half-hardy annuals; useful for beds, edging, pots, or rock-work. They produce an abundance of Lobelia-like flowers in August. Sow the seed in the open in spring. Height, 6 in.
Clitoria.—A greenhouse climbing or trailing plant, which thrives in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Cuttings will strike in heat, but it is more readily grown from seed.
Clivias (Caffre Lilies).—Most beautiful evergreen plants for the greenhouse. The soil most suitable for them is a compost of leaf-mould, loam, and sand. Give a liberal supply of water when in full growth, but from September to February keep them only moderately moist. Shade from strong sunshine, and keep the temperature at from 60 to 70 degrees. They will not bear much disturbance. Seed may be sown in bottom-heat early in spring, or they may be increased by suckers.
Cobæa Scandens.—This rapid climber is well adapted for the conservatory, but it will thrive in the open air if the root is protected during the winter. If planted against a rough wall its tendrils will catch in the crevices and support it without any assistance. It requires plenty of room and a rather poor soil, otherwise it runs to leaf instead of to bloom. The tops of the shoots should be constantly pinched off, to induce thickness of growth. Cuttings of firm side-shoots taken in summer will root under glass in a little moist heat; but it is best raised from seed, sown sideways, in a hotbed in March. Its blue and purple flowers are produced in August. Height, 10 ft. to 20 ft.
Cob Nuts.—See "Filberts."
Cockscomb.—These tender annuals should be sown on a moderate hotbed in March or April, in pans of leaf-mould and sand, covering with 1/4 in. of soil. When a couple of inches high place them in small pots, replace them on the hotbed, and give shade till they have taken fresh root. When the weather is favourable let them have a moderate amount of fresh air. Afterwards shift them into larger pots, and when the combs are full grown place them in the greenhouse, taking care not to allow any damp to lodge on them, at the same time supplying them well with water and all the air possible. Height, 9 in. (See also "Celosia.")
Codonopsis.—These hardy perennials are best grown in sandy peat and loam. They are easily raised from seed or cuttings, and produce their flowers in July and August. Height, 1 ft.
Coix Lachryma (Job's Tears).—A half-hardy, annual, ornamental grass bearing clusters of beautiful pearl-like seeds. Sow in a warm spot in April, barely covering the seed with fine soil, and keep the surface of the ground moist till germination is ensured. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Colchicum (Autumn-Flowering Crocus).—Plant the bulbs in February in light, loamy soil, placing them 2 in. deep and 3 in. apart. They are readily increased by off-sets from the bulb. September is their flowering season. Height, 3 in. (See also "Bulbocodium.")
Coleus.—Tender perennial shrubs of some merit, requiring the protection of a greenhouse. Keep the plants root-bound and near the glass, with a good supply of heat and moisture. They succeed best in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings of shoots 3 in. long planted in sand, covered with a glass, and plunged in heat 60 to 70 degrees, will strike. Pot off singly in loam and sand. Bloom in June or July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Colletia.—Ornamental evergreen shrubs. A mixture of peat and loam, with a sheltered position, is their delight. Cuttings will strike in sand if covered with glass. They produce their flowers in July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Collinsia.—Most elegant hardy annuals, doing well in any garden soil. The seed is sown in autumn for early flowering, and in spring for a later display. Bloom May to August. Height, 1 ft.
Collomia.—Hardy annuals, possessing little beauty. Treat as Collinsia. Flower in July. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.
Colt's-foot.—This hardy perennial flowers before the leaves appear. It grows best in a moist, clayey soil, and may be increased by pieces of the running root.
Columbine.—See "Aquilegia."
Colutea Arborescens (Bladder Senna).—A shrub with Acacia-like leaves and producing yellow Pea-shaped flowers in July, followed with bladder-shaped seed vessels. It will grow in any soil, and may be raised either from seed or cuttings taken in autumn. Height, 10 ft.
Commelina Sellowina (Blue Spider Wort, or Day Flower).—A pretty greenhouse climber, bearing cobalt-blue flowers. It should occupy a sunny position, and be watered freely from March to September, after which very little should be given.
Commelina Tuberosa.—Perfectly hardy plants, bearing in June blue or white flowers the size of a shilling. The bulbs may be planted in spring in any garden soil; the plants are increased by off-sets. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Compost Heap.—Get a heap of dead leaves and press and jam them down as closely as possible. Then take as much manure, in appearance, as you have dead leaves, and for each cartload have two bushels of unslaked quicklime and some earth. Now spread upon the ground, in some out-of-the-way corner, a layer of the dead leaves, upon which sprinkle a layer of lime, and over that a thin layer of earth. Next lay on a covering of manure, then a layer of leaves, and one of lime and earth as before, and proceed in this way till all the materials are used up. It will be well, however, to give the heap a good watering whenever you come to the layer of leaves. This slakes the lime and hastens the decomposition of the vegetable matter. After letting it stand for about six weeks, begin at the top of the heap and turn it completely over, so that what was at the bottom will be at the top. Repeat this operation from time to time at intervals of six or seven weeks, until it has become perfectly friable and will powder through a garden-fork like dust. It will then be ready for use. This compost is invigorating to flowers of all kinds, and is so ready for them to assimilate.
Comptonia Asplenifolia.—This ornamental deciduous shrub is quite hardy, but requires a light, sandy loam or peat soil and a shady situation. It is increased by layers. Blooms in April. Height, 4 ft.
Cone Flower.—See "Echinacea."
Conifers.—Conifers (so called because they bear cones in place of ordinary seed) are mostly of tall growth, yet among the class are many low—growing evergreens well adapted for the lawn or border. Indeed, any of the specimens may be utilised in this way, but of course must be removed from the shrubbery or border before they attain undue proportions. They are hardy, and, generally speaking, not particular as to soil or situation. Firs, Pines, Cedars, etc., come under this heading, and mention is made in other parts of this work of those most suitable for the amateur's requirements.
Convallaria Prolificans.—This is one of the most beautiful hardy perennials known. It has large, deep-green foliage, with erect and much-branched flower-stems. The flowers are white, internally flushed rose; are very fragrant, and are produced from May to September. The plant will grow in any ordinary soil, and may be increased by dividing the root. Height, 2-1/2 ft.
Convolvulus (Morning Glory).—Showy plants. The tender species are well adapted for the stove or conservatory, and are best grown in loam and peat: cuttings strike freely in sand under a glass. The half-hardy annual kinds should be sown on a gentle hotbed in February, and when large enough transferred to the open; or they may be sown in the open in April. Hardy kinds merely require sowing in the open, early in spring. The stove and greenhouse annuals and biennials require to be sown in heat, and treated as other stove and greenhouse annuals and biennials. Flowering season, May to July. Height, 6 in. to 15 ft.
Coral Plant.—See "Erythrina."
Corchorus.—See "Kerria."
Cordyline.—A stove evergreen shrub, which may be grown in any light, vegetable mould or in peat and loam, and is easily increased by suckers. It flowers in spring. Height, 3 ft.
Coreopsis.—Very pretty and long-flowering. They all like a light, rich, and sandy soil. Cuttings of the stove kinds root freely under glass. Hardy perennials may be divided at the roots. The annuals may be sown either in the autumn or in March; they bear transplanting. Longipes flowers in April; Grandiflora in August. Useful as cut flowers. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 3 ft.
Cornel.—See "Cornus."
Cornflower.—See "Cyanus."
Corn Salad (Lamb's Lettuce).—Sow in drills—the plants to stand 6 in. apart—from March till August, in well-drained sandy loam. Autumn sowings will stand the winter and prove useful in early spring. It must be gathered young.
Cornus Canadensis (Canadian Cornel).—A pretty herbaceous plant, suitable for moist parts of rock-work. It is very hardy, likes a light soil, and produces flowers from June to August. The roots may be divided in autumn, or in the early part of spring. Height, 8 in.
Cornus Mas (Cornelian Cherry).—This hardy deciduous shrub does well in common soil if a fair amount of moisture be given. Its yellow flowers are produced on bare stems from February to April. It may be increased by seeds, cuttings, or layers, autumn being the time to propagate.
Coronilla.—The greenhouse shrubs should be grown in peat and loam. They are raised by seeds and by cuttings. Most of the hardy perennials need protection in winter, therefore they are best grown in pots. These are propagated by seed or division. The annuals need no special treatment.
Coronilla Iberica.—A pretty creeping hardy perennial suitable for rock-work, on which its bright yellow flowers are very attractive during June and July. It thrives best in a mixture of peat and loam, and may be increased by seeds or division of the roots. Height, 6 in.
Correa Cardinalis.—An evergreen greenhouse shrub. Place in equal parts of sand and loam, and propagate by cuttings, which should have plenty of room, as they are liable to damp off. July is its flowering season. Height, 4 ft. C. Magnifica is also a capital plant.