BeckerVs Seed Store, 101 and 103 Federal St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. 



VEGETABLE SEEDS 



CELERY 



EASY BLANCHING. 



Golden Self-Blanching Celery 



WHITE PLUME. Tall growing; extra-early 

 handsomest sorts grown. In large plants the 

 white without any blanching. Pkt. 10 cts., 



Celery can be grown in any garden soil, but the finest is produced in deep, mellow 

 bottomland. Seed for early crops should be sown in hotbeds about March 15. The 

 plants may be either thinned to give them room to grow, or transplanted to another 

 bed to grow until it is time to plant them in the open ground. For main crop, seed 

 should be sown in the open as soon as the soil and air are warm enough. They should be 

 covered lightly, and firmly pressed into the earth with a board, if the soil is fine and 

 mellow. The seed-bed must be kept free from weeds, and well watered in dry' weather. 

 When the plants are large enough, transplant them to shallow trenches or furrows, 

 from 4 to 6 feet apart, according to the variety grown, setting the plants 6 inches apart 

 in the rows and pressing the soil firmly around them. Blanching consists of drawing 

 earth up to the stalks at intervals of about two weeks, until all but the tops of the 

 plants are covered. Celery may be kept for winter use in cellars, or in deep, narrow 

 trenches, in a dry situation; the latter must be covered with boards, with sufficient 

 soil and manure on top to keep out the frost, leaving openings at short distances for 

 ventilation in mild weather. An ounce of seed will produce about 2,000 plants. 



This splendid Celery has come to the front very' rapidly 

 the last few years. Its outstanding characteristic is the re- 

 markable ease with which it blanches, while at the same time it is suitable both for early 

 use and for winter keeping — valuable qualities which recommend it strongly to amateur 

 as well as professional growers. In growth it somewhat resembles the Golden Self-BIanch- 

 ing, having the same thick, healthy stalks and heavy heart. It is slightly taller, however, 

 and a week to ten days later, also much hardier and practically bligbt-prooj. The 

 leaves are green and the stalks blanch white and brittle, with a rich flavor. We 

 commend Easy Blanching to those who have had difficulty in growing Celery here- 

 tofore, in the assurance that their crops will equal in quality and appearance Celery 

 grown by experts. Pkt. 15c, y 2 oz. 40c, oz. 70c, */jtb. $2.00, lb. $6.00. 



GOLDEN SELF-BLANCHING. French Grown. Originator's Stock. One of the 



finest early Celeries in cultivation. Semi-dwarf, vigorous in growth, with large, ribbed 

 and rounded stalks that blanch to a beautiful golden yellow. Superior strain, entirely 

 free from green and pithy plants. Pkt. 15 cts., J /20Z. 75 cts., oz. $1.25, Vilb. $4.25. 



GOLDEN SELF-BLANCHING. American Grown. As now perfected, this compares 

 very favorably with the imported strains. The difference in price is certainly worth 

 consideration. We feel that this strain will meet all requirements of the home gar- 

 dener, although the u/(ra-critical will want the original French-grown seeds. Pkt. 15c, 

 i/ 2 oz. 40 cts., oz. 70 cts., y 4 lb. $2.00. 



GOLDEN PLUME. This new Celery has made a sensation among the market-growers 

 who have tried it. Closely resembles Golden Self-blanching but matures a little 

 earlier and blanches more readily. Moreover, it seems to be particularly resistant to 

 Celery diseases. Has a large solid heart which blanches to a beautiful yellow. Pkt. 

 25 cts., V 2 oz. $2.25, oz. $4.00. 

 Easily blanched, and one of the very 

 stalks, hearts, and inner leaves become 

 oz. 30 cts., V 4 lb. $1.10, lb. $3.00. 



THE WINTER KEEPERS 



BECKERT'S PERFECTION WINTER. Grows to good size; very brittle, and white; 



fine, nutty flavor. Its most valuable recommendation to growers is its remarkable 



keeping quality, as it can be stored until spring. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts., Vilb. $1.60. 

 COLUMBIA. A quick-growing variety, of medium height and stocky. Stalks thick 



and rich yellow when blanched. Pkt. 10c, oz. 40c, y 4 lb. $1.25, lb. $4.00. 

 DWARF GOLDEN HEART. A stocky sort, blanching to a beautiful golden yellow. 



Keeps as well as the best and is of superb quality. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 35 cts., 



V 4 lb. $1.10, lb. $3.50. 

 EMPEROR. A valuable new and distinct green Celery for winter use. Dwarf in 



habit, attaining a height of 15 to 18 inches. Stalks smooth and very thick. Blanches 



white with heart tinged yellow. In eating quality, it is absolutely unequalled, being 



unusually meatv and brittle with a very rich nutty flavor. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 80 cts., 



l/ 4 lb. $2^75, lb." $8.00. 

 GIANT PASCAL. The stalks are broad, thick, and about 2 feet high; blanches 



quickly; rich nuttv flavor; tender, crisp and stringless. An excellent market Celery. 



Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 30 cts., V 4 lb. $1.10, lb. $3.00. 

 WINTER QUEEN. Of medium height and strong, robust growth; stalks thick and 



heavy, with numerous hearts; perfectly solid, rich and of delicious nutty flavor; a 



fine winter keeper. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 25 cts., y 4 lb. 75 cts., lb. $2.50. 

 STANDARD BEARER. A splendid red variety of compact and sturdy habit, robust 



growth and superior quality. The unique rich flavor of the red Celeries is highly 



appreciated bv those who know it. Pkt. 15 cts., V£ oz - 50 cts., oz. 80 cts., Vilb. 



$2.75, lb. $8.00. 



CELERIAC, or TURNIP-ROOTED CELERY 



Sow in early spring; transplant the seedlings in May. They will be ready for cooking 

 in October, and may be preserved in dry sand for use during winter. Celeriac is said 

 to be as fine a nerve-tonic as celery, and can be grown in many sections where celery- 

 culture is practically impossible. 



PRAGUE GIANT. The roots are large and smooth. When young, they are quite 

 tender and marrow-like, having a very fine flavor and cooking quickly. Pkt. 10 cts., 

 oz. 30 cts., Vilb. 80 cts., lb. $2.75. 



16 



Emperor. Supreme in quality 



Garden-making is not difficult, nor is it tedious, if 

 you have the right kind of tools. You will find many 

 handy tools offered on pages 88 to 92. 



