Pansies (Heartsease).--Grow well from seed sown in July or August on
a raised bed of light earth. They may also be increased from cuttings
taken in August, September, April, or May, selecting young side-shoots
and planting them in light earth mixed with silver sand. The cuttings
should be kept in a cool frame, moderately moist, and shaded from the
hot sun. They can likewise be increased by layers, merely pegging them
down and not slitting them on account of their tendency to damp off.
They may also be increased by dividing the roots in April or May. They
should be planted where they will get all the morning sun, yet be
sheltered from mid-day rays; in an open and airy situation, yet
protected from cutting winds. While the plants are blooming they
should be supplied with liquid manure.
Papaver (Poppy).--These showy flowers are most at home in a rich,
light soil. They are easily raised from seed sown where they are
intended to bloom. The perennials may also be increased by dividing
the roots. They flower at midsummer. Height varies from 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Pardanthus Chinensis.--See "Iris."
Parsley.--In order to grow Parsley to perfection it is necessary that
the ground be well drained, as the roots and stems must be kept dry,
and the soil should be rich and light. Three sowings may be made
during the year: the first in spring for late summer and autumn use,
the next in June for succession, and another in August or September
for spring and early summer use. Thin out or transplant, to 6 in.
apart. Parsley takes longer than most seeds to germinate; it must
therefore be watched during dry weather and watered if necessary.
Plants potted in September and placed in a cold frame, or protected
in the open from rain and frost with a covering of mats supported by
arches, will be valuable for winter use.
Parsnips.--These succeed best in a rich soil, but the application of
fresh manure should be avoided, as it induces forked and ill-shaped
roots. Let the ground be trenched two spits deep and left ridged up as
long as possible. As early in March as the weather will permit level
the surface and sow the seed in drills 15 in. apart, covering it with
half an inch of fine soil. When the plants are 2 or 3 in. high, thin
them out to 9 in. apart. They may be taken up in November and, after
cutting off the tops, stored in a pit or cellar in damp sand, or they
may be left in the ground till required for use.
Passion Flower.--Cuttings of the young shoots strike readily in sand
under glass. The plant likes a good loamy soil mixed with peat. A
sheltered position with a south or south-western aspect should be
assigned those grown out of doors, and the root should be well
protected in winter. The flowers are borne on seasoned growth of the
current year: this fact must be considered when pruning the plants.
During the hot months the roots require a copious supply of water, and
the foliage should be syringed freely. Passiflora Caerulea is fine for
outdoor culture, and Countess Guiglini makes a capital greenhouse
plant.