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Home and Building, Volume 18 Number 1 (June 1955)

[section]

page 85

in the flat in the ratio of about 1/3 peat moss and 2/3 sand.

Time to Make: Cuttings can be made after each of the two cycles of growth has sufficiently hardened, that is, in the winter from about June and in the summer from about November to December.

Selection of Cuttings: Tip cuttings from the Jast cycle of growth with two or three eyes of leaf buds and at least 2 to 3 inches long are generally the best. However, inside cuttings with only 1 leaf bud can be used. In taking cuttings, use a sharp knife or pruners and cut on a slant, leaving at least one and preferably two leaf buds on the last cycle of growth.

Preparation of Cuttings: Where space is limited, strip all but the top leaf from the cutting, and cut this leaf in half. If space is not limited, a cutting with two or three leaves and leaf buds can be used. However it is generally best to cut all leaves in half, although full leaf cuttings can be made. Just before planting make a clean slanting cut at the bottom with a sharp knife, preferably just below a leaf bud, although this is not necessary.

Planting: Before using the prepared flats be sure the sand is wet; for the cuttings can be more firmly seated than in dry sand. Starting at one end of the
Camellia Japonica, Glen 40.

Camellia Japonica, Glen 40.

flat, cut a narrow trench in the sand with a thin metal blade and place the cuttings in the trench so that all leaves and leaf buds at the base of the leaves are above the surface of the sand, and the leaves of the cuttings do not touch. When the row is filled, place a narrow board in front, and pack until firm. Then continue until the flat is filled, and label.

If more than one variety is placed in the flat, each variety can be labelled and separated with pot labels placed in the sand. Rooting media are sometimes used, but in tests no particular benefit has been noted.

When the flat is filled, place on the stakes in the cold frame with air space between each flat, and water in with a fine spray until the sand is smooth.

Care: The sand in the bottom of the frame should be kept moist at all times to aid in building up humidity.

The cuttings should not be allowed to dry out but should only be watered when

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