Knowltonia, Anamenia.Ranunculaceæ.
Increased by seeds and divisions.
Kœllikeria.Gesneraceæ.
Seeds, carefully sown. May be propagated by dividing the tubers.
Kœlreuteria.Sapindaceæ.
Propagated in spring by seed, by layers in autumn, and by cuttings of the young shoots in spring; also by root-cuttings.
Kœniga.Cruciferæ.
Seeds, in spring.
Krameria.Polygaleæ.
Cuttings, set in sand under glass, in spring.
Kreysigia, Tripladenia.Liliaceæ.
Seeds. Propagated generally by divisions in spring.
Kydia.Malvaceæ.
Seeds. May be increased by cuttings of firm shoots, which root in sand under glass.
Laburnum.Leguminosæ.
The species may be increased by seeds. Layers and suckers are often used. The varieties by grafting or budding on the common sorts.
Lachenalia.Liliaceæ.
Seeds. Bulbels.
Lachnæa.Thymelæaceæ.
Cuttings of short young shoots may be made in spring, and should be placed in sand, under glass.
Lælia.Orchideæ.
Increased by pseudo-bulbs, as in cattleya. See also underOrchids.
Lagerstrœmia(Crape Myrtle).Lythrarieæ.
Layers. Cuttings of firm, small side shoots may be made in spring, and placed in bottom heat.
Lagetta(Lace Bark).Thymelæaceæ.
Usually increased by cuttings of firm shoots, placed in sand under glass, in bottom heat.
Lagunaria.Malvaceæ.
Seeds. Cuttings of half-ripened shoots, placed under glass, in a gentle heat.
Lambertia.Proteaceæ.
Increased by seeds, sown in slight heat. By cuttings, made of young and rather firm shoots.
Lantana.Verbenaceæ.
Seeds, which give new varieties. Cuttings, in fall or spring, from good growing wood, in sand in a warm house or frame.
Lapageria, Capia, Phænocodon.Liliaceæ.
Sow seeds when ripe in a sandy peat soil, and keep in a moderate heat. Increased by layers of firm, strong shoots.
Laportea.Urticaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, or by cuttings placed in sand, in heat.
Lardizibala.Berberideæ.
The cuttings, made of half-ripened shoots, should be inserted in sandy soil under glass.
Larix(Larch, Tamarack).Coniferæ.
Seeds should be kept dry over winter and planted early in spring. Shade the young plants. Varieties, as the weeping sorts, are worked upon common stocks. The grafting may be done by the whip method, out-doors early in spring. Rare sorts are sometimes veneer-grafted under glass.
Larkspur.SeeDelphinium.
Lasiandra.Melastomaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of the growing wood under glass.
Lasiopetalum.Sterculiaceæ.
Seeds. Make cuttings in spring of the half-ripened wood, and insert in sand, under glass.
Latania.SeeLivistona.
Lathyrus(Sweet Pea, Vetchling).Leguminosæ.
Seeds, sown very early in the open. The perennials also by seeds, sometimes by division.
Lattice-leaf.SeeOuvirandra.
Latua.Solanaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings, placed in sand under glass.
Laurel, Mountain.SeeKalmia.
Laurus(Laurel).Laurineæ.
Increased by seeds, layers, and by cuttings, placed under a hand-glass in sandy soil. Also propagated by root-cuttings.
Laurustinus.SeeViburnum.
Lavandula(Lavender).Labiatæ.
Divisions. When the flowers are fully expanded, cuttings may be made. These should be inserted in sandy soil, under a frame.
Lawsonia, Alcanna.Lythrarieæ.
Increased by cuttings of ripened shoots, placed in sand under a glass, in heat.
Laxmannia.Liliaceæ.
Seeds. Propagation is usually effected by divisions or bulbels.
Layia.Compositæ.
Increased by seeds, sown in a hot-bed, or in the open border in the south.
Leaf-BeetorChard. SeeBeet.
Ledum(Labrador Tea).Ericaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and divisions, but principally by layers, in sandy peat soil.
Leek(Allium Porrum).Liliaceæ.
Seeds, sown very early in the spring, either out-doors or in a cold-frame.
Leianthus.Gentianeæ.
Seeds, under cover; or cuttings of young shoots may be made, and inserted in sandy soil under glass.
Leiophyllum(Sand Myrtle).Ericaceæ.
May be freely increased by seeds, sown in pans and placed in a frame. By layers in autumn.
Lemon(Citrus Limonum).Rutaceæ.
The named sorts are budded upon either orange or lemon stocks. Orange stocks are probably most generally preferred, as they are adapted to a great variety of soils, and vigorous trees nearly always result. The budding is performed in the same manner as upon the orange, which see. Lemons are often grown from cuttings of the mature wood, which are set in the open ground as soon as the spring becomeswarm, or in a frame. Stocks for budding upon are sometimes grown from cuttings in this way.
Lentil(Ervum, various species).Leguminosæ.
Seeds, sown in early spring.
Leonotis(Lion’s Ear, Lion’s Tail).Labiatæ.
Seeds. Increased by cuttings, which root freely in a gentle bottom heat, in early spring.
Leontice.Berberideæ.
May be increased by seeds or by suckers.
Leontopodium(Edelweiss, Lion’s Foot).Compositæ.
May annually be raised from seeds, or the old plants may be divided in spring. The seeds must be kept in a dry place throughout the winter.
Lepachys.SeeRudbeckia.
Leptosyne.Compositæ.
Propagated by seeds.
Leschenaultia.Goodenovieæ.
In spring or summer cuttings may be taken from the points of shoots that are rather firm, and placed in sandy peat, in a shaded frame.
Lessertia.Leguminosæ.
Propagation by seeds, or by divisions in spring.
Lettuce(Lactuca sativa).Compositæ.
Seeds, which may be sown under glass or in the open. In the middle and southern states, the seeds may be sown in the fall, and the plants protected during cold by a mulch; or the plants may grow during winter in the warmer parts.
Leucadendron(Silver Tree).Proteaceæ.
Propagated by seeds.
Leucoium(Snowflake).Amaryllideæ.
Seeds, for producing new sorts. Propagation is commonly effected by bulbels, which should be secured as soon as possible after the foliage ripens.
Leucothoë.Ericaceæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be covered very lightly. By divisions of established plants in autumn or winter. Also by layers.
Lewisia.Portulacaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, or by divisions in spring.
Leycesteria.Caprifoliaceæ.
May be increased by seeds, sown in spring. By cuttings of the short young shoots, made in spring; by older ones made in autumn.
Leyssera.Compositæ.
Increased by seeds, and by firm cuttings, placed in sandy soil during summer.
Liatris(Blazing Star, Button Snake-Root).Compositæ.
Seeds are usually sown early in autumn. Divisions may be made in spring.
Libonia.Acanthaceæ.
Seeds are rarely employed. Usually increased by short green cuttings in a frame.
Licuala, Pericycla.Palmæ.
Seeds may be sown in spring in a sandy soil, and placed in a strong, moist bottom heat.
Lietzia.Gesneraceæ.
Increased by seeds sown in early spring, in heat; by cuttings inserted in sand under a glass, in bottom heat; or by tubers, which must be kept dry in winter and potted in early spring.
Lightfootia.Campanulaceæ.
The annuals, by seeds sown in a warm frame in spring. Perennials also by cuttings made of young shoots placed in sand containing a little peat, under glass.
Ligularia.Compositæ.
Increased by seeds, or by divisions in spring and autumn.
Ligustrum(Privet, Prim).Oleaceæ.
Stratified seeds. Division. The named varieties are grown from cuttings, either of green or ripe wood.
Lilac.SeeSyringa.
Lilium(Lily).Liliaceæ.
Seeds—giving new varieties in the variable species—should be sown as soon as ripe in well-drained pans of sandy peat, slightly covered with similar soil and a layer of moss, and placed in a cool frame. Usually increased by bulbels, whichshould be planted a few inches apart in prepared beds. Sometimes small bulblets form in the axils of the leaves, and these are used in the same manner as bulbels. Bulb-scales are often employed for the multiplication of scarce kinds. Those which produce large and loose bulbs, asL. candidum, may be increased by simple division. These operations are described on pp. 25 to 29.
Lily of the Valley.SeeConvallaria.
Lime(Citrus Limetta).Rutaceæ.
Seeds, which usually reproduce the variety. Some varieties are budded upon strong seedlings.
Lime-tree.SeeTilia.
Limnanthes.Geraniaceæ.
Freely increased by seeds in any ordinary garden soil in spring or autumn.
Limnocharis.Alismaceæ.
Increased by seeds, by divisions, and by runners.
Linaria(Toadflax).Scrophularineæ.
Increased by seeds sown in light soil, in early spring. Or by divisions made in spring or autumn. The greenhouse species are ordinarily grown from seeds, which should be carefully sown in finely pulverized soil. Cuttings may also be used.
Linden.SeeTilia.
Lindleya.Rosaceæ.
Increased by ripened cuttings under glass in bottom heat; or by grafting on the hawthorn.
Linnæa.Caprifoliaceæ.
Naturally increased by layers or runners. Seeds are rarely employed.
Linum(Flax).Lineæ.
Propagated by seeds, the hardy species sown out-doors and the tender ones under glass. Cuttings may be taken from firm shoots and inserted in a sandy position under glass. The ordinary flax is sown directly in the field.
Lippia, including Aloysia, Zapania.Verbenaceæ.
Seeds. Usually by cuttings of young shoots, which will root freely in sandy soil in a close, warm frame. If it is notpossible to secure the necessary heat, cuttings of the hard wood can be used in autumn, under glass.
Liquidambar(Sweet Gum).Hammelideæ.
Seeds, which should be stratified or sown as soon as ripe. Many of the seeds may lie dormant until the second year.
Liquorice.SeeGlycyrrhiza.
Liriodendron(Tulip-tree, White-wood).Magnoliaceæ.
Increased by stratified seeds. Named varieties are grafted on seedlings. The seeds of the tulip-tree are apt to be hollow, especially those grown along the eastern limits of the distribution of the species.
Lisianthus.Gentianeæ.
The annuals may be increased by seeds, those of a shrubby habit by cuttings.
Litchi.SeeNephelium.
Lithospermum, including Batschia (Gromwell).Boragineæ.
May be propagated by seeds, by divisions, or by cuttings.
Livistona, Latania, Saribus (Fan-Palm).Palmæ.
Seeds, sown in a sandy soil and placed in a gentle bottom heat.
Lloydia.Liliaceæ.
Seeds rarely. Increased by bulbels, or by the creeping shoots leaving a bulb at the extremity.
Loasa, including Illairea.Loaseæ.
All are easily increased by seeds sown in a light, sandy soil, usually under cover. Cuttings are rarely used.
Lobelia.Campanulaceæ.
Ordinarily increased by seeds, which are more certain if handled in pans or flats under glass. Cuttings from vigorous shoots may be employed, and strong plants of some species may be divided. The cardinal flower (L. cardinalis) is grown from seeds carefully sown in fine soil, usually under cover.
Locust-tree.SeeRobinia.
Loddigesia.Leguminosæ.
Increased in spring by cuttings placed under glass, in sandy soil.
Lœselia, Hoitzia.Polemoniaceæ.
Seeds. Cuttings of half-ripened shoots in sand under glass.
Logania, Euosma.Loganiaceæ.
Propagated by cuttings of firm side shoots inserted in sandy soil, under glass.
Loiseleurea.Ericaceæ.
Propagation by layers; very rarely by seeds, which are slow and uncertain.
Lomatia, Tricondylus.Proteaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of well-ripened shoots placed in a gentle heat under glass.
Lonchocarpus.Leguminosæ.
Seeds. Propagated by growing cuttings placed in sand under glass, in mild heat.
Lonicera, including Caprifolium and Xylosteum (Honeysuckle).Caprifoliaceæ.
Seeds, for new varieties. Sow as soon as ripe, or stratify, first removing them from the pulp. The upright species are commonly grown from layers and from cuttings of dormant wood. The creepers are mostly grown from dormant cuttings.
Lopezia, Pisaura.Onagrarieæ.
Seeds, under cover in spring. Also increased by cuttings.
Lophanthus(Giant Hyssop).Labiatæ.
Propagation is effected by seeds and divisions.
Lophospermum.SeeMaurandya.
Loquat.SeePhotinia.
Lotus.Leguminosæ.
The species may be raised annually from seeds. Increased also by cuttings.
Lotus of the Nile.SeeNymphæa.
Lovage(Levisticum officinale).Umbelliferæ.
Seeds sown in the open ground, and division.
Lucern.SeeMedicago.
Luculia.Rubiaceæ.
Sow seeds in sandy soil and place in a little heat. Cuttings of young shoots may be inserted in spring, under glass,in gentle bottom heat for the first two or three weeks. Insert immediately after cutting and water freely.
Luffa(Dish-cloth Gourd).Cucurbitaceæ.
Seeds, sown in the open, or in the north better started in pots in early spring.
Lunaria(Honesty).Cruciferæ.
Propagated by seeds or by divisions.
Lupinus(Lupin).Leguminosæ.
Seeds of annuals may be sown in the open border during early spring. The perennials may be increased the same way, or by dividing the stronger growing plants during very early spring.
Lycaste.Orchideæ.
Division and pseudo-bulbs. (See also underOrchids).
Lychnis, including Agrostemma, Viscaria.Caryophylleæ.
Increased readily in spring by seeds, divisions or cuttings.
Lycium(Matrimony Vine, Box Thorn).Solanaceæ.
Increased by seeds, suckers, layers; and by cuttings made in autumn or spring.
Lygodium(Hartford Fern, Climbing Fern).Filices.
By spores and divisions of the root. SeeFerns.
Lyonia.Ericaceæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown very carefully in sandy peat soil. Also by layers.
Lysimachia(Loosestrife).Primulaceæ.
Propagation is easily effected by seeds; by divisions in late autumn or early spring; and by cuttings.
Lythrum(Loosestrife).Lythrarieæ.
Seeds and divisions are the usual methods. Cuttings are employed for some species.
Maclura(Osage Orange).Urticaceæ.
Sow seed in the spring. Soak in warm water a few days before sowing.
Madia.Compositæ.
Seeds.
Magnolia.Magnoliaceæ.
Seeds are commonly used. The coverings should be macerated from the very pulpy species. The cucumber-trees and some others are sown directly in autumn. The seeds of any species should not be allowed to become thoroughly dry. Magnolias strike well from green cuttings, cut to a heel and handled under glass. Layers are often used. Named varieties are veneer- or side-grafted upon strong stocks. The cucumber tree (M. acuminata) is used as a stock for all species. The umbrella tree (M. umbrella) is also a good stock.
Mahernia.Sterculiaceæ.
Propagated during summer by cuttings of young shoots, one or two inches long, inserted in sandy soil, under glass.
Mahonia.SeeBerberis.
Maidenhair-tree.SeeGinkgo.
Maize(Zea Mays).Gramineæ.
Seeds (properly fruits) planted upon the approach of warm weather.
Malcolmia.Cruciferæ.
Propagated by seeds.
Mallow.SeeMalva.
Malope.Malvaceæ.
Seeds may be sown either under glass in early spring, or in the open border a month or two later.
Malpighia.Malpighiaceæ.
Cuttings of nearly ripened shoots may be made in summer, with leaves or under glass.
Malva(Mallow).Malvaceæ.
The annuals by seeds only. The perennials may be increased by seeds, divisions or cuttings.
Malvaviscus, Achania.Malvaceæ.
Increased by seeds, and by cuttings of side shoots, placed under glass, in heat.
Mammea(Mammee Apple, St. Domingo Apricot).Guttiferæ.
Seeds. Cuttings of half-ripened shoots should be taken with the leaves on and placed in a frame.
Mammillaria.SeeCactus.
Mandevilla.Apocynaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, layers, or cuttings of half-ripened wood.
Mandiocca.SeeManihot.
Mandragora(Mandrake).Solanaceæ.
Propagated by seeds or by divisions.
Mandrake.SeeMandragoraandPodophyllum.
Manettia.Rubiaceæ.
Seeds are sometimes employed. Usually increased by cuttings of young shoots. Root-cuttings are sometimes made.
Mangifera.SeeMango.
Mango(Mangifera Indica).Anacardiaceæ.
Stocks are obtained by seeds. The seeds usually have more than one embryo, sometimes as many as ten. Each embryo will produce a distinct plant. The embryos may be separated before planting, but it is preferable to separate the young plantlets soon after germination, before they grow together, as they are apt to do. The seeds germinate better if the hard shell is removed before planting. Seeds retain their vitality but a few days, and if to be shipped for sowing they should be enclosed in wax. Seedlings begin to bear from the third to the sixth years. Varieties are inarched upon other stocks.
Mangostana, Mangosteen. SeeGarcinia.
Manicaria, Pilophora.Palmæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in a strong, moist heat.
Manihot, Janipha, Mandiocca.Euphorbiaceæ.
Propagation is effected by cuttings of young and rather firm shoots, placed in sandy peat under glass, in bottom heat. For the propagation ofM. Aipe, see Cassava.
Mantisia.Scitamineæ.
Propagated usually by divisions, made just as growth commences.
Maple.SeeAcer.
Maranta.Scitamineæ.
Propagated the same as Calathea, which see.
MargueriteorParis Daisy(Chrysanthemum frutescens).Compositæ.
Cuttings, as described for Chrysanthemum.
Marica.Irideæ.
Propagated by seeds, and by division of the rhizomes, placing each portion in sand, in a high bottom heat.
Marigold.SeeTagetes.
Mariposa Lily.SeeCalochortus.
Marsdenia.Asclepiadeæ.
In spring, cuttings may be made and inserted in sand, under glass.
Marsh-Mallow.SeeAlthæa.
Marsh-Marigold.SeeCaltha.
Martynia(Unicorn Plant).Pedalineæ.
Seeds, sown where the plants are to grow, or started under glass in the north.
Masdevallia.Orchideæ.
Division. (See also underOrchids.)
Matthiola(Stock, Gilliflower).Cruciferæ.
Seeds, sown either under cover or in the garden. Grows readily from cuttings.
Maurandya, including Lophospermum.Scrophularineæ.
Seeds, sown in heat. Cuttings of young growth under glass.
Mauritia, including Orophoma.Palmæ.
Sow seeds in heat.
Maxillaria.Orchideæ.
Division of the plants, and also of the pseudo-bulbs. (See also under Orchids.)
May-Apple.SeePodophyllum.
Meadow-Rue.SeeThalictrum.
Meadow-Sweet.SeeSpiræa.
Meconopsis.Papaveraceæ.
Seeds, sown in early spring in a gentle heat. Also propagated by division.
Medeola(Indian Cucumber).Liliaceæ.
Seeds. May be increased by dividing the plants in spring.
Medicago(Lucerno, Medick).Leguminosæ.
Propagated by seeds or divisions.
Medinilla.Melastomaceæ.
Cuttings of young wood in strong, close heat.
Medlar(Pyrus[orMespilus]Germanica).Rosaceæ.
Stocks are grown from stratified medlar seeds, and the plant may be worked upon these, the thorn or quince.
Megarrhiza.Cucurbitaceæ.
Propagation is effected by seeds, sown in gentle heat in spring.
Melittis(Bastard Balm).Labiatæ.
Seeds and division.
Melaleuca.Myrtaceæ.
Seeds. In spring, cuttings getting firm at the base may be made about three inches in length. Place in a compost of peat and sandy loam.
Melastoma.Melastomaceæ.
Make cuttings during spring, and place in sandy peat under glass in heat.
Melia(Bead-tree).Meliaceæ.
Seeds, sown as soon as ripe. Cuttings of growing wood under glass.
Melianthus(Honey Flower).Sapindaceæ.
Increased by seeds, by root-sprouts, or by cuttings, which root freely under glass.
Melichrus.Epacrideæ.
Cuttings of the shoots should be made, about two inches long, and inserted in sandy soil.
Melicocca(Ginep, Spanish Lime).Sapindaceæ.
Seeds. Place ripened cuttings in sand under glass, in heat.
Melocactus.SeeCactus.
Melon(Cucumis Melo).Cucurbitaceæ.
Seeds, sown where the plants are to stand. In the north they are occasionally started under glass in pots or pieces of inverted sods, by amateurs.
Menispermum(Moon-seed).Menispermaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, divisions or cuttings in spring.
Menyanthes(Buckbean).Gentianeæ.
Increased by seeds; by divisions of the roots.
Menziesia.Ericaceæ.
May be increased by dividing established tufts, by layers or by cuttings.
Mertensia, Lungwort.Boragineæ.
Propagation is effected by sowing seeds as soon as ripe, or by divisions in autumn.
Mesembryanthemum(Fig Marigold, Ice Plant).Ficoideæ.
May be easily propagated by seeds, sown under glass; by pieces, pulled or cut off, and laid in the sun on moist sand.
Mespilus.SeeMedlar.
Metrosideros.Myrtaceæ.
Propagated by seeds; also by cuttings of the hardened wood in late autumn.
Mezereum, Mezereon. SeeDaphne.
Michælmas Daisy.SeeAster.
Michauxia.Campanulaceæ.
The seeds may be sown in the border in spring.
Michelia.Magnoliaceæ.
Seeds. Make cuttings of growing wood in summer, and place in sand under glass.
Mignonette.SeeReseda.
Milfoil.SeeAchillea.
Milkweed.SeeAsclepias.
Milla.Liliaceæ.
Increased by seeds, bulbels or divisions.
Miltonia.Orchideæ.
Dividing the pseudo-bulbs. (See also underOrchids.)
Mimosa(Sensitive Plant).Leguminosæ.
Seeds, sown in-doors. Cuttings of rather firm shoots, and inserted in sandy soil, in heat.
Mimulus(Monkey Flower, Musk Plant).Scrophularineæ.
Propagated by seeds, which should be thinly sown and lightly covered. Also by divisions and cuttings.
Mint.SeePeppermintandSpearmint.
Mirabilis, Jalapa (Marvel of Peru, Four-o’clock).Nyctagineæ.
Seeds, sown in spring either under cover or out-doors.
Mistletoe.SeeViscum.
Mock Orange.SeePhiladelphus.
Momordica.Cucurbitaceæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown in heat early in spring.
Monarda(Horse Mint).Labiatæ.
Seeds. Propagated also by dividing the roots.
Monk’s Hood.SeeAconitum.
Monsonia.Geraniaceæ.
Propagation is effected by seeds, sown in-doors in spring; by division, or by cuttings placed in sandy soil under a hand-light, in spring or autumn.
Monstera, Serangium, Tornelia.Aroideæ.
Easily increased by seeds and by cuttings of the stem.
Montbretia.SeeTritonia.
Montezuma.Malvaceæ.
Make cuttings of rather firm shoots, and insert in sand under glass.
Moon-seed.SeeMenispermum.
Moon-flower.SeeIpomœa.
Moricandia.Cruciferæ.
Propagated by seed, sown in the open ground during spring.
Moringa, Anoma.Moringeæ.
Make cuttings of half-ripened shoots in spring, and insert in sand under glass.
Morning-glory.SeeIpomœa.
Morus.SeeMulberry.
Mountain Ash.SeePyrus.
Mountain Laurel.SeeKalmia.
Mourning Bride.SeeScabiosa.
Mucuna.Leguminosæ.
Propagation may be effected by seeds or by cuttings of half-ripened wood, under glass.
Muehlenbeckia, Sarcogonum.Polygonaceæ.
Seeds. Increased usually by cuttings, taken in early summer in a frame.
Mulberry(Mortis alba,M. nigraandM. rubra).Urticaceæ.
New sorts are grown by seeds, which should be handled in the same manner as small fruit seeds. Named varieties are multiplied by cuttings of the root, or of mature wood, and sometimes by layers. The tree may also be budded or grafted by ordinary methods.
The common white mulberry was formerly used as a stock for named varieties, but Russian mulberry seedlings are now much used. The stocks may be top-worked out-doors, or root-grafted in the house. They are commonly crown-worked, however, in the house in winter, the stocks being grown in pots or boxes for the purpose. They are then kept under glass until the weather permits them out-doors. By this method fine specimen trees are procured, but they are readily handled by cheaper methods. The weeping and other ornamental sorts are now worked upon the Russian mulberry.
Mulberry, Paper.SeeBroussonetia.
Mullein.SeeVerbascum.
Musa(Banana, or Plantain-tree).Scitamineæ.
Seeds may be sown in heat during spring. Suckers are used for those species which produce them. Many of the species do not produce seeds freely, and suckers must be relied upon. SeeBanana.
Muscari, including Botryanthus (Grape Hyacinth).Liliaceæ.
Increased by seeds, and by bulbels, which are obtained by lifting the old bulbs early in the autumn, about every second year.
Mushroom(Agaricus campestris).
Break up the commercial spawn into pieces about as large as a hen’s egg, and plant it in drills or holes, using from one-half pound to a pound of spawn to each square yard of bed.
The spawn is the mycelium of the fungus held in a mass or “brick” of earth and manure. Various methods are employed for making the spawn, but the essentials of them all are that the body of the brick shall be composed of a porous and light material, which can be compressed into a compact mass; fresh mycelium must be communicated to this mass, and then a mild heat must be applied, until the whole massis permeated by the mycelium. The mass should be kept in heat until the whole of it assumes a somewhat cloudy look, but not until the threads of the mycelium can be seen. Ordinarily, fresh horse manure, cow manure and good loam are mixed together in about equal proportions, enough water being added to render the material of the consistency of mortar. It is then spread upon the floor or in large vats, until sufficiently dry to be cut into bricks. When these are tolerably well dried, mycelium from a mushroom bed or from other bricks is inserted in the side of each brick. A bit of spawn about the size of a small walnut is thus inserted, and the hole is plugged up. The bricks are now placed in a mild covered hot-bed, with a bottom heat of 55° to 65°, and left there until the clouded appearance indicates that the mycelium has extended throughout the mass. Soil from a good mushroom bed is sometimes used to sow new beds, in place of commercial spawn. Old clumps of mushrooms may be allowed to become dry, and they may then be mixed into a bed. The spores will then stock the soil and produce a new crop. The full-grown mushroom may be laid upon white paper until the spores are discharged, and these spores may then be mixed into the earth. Propagation by spores is little understood, however. (Seepage 24.)
Mustard(BrassicaorSinapisspecies).
Propagated by seeds.
Mutisia.Compositæ.
Seeds. Layers and cuttings of growing wood, those of the tender species in bottom heat.
Mygindia, Rhacoma.Celastrineæ.
Seeds. Cuttings of firm shoots under glass.
Myoporum.Myoporineæ.
Seeds, when obtainable. Usually by cuttings of young wood in heat.
Myosotis(Forget-me-not).Boragineæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in spring in-doors or in the garden. The perennials may also be increased by divisions, in spring, or by cuttings placed under a hand-glass in a shady spot, in summer.
Myrica(Bayberry, Sweet Gale, Wax Myrtle, Candleberry).Myricaceæ.
Hardy species mostly by seeds, from which the pulp has been removed. Sow as soon as ripe, or stratify them. Layersand divisions may also be employed. The greenhouse species are increased mostly by green cuttings.
Myristica(Nutmeg).Myristiceæ.
May be increased by seeds; or by cuttings of ripened shoots placed in sand under glass, in bottom heat.
Myrobolan.SeePrunus.
Myrodia, Lexarsa.Sterculiaceæ.
Cuttings of firm shoots, which should be placed in sand under glass, in heat.
Myroxylon(Tolu Balsam-tree).Leguminosæ.
Propagation is effected during summer by cuttings of growing shoots placed in sand in a frame.
Myrrhis(Sweet Cicely or Myrrh).Umbelliferæ.
May be increased by divisions or by seeds.
Myrsiphyllum.Liliaceæ.
Freely increased by seeds, by divisions, or by cuttings.M. asparagoides, the “Smilax” or Boston-vine of greenhouses, is increased by seeds, which germinate readily.
Myrtus, including Ugni (Myrtle).Myrtaceæ.
Seeds, when they can be obtained. Readily propagated by cuttings of firm or partially ripened shoots, placed in a close frame; those of the stove species require a warmer temperature than the half-hardy ones.
Nægelia.Gesneraceæ.
Seeds rarely. Propagation is effected by potting the runners in spring or summer in a compost of peat, leaf soil and a little loam. Cuttings of young shoots, as mature leaves, will also root readily.
Napoleona, Belvisia.Myrtaceæ.
Increased by cuttings of half-ripened shoots two to four inches long, in mild bottom heat.
Narcissus(Daffodil, Jonquil, Chinese Sacred Lily).Amaryllideæ.
New varieties are grown from seeds, which give flowering bulbs in three or four years. Ordinarily increased by bulbels, which usually flower the second year.
Nasturtium.SeeWater-CressandTropæolum.
Nauclea.Rubiaceæ.
May be increased by cuttings of growing shoots, in heat.
Nectarine.SeePeach.
Negundo(Box Elder).Sapindaceæ.
Propagates with readiness by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. Also by cuttings of mature wood, handled like grape cuttings.
Neillia.Handled the same as Spiræa, which see.
Nelumbo, Nelumbium (Water Chinquapin, Lotus, Water Bean).Nymphæaceæ.
Seeds, which may be sown in shallow pans of water in the garden, or if sown in ponds they may be incorporated in a ball of clay and dropped into the water. The seeds of some species are very hard, and germination is facilitated if they are very carefully filed or bored (seeFig. 7). Sections of the rhizomes may be used instead. They should always be covered with water, at least a foot or two deep, if out-doors.
Nemastylis, Nemostylis.Irideæ.
Propagation is effected by seeds, or by bulbels.
Nematanthus.Gesneraceæ.
Seeds rarely. Freely increased by cuttings, inserted in sandy soil and kept rather dry.
Nemopanthes(Mountain Holly).Ilicineæ.
Increased by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe or else stratified; also by division of old plants.
Nemophila.Hydrophyllaceæ.
Seeds may be sown in late summer or any time during early spring.
Nepenthes(Pitcher Plant).Nepenthaceæ.
Propagated by seeds and cuttings. The seeds must have good drainage, uniform conditions and strong heat (80° to 85°). Sow upon a soil made of peat and fine sphagnum, and keep in a moist and close frame. Cuttings are usually struck in moss in a frame having strong bottom heat. A good plan is to fill a small pot with moss, invert it, and insert the cutting through the hole in the bottom. The pot then keeps the moss uniform. The pot is broken when the plant is removed. When potting off, use very coarse material.
Nepeta, Glechoma (Catmint, Catnip).Labiatæ.
Propagated by sowing seed in spring, or by divisions.
Nephelium, Dimocarpus, Euphoria (Litchi).Sapindaceæ.
May be increased by seeds, or by cuttings made of half-ripened wood.
Nephrodium.SeeFerns.
Nephrolepis.SeeFerns.
Nerine.Amaryllideæ.
Seeds, for new varieties. Commonly increased by means of bulbels.
Nerium(Oleander).Apocynaceæ.
Layers. Cuttings should be made of matured leading shoots, inserted in single pots and placed in a close, warm frame; or they may be rooted in bottles of water and afterwards potted in soil. SeeFig. 52,a.
Nertera, Nerteria.Rubiaceæ.
Increased by seeds, divisions, or cuttings. Any small portion will grow freely, especially if placed in a warm frame.
Nesæa, including Heimia.Lythrarieæ.
May be increased by means of seeds, divisions, or green cuttings.
Nettle-tree.SeeCeltis.
New Zealand Flax.SeePhormium.
Nicandra, Calydermos.Solanaceæ.
Seeds, sown in the open border, or under glass in the north.
Nicotiana(Tobacco).Solanaceæ.
Propagated by seeds, started under glass or in a carefully prepared seed-bed. The ornamental species sometimes by cuttings.
Nierembergia.Solanaceæ.
Grown from seeds, under glass. Cuttings of firm shoots are also used.
Nigella(Fennel Flower, Love-in-a-Mist).Ranunculaceæ.
Propagated by seeds sown in early spring in the open.
Nightshade.SeeSolanum.
Nine-bark.SeeSpiræa.
Nolana.Convolvulaceæ.
Seeds sown in the open border during spring.
Norantea, Ascium, Schwartzia.Ternstrœmiaceæ.
Ripened cuttings can be rooted in sand, in heat.
Norfolk Island Pine.SeeAraucaria.
Norway Spruce.SeePicea.
Notelæa, Rhysospermum.Oleaceæ.
Seeds. Cuttings of firm side shoots in spring, usually without heat.
Nuphar.Propagated same as Nelumbo and Nymphæa, which see.
Nutmeg.SeeMyristica.
Nuttallia.Rosaceæ.
May be propagated by seeds; by divisions; by means of suckers, which spring from the roots.
Nyctanthes.Oleaceæ.
Cuttings of half-ripened shoots should be set in spring, in bottom heat.
Nymphæa, Castalia (Water Lily, Lotus).Nymphæaceæ.
Seeds, which are rolled up in a ball of clay and dropped into a pond, or sown in pots which are then submerged in shallow water, either in-doors or out. Usually increased by portions of the root-stocks, which are sunk in the pond and held by stones, or the tender species placed inside, in pans of water. Some species produce tubers on the root-stocks, which are used for propagation.
Nyssa(Pepperidge, Sour Gum, Tupelo-tree).Cornaceæ.
Increased by seeds and by layers. The seeds should be sown as soon as ripe or else stratified. They usually lie dormant the first year.
Oak.SeeQuercus.
Obeliscaria.SeeRudbeckia.
Ochna.Ochnaceæ.
During summer, cuttings may be made of growing shoots.
Odontoglossum.Orchideæ.
Division. (See also underOrchids.)
Œnocarpus.Palmæ.
Propagated by seeds or by suckers.
Œnothera, including Godetia (Evening Primrose).Onagrameæ.
Seeds may be sown in spring or summer. Divisions may be made. Cuttings of perennials should be placed in a cool frame in the early part of the season before flowering begins.
Okra, Gumbo (Hibiscus esculentus).Malvaceæ.
Seeds, sown where the plants are to stand, or started in pots often in the north.
Olax.Olacineæ.
Grown from cuttings of firm or mature shoots in heat.
Olea.Oleaceæ.
The ornamental species are grown from cuttings of ripened shoots, either under frames or in the border, and also by seeds. For propagation ofO. Europæa, see Olive.
Oleander.SeeNerium.
Olearia, Eurybia.Compositæ.
Seeds. Readily increased by cuttings of growing shoots placed in a frame.
Oleaster.SeeElæagnus.
Olive(Olea Europæa).Oleaceæ.
The olive is grown in large quantities from seed, especially in Europe. The pulp is removed by maceration or by treating with potash. The pits should be cracked or else softened by soaking in strong lye, otherwise they will lie dormant for one or two years. Cuttings of any kind will grow. Limbs, either young or old, an inch or two inches in diameter, and from one to two feet long, are often stuck into the ground where the trees are to grow, or they are sometimes used in the nursery. Green cuttings, with the leaves on, are often used, being handled in frames or in boxes of sand. Chips from old trunks, if kept warm and moist, will grow. The olive is often propagated by truncheons of trunks. A trunk two or three inches in diameter is cut into foot or two foot lengths, and each length is split through the middle. Each half is planted horizontally, bark up, four or five inches deep, in warm moist soil. The sprouts which arise may be allowed to grow, or they may be made into green cuttings.Knaurs (seepage 56) are sometimes used. The olive can be budded or grafted in a variety of ways. Twig-budding and plate or flute-budding give admirable results. Twig-budding is the insertion of a small growing twig which is cut from the branch in just the manner in which shield-buds are cut.
Omphalodes, Picotia.Boragineæ.
Freely increased by means of seeds planted in spring, or by divisions.
Oncidium.Orchideæ.
Division. In some species detachable buds are produced in the inflorescence, and these give young plants. (See also underOrchids.)
Oncosperma, Keppleria.Palmæ.
Propagated by seeds or by suckers.
Onion(Allium Cepa).Liliaceæ.
Onions are mostly grown from seeds, which must be sown as early as possible in spring; or in the south they may be sown in the fall. They are also grown from “tops,” which are bulblets borne in the flower cluster. These are planted in the spring, or in the fall in mild climates, and they soon grow into large bulbs. “Sets” are also used. These are very small onions, and when planted they simply complete their growth into large bulbs. Sets are procured by sowing seeds very thickly in poor soil. The bulbs soon crowd each other, and growth is checked, causing them to ripen prematurely. Good sets should not be more than a half inch in diameter. Very small onions which are selected from the general crop—called “rare-ripes”—are sometimes used as sets, but they are usually too large to give good results. Some onions—the “multiplier” or “potato onions”—increase themselves by division of the bulb. The small bulb, which is planted in the spring, splits up into several distinct portions, each one of which will multiply itself in the same manner when planted the following year.
Onobrychis(Saintfoin).Leguminosæ.
Seeds, sown in spring where the plants are to remain.
Onosma(Golden Drop).Boragineæ.
Seeds, sown in the open in spring. Perennial species by cuttings in summer.
Opuntia(Prickly Pear, Indian Fig).Cacteæ.
Seeds grow readily, sown as soon as ripe in ordinary sandy soil, either in the house or out-doors. The joints grow readilyif laid on sand. It is customary to allow these cuttings to dry several days before planting them. See alsoCactus.
Orach(Atriplex hortensis).Chenopodiaceæ.
Seeds, sown where the plants are to stand.
Orange(Citrus Aurantium).Rutaceæ.
Orange stocks are grown from seeds, which should be cleaned and stratified in sand or other material, until sowing time. The seeds should not be allowed to become hard and dry. Some prefer to let the seeds sprout in the sand and then sow them in the nursery, but they must be carefully handled. The seeds are usually sown in seed beds, after the manner of apple seeds, and the seedlings are transplanted the next fall or spring into nursery rows. Care must always be exercised in handling orange plants, as they are often impatient of transplanting. Oranges grow readily from cuttings, although cuttage is not often practiced. Green cuttings, handled under a frame, give good results. Mature wood, either one or two years old, can be treated after the manner of long grape cuttings. They must have an abundance of moisture. Layers are sometimes made.