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HOODACRES ON THE HIGHWAY 
How to Qrow Delphiniums from Seeds 
The seed-bed, whether flat, cold-frame or open ground, 
cannot be too carefully prepared. Avoid any risky element 
in the soil. We must both encourage the seeds to germi¬ 
nate and have congenial conditions ready for the sensi¬ 
tive infant plants. When pots or flats are used put ample 
drainage material at the bottom, shards or gravel, and 
over this some sphagnum or peat moss. A good seed soil 
is three parts clean and friable garden loam, one part 
sweet leaf mold and one part pure sharp sand, mixed well 
with a little charcoal and screened fine. Level and press 
smooth before planting the seeds and if soil is dry water 
two hours ahead of sowing. Sow the seeds in shallow 
drills, never more than one-fourth inch deep, and fill 
them with fine clean sand. Never let the seed-bed dry out 
for even a moment, nor should it be kept soggy. 
For August sowing, cold-frames without glass may be 
used (where they can remain over winter) shading well 
until germination takes place. They will flower the fol¬ 
lowing summer. Very early spring sowing in gentle heat 
will also produce bloom the same season (greenhouse or 
hotbed). Once transplanted before going into permanent 
place induces fuller root system. 
A half-inch layer of sand on top of seed-bed will afford 
winter protection, and discourage slugs. 
Hoodacres seeds are harvested throughout the month of 
July and are usually ready to send out the first week in 
August, just in time to be sown for carrying over winter. 
It is unsafe to sow out-of-doors after August (except in 
California and similar climates), as frost will lift the too 
small plants. 
Delphinium seeds are only at their best when fresh and 
should not be counted upon when more than one year 
old. The fresher they are the more prompt will be germi¬ 
nation. We never send out old harvesting. 
Page Eighteen 
