34 



BECKERT SEED AND BULB COMPANY 



& Co^s Supreme Asters 



Many flower lovers omit Asters from their 

 gardens, under the impression that they are 

 difficult to grow, but during the past Sum- 

 mer we have seen them growing side by 

 side under what appeared to be the worst 

 possible conditions with such hardy care- 

 free flowers as Calliopsis, Poppies and 

 Bachelor Buttons; there was even one lot 

 interspersed, with a most brilliant effect, in 

 a shrubbery border. 



Culture. Plant Aster seed indoors or in 

 a hotbed in March for early blooms. When 

 plants are 2 to 3 inches hig'h, thin out or 

 transplant to stand 4 inches apart each way 

 or into 2i/^-inch pots. When 6 inches high, 

 plants should be set in their permanent 

 position, never closer than 12 inches apart. 



Excellent results are also obtained by 

 sowing seed where plants are to bloom. We 

 have found that in many instances Aster- 

 wilt and the yellows are less prevalent on 

 plants raised in this manner. Sow seed in 

 same manner as other annuals in a fine seed 

 bed and do not cover too deeply. When 

 large enough, thin out or transplant as 

 given above. 



Aster Diseases. Damping-off and Aster- 

 wilt may be prevented by treating the seeds 

 with Semesan before planting, or the roots 

 may be dipped in a normal solution of 

 liquid Semesan when transplanting. See 

 page 86 for Semesan. 



The Aster Beetle has not been so bad the 

 past few years, but is easily kept in con- 

 trol by the use of an arsenical spray. 



pz:at moss 



Peat Moss is tlie best material for 

 mixingf with soil for starting- seedling's, 

 and also to help loosen heavy clay soils 

 that have a tendency to hake. See page 77. 



CAX.IFOBNIA GIANT ASTEB. A superb 

 new race of Asters that surpasses, by far, 

 any previously introduced. Plants strict- 

 ly branching type, bearing their blooms 

 on long, strong stems. The flowers them- 

 selves leave nothing to be desired. They 

 are the same type as the Crego or Ostrich 

 Feather Aster, with long, twisted, and 

 curled petals, full double, and when well 

 grown 5 to 6 inches in diameter. 



821 Deep Purple. Royal purple. 



822 Deep Bose. Rich clear rose. 



823 Iiig-ht Blue. Clear light lavender-blue. 



824 Peach Blossom. Peach-blossom-pink. 



825 V/hite. Pure snow white. 



830 Supreme Mixed. A fine mixture con- 

 taining all the above and other colors. 

 Each, pkt., 25c J Ys oz,, 75c. 



829 COI.I.BCTION: One pkt. of each of the 

 above 5 colors, $1.10. 



I.ATE AMBBICAIT BEAUT'S- ASTBB. The 

 latest and the finest of all Asters. Plants 

 2 to 3 feet high, branching type. Com- 

 mence to bloom in early September. Flow- 

 ers are extremely large and are borne on 

 iy2- to 2-foot stems. They ship well and 

 last a long time in water. 



871 Carmine Bose. The original American 

 Beauty Aster. 



872 Crimson. Rich deep crimson. 



873 Iiavender. Light grayish lavender. 



874 Purple. Deep royal purple. 



875 September Beauty. Flesh-pink. 



876 White Beauty. Mammoth in size. 

 880 Finest Mixed. All colors blended. 



Each, pkt., 15c; ^ oz., 75c. 

 879 COIiIiECnOM": One pkt. of each of the 

 above 6 colors, 75c. 



