The apple is easily top-grafted and top-budded. (See Chapter V.)
Apple Berry. See Billardiera.
Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca). Rosaceæ.
The apricot thrives upon a variety of stocks. Apricot stocks are used in apricot-growing regions, especially for deep and rich well-drained soils. The pits grow readily if given the same treatment as that detailed for the peach (which see). The stocks are also handled in the same manner as peach-stocks. Apricots upon apricot roots are not largely grown outside of California, in this country. Apricot stocks can be grown from root-cuttings the same as cherries and other stone-fruits.
The apricot does well upon the peach, especially on light soils. In the warmer parts of the country peach is much used.
Plum stocks are commonly used at the north, especially if the trees are to be planted in moist or heavy soils. The common plum is generally used, but some of the native plum stocks are now coming into favor, especially in trying climates. The Russian apricots, which are a hardy race of Prunus Armeniaca, are grown in colder climates than the common varieties, and they therefore demand hardy stocks. Any of the native plums make good stocks, but the Marianna is now coming into especial prominence. The myrobolan plum can be used for all apricots, but it is not popular, particularly in severe climates.
The almond, both hard and soft-shelled, is sometimes used for the apricot, but the union is likely to be imperfect and it is not recommended. Almond-rooted trees are best adapted to light soils.
Varieties of apricots are usually budded, in the same way as the peach, although they may be side-grafted at the crown in the nursery row.
Aquartia. See Solanum.
Aquilegia (Columbine). Ranunculaceæ.
Increased by seeds. They must be sown very thinly, soon after being ripe, in a sandy soil or in pans in a cold-frame. Division of the root is the only way to perpetuate any particular variety with certainty.
Arabis (Wall Cress, Rock Cress). Cruciferæ.
Increased by seeds sown in the border or in pans, in spring. By divisions of the root, and by cuttings placed in a shady border during summer.
Arachis (Pea-Nut, Ground-Nut). Leguminosæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in heat; and, when the plants have grown to a sufficient size, they should be potted off singly. See under Pea-Nut.
Arachnimorpha. See Rondeletia.
Propagated by seeds and by root-cuttings; also by stem cuttings, in heat.
Increased by seeds sown in pans or boxes, with but gentle heat. By cuttings from the leading shoots, placed firmly in a pot of sand; they first require a cool place, but afterwards may be subjected to a slight warmth. When rooted, pot off into fibrous loam, mixed with leaf soil and sand.
Arbor-vitæ. See Thuya.
Arbutus (Strawberry Tree). Ericaceæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in sand during early spring, and by grafting, budding, or inarching upon A. Unedo.
Arctotheca. Compositæ.
Propagated by divisions of the plant, or by cuttings in spring.
Arctotis. Compositæ.
Propagated by cuttings, which may be made at any time; they should be pricked in pots of very sandy soil, and placed in very gentle warmth. They must be kept uncovered and moderately dry, or they will rot.
Ardisia. Myrsineæ.
Propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in a compost of loam, peat, and leaf soil, in equal parts, with a liberal addition of sand, and placed in a moist and gentle heat.
Arenaria (Sandwort). Caryophylleæ.
Increased by seeds, division or cuttings; the last placed under a hand-glass will root freely. Seeds should be sown in spring in a cold-frame. The best time to divide the plant is early spring, or during July and August.
Aretia. See Androsace.
Argania. Sapotaceæ.
Increased by layers and cuttings. The latter require a propagating-frame. Both should be made in autumn and spring, and in a moderately heated greenhouse.
Argemone. Papaveraceæ.
Increased by seeds, which may be sown out-doors in spring; those of the rarer species in a hot-bed.
Argyreia (Silver-weed). Convolvulaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings, which will do well in sand, with a hand-glass over them, in a little bottom heat.
Argyrochæta. See Parthenium.
Argyroxyphium. Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds.
Arisarum. Aroideæ.
Propagated in spring by seeds or divisions of the root.
Aristea. Irideæ.
Increased by seeds and divisions.
Aristolochia (Birthwort). Aristolochiaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and layers, which are not very satisfactory. Cuttings root freely in sand, under a bell-glass with bottom heat. The seeds must be fresh.
Aristotelia. Tiliaceæ.
Propagated by layers, or by ripened cuttings, which root freely if placed under a hand-glass.
Armeria (Thrift, Sea Pink). Plumbagineæ.
Increased by seeds sown in spring, in pots of sandy soil, and placed in a cold-frame; by division, separate pieces being planted as cuttings under hand-glasses.
Arnatto. See Bixa.
Arnebia. Boragineæ.
Increased by seeds. Cuttings of the strong shoots should be inserted in pots of sandy soil, and placed in gentle heat.
Arnica. Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in a cold-frame in spring, and by divisions, which should be made in spring.
Aronicum. See Doronicum.
Arracacha. Umbelliferæ.
Increased by divisions of the roots.
Arrow-root. See Calathea.
Arrhostoxylum. See Ruellia.
Artabotrys. Anonaceæ.
Propagated by seeds; and by cuttings of ripened wood, placed in early spring in sand under a frame, with bottom heat.
Artanema. Scrophulariaceæ.
Increased readily by seeds and cuttings.
Artanthe. See Piper.
Artemisia (Mugwort, Southernwood, Wormwood). Compositæ.
The annuals by seeds; the herbaceous ones, by dividing at the root; the shrubby kinds by cuttings.
Arthropodium. Liliaceæ.
Increased freely by seeds and by divisions.
Arthrostemma. Melastomaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of small firm side shoots, which will root, in April or August, under a hand-glass in sandy soil.
Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus). Compositæ.
Usually grown from seeds. Although the plant is perennial, a new stock should be started about every other year. It may be increased also by suckers or divisions of the stools.
Artichoke, Jerusalem (Helianthus tuberosus). Compositæ.
Commonly increased by means of the tubers, which may be planted whole or cut into eyes, after the manner of potatoes. Seeds are very rarely used.
Artocarpus (Bread Fruit). Urticaceæ.
Propagation is difficult. Suckers may be utilized when procurable. The young and slender lateral growths are used for cuttings.
Arum. Aroideæ.
Propagated by seeds, but usually by division of the roots, the best time being just as they begin their new growth, securing as many roots as possible to each division. Any rootless pieces should be placed in heat shortly after removal; this hastens the formation of roots and excites top growth. Arisæmas are treated in the same way.
Arundinaria. Gramineæ.
Increased by division of the root.
Arundo (Reed). Gramineæ.
Propagated by seeds or divisions, spring being the best time for either method. In early autumn, the canes can be cut into lengths of 18 to 24 inches and partly buried in sand in a gentle bottom heat, laying them horizontally.
Asarum. Aristolochiaceæ.
Propagated easily by divisions in spring.
Ascaricida. See Vernonia.
Ascium. See Norantea.
Asclepias (Milkweed, Swallow-wort). Asclepiadeæ.
Increased by seeds sown in pots in spring, pricked out singly when large enough, and treated like cuttings. By cuttings, which should be secured in spring, struck in gentle heat, under a bell-glass, and as soon as they are well-rooted potted into small pots. Seeds of A. tuberosa must be sown or stratified at once.
Ascyrum. Hypericineæ.
Increased by seeds and by careful divisions of the roots in spring.
Ash. See Fraxinus.
Propagated by seeds procured from their native country. The seedlings should be raised in pots, and sheltered carefully. By layers made in autumn.
Aspalathus. Leguminosæ.
Propagated by young cuttings of half-ripened wood, placed in sand, in spring, under bell-glasses, which must be wiped dry occasionally.
Asparagus. Liliaceæ.
The common kitchen garden asparagus is best propagated by means of seeds. These are sown in spring as soon as the ground can be worked, usually in rows a foot or two apart. Thin the young plants to two or three inches apart in the row and give good culture, and the plants can be set in the field the following spring, and they will give a fair crop after growing there two seasons. Small growers nearly always buy plants of nurserymen. Old asparagus crowns can be divided, but seeds give better plants.
The ornamental species of asparagus are propagated by seeds when they are obtainable; otherwise, by division.
Asperula. Rubiaceæ.
Increased by seeds and by divisions of the roots during spring and early summer.
Asphodeline. Liliaceæ.
Propagated by division.
Asphodelus (Asphodel). Liliaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and by division of the root in early spring.
Aspidistra. Liliaceæ.
Aspidium. See under Ferns.
Asplenium. See under Ferns.
Propagated by suckers.
Assonia. Sterculiaceæ.
Propagated by young cuttings, which will root freely in sand with strong bottom heat, if covered with a bell-glass.
Astartea. Myrtaceæ.
Increased by young cuttings, in sand, in gentle heat, under a bell-glass.
Astelma. Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in pots of light, open soil, in gentle heat. By half-ripened cuttings, which will root readily in sandy soil with a hand-glass over them.
Astephanus. Asclepiadeæ.
Propagated by divisions; and by cuttings, in sandy soil, in moderate heat.
Aster (Aster, Michælmas Daisy, Star-wort). Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in spring, or by root divisions made in autumn; also by cuttings, which root freely in sandy soil under a hand-glass, with little heat.
Asteracantha. Acanthaceæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in August; and by divisions in spring.
Asteriscus. See Odontospermum.
Asterocephalus. See Scabiosa.
Asteropterus. See Leyssera.
Asterostigma. See Staurostigma.
Astilbe. Saxifrageæ.
Propagated by division in early spring, and by seeds if they are produced.
Astragalus (Milk Vetch). Leguminosæ.
Seeds should be sown in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold-frame, as soon as ripe, or early in the spring, as they may lie a long time before germinating. The herbaceous perennials also increase by divisions, and the shrubby kinds slowly by means of cuttings placed in a cold-frame.
Astrantia. Umbelliferæ.
Increased by seeds and root divisions in autumn or spring.
Astrapæa. Sterculiaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of young wood made in spring, placed in a compost of loam and peat, or sand, under a bell-glass, in heat.
Astrocaryum, Phœnicophorum. Palmæ.
Increased by seeds sown in spring in a hot-bed; or by suckers, if obtainable.
Astroloma. Epacrideæ.
Propagated by young cuttings placed in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in a cool house.
Asystasia. Acanthaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of young shoots, placed in sand, under a bell-glass, with a strong bottom heat, in spring.
Ataccia. See Tacca.
Atalantia. Rutaceæ.
Propagated by ripened cuttings, which will root freely in sandy soil under a hand-glass, in heat.
Atamasco Lily. See Amaryllis.
Athamanta. Umbelliferæ.
Increased by seeds sown in spring, or by division.
Athanasia. Compositæ.
Propagated by means of cuttings taken from half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand under a hand-glass.
Atherosperma. Monimiaceæ.
Propagated readily by cuttings.
Athlianthus. See Justicia.
Athrixia. Compositæ.
Propagated by cuttings of young wood, under a bell-glass in sandy soil.
Athrotaxis. Coniferæ.
Increased by cuttings.
Seeds should be stratified, and sown in early spring, in gentle heat. By layering in autumn; the layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be vigorous plants. By cuttings, which should be set in light soil and placed under a hand-glass.
Atropa (Belladonna). Solanaceæ.
Seeds.
Aubletia. See Paliurus.
Aubrietia. Cruciferæ.
Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in spring. In early autumn carefully transplant to a cool shady border. Also by divisions. Where a stock of old plants exists, layer their long slender branches any time after flowering, and cover with a mixture of sand and leaf soil; they will then root freely and establish themselves in time for spring blooming. Cuttings should be “drawn” or grown in a frame until they are soft, before they are removed.
Aucuba. Cornaceæ.
Readily increased by seeds, sown as soon as ripe; or by cuttings, inserted in spring or autumn in sandy soil, with or without a covering.
Audouinia. Bruniaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, in sand, under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.
Aulax. Proteaceæ.
Increased by ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and inserted in pots of sandy soil. These will root well under a hand-glass, in a cool house.
Auricula (Primula Auricula). Primulaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, sown as soon as ripe or in spring, in well-drained pots, filled with sandy soil, well watered previous to sowing. Cover lightly with coarse sand, place a pane of glass over the pot, and place the latter in a hand-glass. By offsets, which should be removed when top-dressed, as they are more likely to root. Arrange about four offsets around the sides of well-drained three-inch pots, filled with sandy soil, place under a bell-glass or in a close hand-light, water very sparingly so as to prevent them damping off. After becoming established, admit air, and pot off singly.
Australian Feather-palm. See Ptychosperma.
Australian Mint-bush. See Prostanthera.
Avens. See Geum.
Averrhoa. Geraniaceæ.
Increased in spring by half-ripened cuttings, which will root in sand, under a hand-glass, with bottom heat.
Axillaria. See Polygonatum.
Azalea. Ericaceæ.
Increased by seeds, sown as soon as ripe, or early the following spring, in a large shallow frame containing from two to three inches of peat, over which more peat must be spread by means of a fine sieve; do not cover, but water thoroughly. When the seedlings begin to appear they should have air, shade, and a daily sprinkling of water; transplant in autumn in boxes of peat and coarse sand, water, shade and keep close until growth commences. Grafting is largely practiced to increase the stock of named varieties or choice seedlings, the stock most employed being A. pontica for hardy sorts, and some strong-growing variety of A. Indica, like “Phœnicia,” for tender ones. Layering in spring, enclosing the part buried with moss, is also practiced; but the layer must be left two years before separating. Cuttings of the last year’s wood two or three inches long, taken with a heel, root readily in sand; about the end of summer is the best time. When placed outside they should be covered with a hand-light for about two months, and at the end of that time air should be given freely.
Azara. Bixineæ.
Propagated by cuttings.
Babiana. Irideæ.
Propagated quickly by seeds sown in pans, placed in a gentle heat. These will grow at almost any time. The young plants will require to be carefully transplanted each season until they develop into blooming corms. By offsets grown in boxes or planted out in light rich soil until large enough for flowering.
Babingtonia. Myrtaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of the young sterile shoots, which may be planted in sand under a bell-glass, and kept in a moderate heat until rooted, when they should be placed singly in small pots, in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with a little sand.
Baccharis (Ploughman’s Spikenard). Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds and by cuttings.
Backhousia. Myrtaceæ.
Increased by half-ripened cuttings, in sand, under a bell-glass, in a cool house, during spring.
Bactris. Palmæ.
Increased by suckers, which are very easily produced.
Badamea. See Terminalia.
Propagated easily by seeds.
Bæckea. Myrtaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of young wood, which will root freely if placed in a pot of sand, with a bell-glass over them, in a cool house.
Bæria. Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in spring.
Bahia, Phialis. Compositæ.
Increased by seeds, or by divisions.
Balbisia, Ledocarpum. Geraniaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings made from the half-ripened wood, placed in sand, under a hand-glass.
Baldingera. See Premna.
Balfouria. See Wrightia.
Balm (Melissa officinalis). Labiatæ.
Seeds sown out-doors in spring. Division.
Balsam (Impatiens balsamina). Geraniaceæ.
Increased by seeds sown in early spring, in pans of rich, sandy soil, and placed in a gentle bottom heat of about 65°. Or the seeds may be sown directly in the garden when the weather becomes warm. Varieties increased by layers in late summer, under glass, or by veneer grafting.
Balsamodendron. Burseraceæ.
Increased by cuttings taken from the ripe young wood, in spring, and placed under a hand-glass, in bottom heat.
Balsam-tree. See Clusia.
Bambusa (Bamboo). Gramineæ.
Propagated by careful division of well-developed plants, in early spring, just as new growth is commencing; establish the divisions in pots. If young shoots are layered, leave only the end exposed.
Banana and Plantain (Musa sapientum, M. paradisiaca and others). Scitamineæ.
Edible bananas rarely produce seeds. The young plants are obtained from suckers, which spring from the main root-stock. These suckers are transplanted when two or three feet high. These plants themselves do not produce so good crops as the suckers which arise from them, and are not transplanted. Two or three suckers are sufficient for a plant at a time; what others arise should be transplanted or destroyed. The suckers should be set deep, as low as two feet for best results. In fifteen or eighteen months the plants will bloom, if they have had good care. The stem bears fruit but once, but new stems arise to take its place.
Baneberry. See Actæa.
Banisteria. Malpighiaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings from ripened wood, which will root freely in sandy soil, under a hand-glass, in stove heat.
Banksia. Proteaceæ.
Seeds are very unsatisfactory. Propagated by well-ripened cuttings taken off at a joint, and placed in pots of sand without shortening any of the leaves, except on the part that is planted in the sand, where they should be taken off quite close. The less depth the better, so long as they stand firm. Place them under hand-glasses in a propagating house, but do not plunge them in heat.
Baphia (Camwood, Barwood). Leguminosæ.
Propagated by cuttings, which should not be deprived of any of their leaves. Place in sand under a hand-glass in heat.
Baptisia. Leguminosæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in sand and leaf-mould in the open, or in pots placed in a cold-frame. By divisions.
Barbadoes Gooseberry. See Pereskia.
Barbarea (Winter Cress, American Cress, Upland Cress). Cruciferæ.
Increased by seeds, divisions, suckers and cuttings.
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Berberideæ.
Propagated by stratified seeds, or by suckers, layers and cuttings of mature wood. Layers are usually allowed to remain two years. Rare sorts are sometimes grafted on common stocks.
Barbieria. Leguminosæ.
Propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, which should be placed in sand, under a glass, in strong heat.
Barkeria. Orchideæ.
Propagated by divisions made just before new growth commences. See under Orchids.
Barklya. Leguminosæ.
Increased by seeds; also by half-ripened cuttings, which should be placed in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in a cool house.
Barleria. Acanthaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings made of the young wood, and placed in a compost of loam and peat with a little rotten dung, under a bell-glass, in stove temperature with bottom heat.
Barnadesia. Compositæ.
Increased by seeds, sown in spring in heat. By offsets. By cuttings made of half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand, under a bell-glass.
Barnardia. See Scilla.
Barosma, Parapetalifera. Rutaceæ.
Increased by cuttings, which root readily if taken from ripened wood and placed in a pot of sand, in a shady place in a cool house, with a bell-glass over them.
Barrenwort. See Epimedium.
Barringtonia. Myrtaceæ.
Increased by cuttings taken from the lateral shoots, at a joint, when the wood is ripe; place in sand and cover with a hand-glass. The cuttings should not be stripped of any of their leaves.
Bartonia. Loaseæ.
Increased by seeds in spring, in gentle heat. The seedlings should be potted singly into small, well-drained pots. In winter they should be placed on a dry shelf in a greenhouse or frame.
Barwood. See Baphia.
Basil (Ocymum Basilicum and O. minimum). Labiatæ.
Seeds, sown in a hot-bed or out-doors.
Bassia. Sapotaceæ.
Increased by cuttings taken from ripened wood; place in sand, under a hand-glass, in a strong, moist heat.
Basswood. See Tilia.
Bastard Balm. See Melittis.
Bastard Cedar. See Cedrela.
Bastard Indigo. See Amorpha.
Batatas. See Ipomœa and Sweet Potato.
Batemannia. Orchideæ.
Increased by divisions and offsets.
Batschia. See Lithospermum.
Bauera. Saxifrageæ.
Propagated by cuttings placed in sandy soil under a glass.
Bauhinia (Mountain Ebony). Leguminosæ.
Propagated by cuttings, which should be taken when the wood is neither very ripe nor very young. The leaves must be dressed off, and the cuttings planted in sand under a glass in moist heat. Also by seeds.
Bayberry. See Myrica.
Seeds; sow only after the weather is thoroughly settled for out-door culture.
Bean Caper. See Zygophyllum.
Bean, Sacred, or Water. See Nelumbium.
Beard-tongue. See Pentstemon.
Bear’s Breech. See Acanthus.
Bear’s Grass. See Yucca.
Beaucarnea. Liliaceæ.
Increased chiefly by seeds which have been imported from their native country. By cuttings, when obtainable.
Beaufortia, including Schizopleura. Myrtaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened shoots; place in a sandy soil under a glass, with very little heat.
Beaumontia. Apocynaceæ.
Increased by cuttings placed in sand in bottom heat.
Bedfordia. Compositæ.
Increased by cuttings, which should be dried a little before inserting them in a light soil.
Beech. See Fagus.
Beefwood. See Casuarina.
Beet (Beta vulgaris). Chenopodiaceæ.
Seeds, sown very early.
Propagated by cuttings of young wood, placed in sandy soil, in gentle heat.
Begonia. Begoniaceæ.
Increased by seeds, well-ripened before they are gathered, and kept very dry until sown. For the successful raising of begonias, it is necessary to sow the seed in pans or pots of well-drained, light, sandy soil, which should be well watered before the seeds are sown. The seeds should not be covered with soil, or they will fail to germinate. Place a pane of glass over the pans, and set in a warm house or frame, where a temperature of about 65° can be maintained, and shade from the sun. As soon as the plants are large enough they should be pricked off into pans of light leaf-mould soil, in which they may remain until large enough to be placed singly in pots. By divisions of the rhizomes. Also increased by cuttings, which strike freely in pots of sand and leaf-mould, and placed on a bottom heat of about 70°. Where large quantities are required, a bed of cocoanut fiber in a stove or propagating-frame may be used, and in this the cuttings may be planted, and remain until well-rooted. Leaf cuttings succeed best when laid on sand or cocoanut fiber, and shaded from bright sunlight. Select old, well-matured leaves, and make an incision with a sharp knife across the principal nerves, on the under side. They should then be placed on the sand or fiber, and held down by means of a few pieces of crock. Under this treatment bulbils will form on the lower ends of the nerves of each section of the leaf, and these, when large enough, may be removed from the bed and potted. Fan-shaped pieces of leaves are often used. Leaf cuttings of begonia are described and figure in Chapter IV. Species like B. diversifolia, etc., may be propagated by the bulblets which form in the axils of the leaves. Tuberous begonias are best propagated by seeds, as described above, but stem-cuttings can be used with fair success, if they are cut just below a joint.
Bejaria. See Befaria.
Belenia. See Physochlaina.
Bellardia. See Manettia.
Bellevalia. Liliaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. By offsets.
Bellflower. See Campanula.
Bellidiastrum. Compositæ.
Increased by divisions in early spring, or directly after blooming.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in early spring. By division after flowering, each crown making a separate plant. The soil must be pressed about them moderately firm.
Bellwort. See Uvularia.
Bellium. Compositæ.
Increased by seeds; also by divisions made in spring.
Beloperone, Dianthera. Acanthaceæ.
Propagated by young cuttings. They should be taken in spring.
Belvala. See Struthiola.
Belvisia. See Napoleona.
Bengal Quince. See Ægle.
Bennetia. See Saussurea.
Bent Grass. See Agrostis.
Benthamia. Cornaceæ.
Propagated by seeds sown when ripe in a cool house, or layering in autumn. By cuttings, and by grafting on the dogwood.
Benzoin (Lindera Benzoin) Laurineæ.
Seed.
Berardia. Compositæ.
Increased by seeds sown in spring.
Berberidopsis. Berberideæ.
Propagated by seeds in spring, by layering in autumn, or by young cuttings in spring.
Berberis. See Barberry.
Berchemia. Rhamneæ.
Propagated by layering the young shoots. By ripened cuttings, and slips of the root planted under a hand-glass.
Bergera. Rutaceæ.
Increased by layers or by ripened cuttings, which should be taken off at a joint and placed in sand under a hand-glass in bottom heat.
Berkheya. Compositæ.
The herbaceous perennials usually by divisions of the plant in spring; the other species by cuttings placed under a glass.
Bertolonia. Melastomaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Berzelia. Bruniaceæ.
Increased by young cuttings inserted in sand under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.
Besleria, Eriphia. Gesneraceæ.
Increased by cuttings placed in heat.
Bessera. Liliaceæ.
Propagated by offsets.
Betonica. See Stachys.
Increased by seeds, which must be sown as soon as gathered, or else stratified. By grafting or budding upon seedling stocks of the common kinds; the former should be done in spring or late winter, and the latter in summer when the buds are ready.
Bidens (Bur Marigold). Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds or by divisions of the plant.
Biebersteinia. Rutaceæ.
Increased by seeds sown in April in a slight hot-bed. In early summer by cuttings, placed under a hand-glass.
Bigelovia. Compositæ.
Propagated by cuttings.
Bignonia (Trumpet Flower). Bignoniaceæ.
Increased by seeds or layering, or, in early spring, by cuttings made from good strong shoots with two or three joints. Place cuttings of tender sorts in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in bottom heat. Also by seeds. B. radicans propagates readily from root-cuttings.
Billardiera (Apple Berry). Pittosporeæ.
Increased by seeds, and by cuttings placed in a pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass, in gentle heat.
Propagated by suckers which are taken from the base of the plant after flowering, when they have attained a good size. The best method to adopt is as follows: Take the sucker in the hand and gently twist it off the stem; next, trim the base by the removal of a few of the lower leaves, and then insert each sucker separately in a small pot, in sharp soil. A bottom heat of about 80° will greatly facilitate new root growth; failing this, they will root freely in the temperature of a stove, if placed in a shaded position for two or three weeks, after which they will bear increased light and sunshine during the latter part of the day.
Bilberry. See Vaccinium.
Bindweed. See Convolvulus.
Biophytum. Geraniaceæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in spring on a hot-bed.
Biota. See Thuya.
Biotia. See Madia.
Bird of Paradise Flower. See Strelitzia.
Bird’s-tongue Flower. See Strelitzia.
Birch. See Betula.
Birthwort. See Aristolochia.
Bitter Sweet. See Celastrus and Solanum.
Bitter Vetch. See Orobus.
Bivonæa. Cruciferæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in spring where the plants are intended to remain. They should be thinned out to insure full growth.
Propagated by seeds sown when ripe, in bottom heat, or by cuttings put in sand under a hand-glass, in heat; the latter is the better method.
Blackberry (Rubus villosus and vars.). Rosaceæ.
New varieties are obtained from seeds, which may be sown as soon as they are cleaned from the ripe fruit, or which may be stratified until the next spring. If the soil is in prime condition, fall sowing is preferable.
Varieties are multiplied by suckers and by root-cuttings. The suckers spring up freely about the old plants, especially if the roots are broken by the cultivator; but they have few fibrous roots and are inferior. The best plants are obtained from root-cuttings. Roots from one-fourth to three-eighths inch in diameter are selected for this purpose. The roots are dug in the fall, cut into pieces an inch or two long, and stored until early spring. They may be buried in boxes of sand after the manner of stratified seeds, or stored in a cool cellar; callusing proceeds most rapidly in a cellar. The pieces are planted horizontally an inch or two deep, in loose, rich soil. It is best to put them in a frame and give them slight bottom heat, although they will grow if planted in the open in April or May, but the plants will make much less growth the first season. Some varieties do not strike quickly without bottom heat. When the variety is scarce, shorter and slenderer pieces of root may be used, but these demand bottom heat. The heat in the frames is usually supplied by manure, or the heat of the sun under the glass may be sufficient. In these frames the cuttings can be started in the north late in March, or some six or eight weeks before the plants can be set out-doors without protection. When the weather has become somewhat settled, the plants may be planted out, and by fall they will be two to three feet high.
Black Boy. See Xanthorrhœa.
Bladder-nut Tree. See Staphylea.
Bladder-pod or -seed. See Vesicaria.
Bladder Senna. See Colutea.
Blakea. Melastomaceæ.
Increased by cuttings taken from shoots that are about ripe; plant in a pot of sand, and plunge in a moist heat, under a hand-glass.
Blandfordia. Liliaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and offsets, or by division of the old plants, which must be done when repotting.
Blazing Star. See Liatris.
Bleeding Heart. See Dicentra.
Blephilia. Labiatæ.
Increased by division of the roots in early spring.
Bletia. Orchideæ.
Propagated by divisions, which should be made after the plants have finished flowering, or previous to their starting into growth. These are terrestrial, and their flat, roundish pseudo-bulbs are usually under ground. They bear division well, especially B. hyacinthina, which may be cut up into pieces consisting of a single pseudo-bulb. (See under Orchids.)
Blood Flower. See Hæmanthus.
Blood-root. See Sanguinaria and Hæmodorum.
Blueberry. See Vaccinium.
Blue-eyed Grass. See Sisyrinchium.
Blumenbachia. Loaseæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in pots in spring, and placed in a gentle heat.
Blumia. See Saurauja.
Bobartia. Irideæ.
Propagated by separating the offsets during autumn.
Bocconia. Papaveraceæ.
Some species grow well from seed. By young suckers, taken from established plants during summer. Cuttings taken from the axils of the large leaves during early summer push freely, so that they will have plenty of roots before winter sets in. Root-cuttings of B. cordata strike freely.
Bœbera. Compositæ.
Increased by cuttings made of young, rather firm shoots, and placed in sand, under a glass.
Bœhmeria. Urticaceæ.
Increased by divisions.
Boleum. Cruciferæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in a pot in spring, placed in a frame or in the open border during summer.
Boltonia. Compositæ.
Increased by divisions of the root in March.
Bomarea. Amaryllideæ.
Propagated by seeds, which may be sown in a warm house. Also increased by careful division of the underground stem. In making a division it is necessary to observe that the part taken has some roots by which to live till new ones are formed.
Bombax (Silk Cotton Tree). Malvaceæ.
Plants raised from seeds brought from their native habitats make the best trees. Increased by cuttings, which will root readily if not too ripe. They should be taken off at a joint, and placed in sand under a bell-glass, in moist heat.
Bonapartea. See Tillandsia.
Bonjeania. See Dorycnium.
Bonnaya. Scrophularineæ.
The annual species by seeds, the others by divisions and cuttings.
Bonnetia. Ternstrœmiaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of firm, young shoots inserted in sand, under a hand-glass, in a moderate heat.
Borago. Boragineæ.
Propagated by seeds sown from spring or autumn in any good garden soil. Also by divisions in spring, or by striking cuttings in a cold-frame.
Borassus. Palmæ.
Increased by seeds sown in a strong bottom heat.
Borbonai. Leguminosæ.
Propagated by cuttings in spring. They should be half-ripened, and placed in a sandy soil under a bell-glass, in a cool house.
Boronia. Rutaceæ.
Increased by seed. By young cuttings, or those made from half-ripened wood. Place these in a thoroughly drained pot of sandy soil, with one inch of sand on the surface, and cover with a bell-glass; remove frequently and wipe dry.
Borreria. Rubiaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings. Those of the perennial kinds strike root readily in a light soil, in heat. The annual kinds require a similar treatment to other tender annuals.
Bossiæa. Leguminosæ.
Seeds should be sown on a slight hot-bed in March. Also increased by half-ripened cuttings, which should be placed in a pot of sand with a bell-glass over them, in a cool house.
Boswellia (Olibanum Tree). Burseraceæ.
Increased easily by cuttings in sand under a glass.
Botrychium. See Ferns.
Botryanthus. See Muscari.
Bouchea. Verbenaceæ.
Increased during spring by cuttings, placed in sand under a glass and in a gentle heat.
Bougainvillea. Nyctagineæ.
Propagated by cuttings from the half-ripened wood. Place in sandy soil, in a brisk heat. Also grown from root-cuttings.
Bouncing Bet. See Saponaria.
Bourbon Palm. See Latania.
Boussingaultia. Chenopodiaceæ.
Increased by seeds, and easily by means of the tubercles of the stem.
Bouvardia. Rubiaceæ.
The old plants should be cut back, placed in heat in a stove or pit, and freely syringed, which will cause them to break freely and produce a good supply of cuttings. They will root from any surface of the stem, and should be about two inches long. The cuttings should be dibbled pretty thickly into pots about five inches across. A good watering must be given without wetting and thereby injuring the foliage. Plunge the pots in bottom heat of about 70° or 80°, and cover with a bell-glass. Keep moist and shady during sunshine, till rooted. They are also readily and more easily increased by root-cuttings.
Bowiea. Liliaceæ.
Propagated by seeds or offsets.
Bowstring Hemp. See Sanseviera.
Box Elder. See Negundo.
Box Thorn. See Lycium.
Box Tree. See Buxus.
Brachychiton. Sterculiaceæ.
Increased by young cuttings planted in sandy soil in gentle heat.
Brachycome (Swan River Daisy). Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in early spring in a gentle hot-bed, or they may be sown thinly out-doors, late in spring.
Brachylæna. Compositæ.
Propagated by cuttings from the half-ripened shoots, placed in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell-glass.
Brachyrhynchos. See Senecio.
Brachysema. Leguminosæ.
By seeds sown in spring in heat. By layers. In summer by cuttings from the half-ripened shoots, placed in sandy soil under a bell-glass, in a gentle bottom heat.
Brachystelma. Asclepiadeæ.
Propagated by divisions of the root, and by cuttings in a sandy soil, in heat.
Bradleia. See Phyllanthus.
Brahea. Palmæ.
Propagated by seeds in heat.
Brassia. Orchideæ.
Increased by dividing the plant when growth has commenced. (See under Orchids.)
Bravoa. Amaryllideæ.
Propagated by seeds sown as soon as ripe, and by offsets in autumn.
Bread Fruit. See Artocarpus.
Bread Nut. See Brosimum.
Breakstone. See Saxifraga.
Bredia. Melastomaceæ.
Increased by seeds, and by cuttings from the ripened shoots placed in sandy loam, under a hand-glass, in heat.
Brexia. Saxifrageæ.
Increased by cuttings, the leaves of which should not be shortened. Place in sand under a hand-glass, in heat; or a leaf taken off with a bud attached will grow.
Briza (Quaking Grass). Gramineæ.
Propagated by seeds, which may be sown in spring or in autumn.
Broccoli. See Cabbage.
Brodiæa, Hookera. Liliaceæ.
Increased by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when they may be divided and planted in autumn.
Bromelia. Bromeliaceæ.
Some are propagated by seeds. All by cuttings inserted in sand, in heat.
Bromus. Gramineæ.
Increased by seeds sown outside in late summer or in spring, thinning out when necessary.
Brongniartia. Leguminosæ.
Increased by cuttings of the young shoots, which, if firm at the base, will root in sand under a bell-glass, in a cool house.
Brosimum (Bread Nut). Urticaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of ripe wood with their leaves on. Place in sand in moist heat.
Broughtonia. Orchideæ.
Increased by dividing the plant. (See under Orchids.)