FLOWER SEEDS 



67 



HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CULTIVATING FLOWER SEEDS 



in more 



Brief cultural instructions are printed on the back of our Flower seed packets and ... ,,„ 

 detail in our booklet "Henderson's Flowers for American Gardens," sent post free if asked f 



Probably no outdoor occupation gives so much pleasure as the cultivation of flowers from 

 seed. Starting with the tiny inanimate-looking grains of seed, placing them carefully in suit- 

 able soil, intelligently watching the conditions of air and moisture while the seeds are hidden 

 below the ground, watching the gradual unfolding of the tiny seedling, and later the develop- 

 ment of leaf, stem and branch until finally the fully grown plant bursts into glorious flower; 

 this is the pleasure awaiting one who grows flowers from seed. 



Seed Sowing. Most cases of failure of seeds to come up are due to unsuitable soil condi- 

 tions. So let the soil, either in the cold frames, or the permanent bed, be well dug and pul- 

 verized. Fine soil should be sifted on top to at least an inch in depth, and if heavy or clayey, 

 lightened with sand. Smooth down the surface with a piece of board about 8 in. square, to 

 the center of which a small block has been nailed to hold on by. Then with a pointed stick 

 mark out the rows, letting them run the narrow way of the frame or box. 



Stick in a name label at the end of each row, and then drop the seeds in a little pinch 

 at a time, taking care to spread it so that it does not lie in lumps. Very small seeds shiauld 

 be sown broadcast on a square space, and the label stuck in the center. Sow large seeds 

 one by one, an inch apart. Sift earth over all to cover them as deep as twice their dia- 

 meter, and then press down firmlv again with the board. Hard shell seeds like Ipom- 

 oeas, Cannas, etc., should be soaked in water 24 hours to soften before planting. Las' 

 over the bed a piece of thin cotton cloth, and water with a fine spray. When the seeds 

 come up, remove the cloth. After this do not let the soil dry out, and raise the sash or 

 pane of glass, as the ca.se may be, to admit air on warm days. 



Seed sowing in permanent beds is accomplished in the same way, but of course is not 

 done until May 10th to May 15th, with some exceptions already noted. Note that when 

 seeds are sown outdoors they should be covered more deeply than if sown indoors or und 

 glass. Cover to fully three times the diameter of the seed. Some gardeners lacking a cold 

 frame plant all their annuals outdoors about May 10th, in a temporary seedbed located 

 along a south wall, and protected from the sun by a strip of cloth three feet wide and as long 

 as the bed. 



This is nailed on four-feet slats placed about three feet apart. One of the ends of the slat? 

 is stuck in the ground, and the other rests in a leaning position against the wall. Also use this 

 on cold nights. Prepare the soil, and sow the seed in the same way as in a cold frame, but a 

 trifle deeper. Transplant to permanent beds when three true leaves show. 



Transplanting from Cold Frames or Window Boxes. This is done about May 10th to 

 ISth or whenever the weather is settled. Water the seedlings and also the ground they are to 

 be transplanted to, the day before, so that soil conditions are equal. Separate the seedlings 

 with a sharp stick, and if they are growing thickly together place a clump of them in water to 

 soften the soil. Transplant when 2 or 3 "true" leaves appear. 



ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS 



These complete the cycle of their existence, growing from seed to seed in one year. Many 

 sorts require to be sown in some sheltered situation such as a greenhouse, cold frame, or window 

 box about a month before they may be planted outdoors. This is necessary not only on account 

 of their tenderness, but also because they need more time for development, and by sowing 

 thus early, the growing season is proportionately prolonged. Others may be sown where they 

 are to stand, in which case they require careful attention for the first few weeks. 



There is a large field for selection, from the modest Sweet Alyssum to the gorgeous Zinnia, 

 the majestic Ricinus, and dainty Cosmos. While there is no class of plants that will survive 

 better under rigorous conditions, yet in order to achieve the best results they should be planted 

 where they can obtain ample sunlight, may be easily watered, and, in case of early frost, may 

 be quickly protected. 



It is almost needless to urge the importance of careful weeding, when the seedlings are quite 

 young. 



A continuity of bloom may be selected by occasional sowings of many sorts, such as Esch- 

 scholtzia. Sweet Alyssum, Phlox, Zinnia, etc. In the latitude of New York these sowings may 

 be made as late as June 15th. The great value of Annuals is enhanced by the fact that an effec- 

 tual display may be secured for a very modest outlay, many of the most attractive sorts being 

 sold in 10c packages. 



PERENNIAL FLOWER SEEDS 



The great charm of Perennials lies in their permanence. Once established they are a con- 

 stant source of pleasure, and among the most interesting plants in our garden, presenting a 

 variety of size, form and color so great as to fit them for almost every conceivable purpose in 

 the garden. Some may be made to thrive under most unkind conditions, while others require 

 skilful cultivation. 



A very large proportion of the Perennial plants that may be grown from seed have great 

 value as cut flowers, particularlj' so because of their great substance, which enables them to 

 • stand up well long after cutting. 



Notwithstanding their individual charm, they are most effective when planted in a mixed 

 border, where by arranging them according to height, color and season of flowering, an attractive 

 display may be had from the earliest days of spring, all through the summer, and even after 

 the first frosts herald the approach of winter. And so, week by week, as sure as the season re- 

 volves such a border will present new charms and revive old ones, the beauty of it growing with 

 ever-increasing interest. 



Perennials are generally raised from seed from early spring to about August 1st, in the lat- 

 itude of New York. Treated thus, they make strong plants which may be planted in a per- 

 manent situation early enough in the fall to enable them to winter safely. In some instances 

 plants will flower the 'first year from seed if sown quite early, but nearly all require a year to 

 reach their best development. 



New Annual Double Sweet Scented 



Nasturtium "Golden Gleam" 



3012 This remarkable novelty has won prizes wherever 

 shown, and has created a sensation in the horticultural 

 world. (See page 109 for complete description.) Price 

 per packet .25 cents. 



