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 Héricart de Thury, Gunton
Park, President, Sir Joseph Paxton, Lord Suffield, Noble, and Samuel
Bradley are excellent sorts. For Ornamental Strawberries, _see_
"Fragaria Indica."
Strawberry Tree.--_See_ "Arbutus."
Streptocarpus (_Cape Primrose_).--This plant is a greenhouse
perennial, showing great variety of colours, from white to violet
and crimson, and is of neat habit. A light and rather rich soil or
vegetable mould suits it best. Seed sown in February in slight heat
will produce plants for flowering in July; that sown in March or April
will flower in August and September. Grow slowly in small pots, and
in February put them in their flowering pots. Give plenty of air and
shade them from the sun. It may also be increased by division, or
leaf-cuttings may be taken under a bell-glass. The plants like plenty
of water, but need good drainage. Height, 9 in.
Streptosolen Jamesoni.--A good compost for this greenhouse evergreen
shrub is two parts sandy loam, one part leaf-mould, and a little
silver sand. During growth it needs a liberal supply of water and to
be kept near the glass; only a small amount of moisture should be
given in winter. In March cut it into shape, and re-pot it as soon as
new growth starts. During the summer syringe it frequently to keep off
red spider, and during winter maintain a temperature of 55 degrees.
Stylophorum _(Celandine Poppy, or Poppywort)._--During May and June
this hardy and handsome plant produces fine yellow flowers. It
accommodates itself to any soil, but prefers a rich, light one, and
can be increased by seed sown in autumn or early spring. Height, 1-1/2
ft.
Styrax.--Ornamental shrubs requiring a light soil for their
cultivation. S. Japonica has Snowdrop-like flowers, and S. Obasa
Lily-of-the-Valley-like scented flowers. They are best propagated by
layers. Height, 4 ft. to 10 ft.
Sunflower.--_See_ "Helianthus."