_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.