ANNUAL, OR TEN WEEKS' STOCKS.--Sow the seeds in February, March,
April, and May for succession; those sown in May will continue to
flower till Christmas. The soil should be rich, and occasionally a
little manure-water may be given. Another sowing may be made in August
and September. When the plants have several leaves pot off singly in
vegetable loam and river sand. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.
BROMPTON.--Sow very thinly during the first week in May in a rich,
light, sandy border, with an eastern aspect. When 2 or 3 in. high,
thin out to 9 in. apart. Those taken out may be re-planted in the
flower border, 9 in. from each other. In transplanting reject those
plants having a long tap-root: they generally prove to be single. If
the following winter be severe they must be protected with mats. Any
desirable varieties may be propagated by cuttings, which root readily
under glass if kept shaded. Should it be desirable to transplant them
to another part of the garden, March or April will be found the best
time to remove them. Shade the plants till they are established, and
use liquid manure till they begin to flower.
GREENHOUSE OR SHRUBBY species grow best in a mixture of light soil
and sand, and cuttings of these Stocks root readily under glass.
NIGHT-SCENTED STOCKS.--See "Mathiola Bicornis." If Emperor,
Imperial, or Intermediate Stocks are sown in March or April, they will
flower in the autumn; if sown in June or July they will flower during
the following June, and throughout the summer and autumn.
Stokesia Cyanea.--A handsome herbaceous perennial which is quite
hardy, but owing to the late period at which it flowers its blooms are
liable to be cut off by frosts. It is therefore more suitable for a
cool house than the open air, unless the warmest and most sheltered
position be assigned to it. A rich, sandy soil is indispensable for
its growth. It may be increased by dividing the roots in spring. The
flowers are produced from October to December. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Stonecrop.--See "Sedum."
Strawberries.--The soil most suitable for the growth of this fruit is
a rich, deep, adhesive loam. July or early in August is the best time
to make new beds, but if the ground be not then available runners from
the old plants may be planted in peat on a north border and lifted
with good balls of earth to their permanent bed in the spring. Set
them firmly in rows 2 ft. apart and 18 in. from plant to plant. Spread
out the roots and avoid deep planting. Remove from the old plants
all runners not required for new beds before they take root, as they
exhaust the crown. In dry seasons liquid manure is highly beneficial.
Some growers give supports to the fruit by means of forked-shaped
pegs, while others lay straw down to keep the fruit free from grit.
Keep a sharp look-out for snails and slugs. King of the Earlies,
Auguste Nicaise, Royal Sovereign, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Gunton
Park, President, Sir Joseph Paxton, Lord Suffield, Noble, and Samuel
Bradley are excellent sorts. For Ornamental Strawberries, see