HOW TO SOW WILD FLOWERS 
Annuals. For the annual species, first work up the sur¬ 
face of the ground and pulverize thoroughly. In small 
areas this can be done by spading and raking, or in large 
areas by plowing and harrowing. In cases where the seeds 
are to be sown on hillsides, where there is an existing 
growth of shrubs or chaparral, small spaces can be worked 
up quickly by the use of a potato hooJk. Sow the seed 
broadcast and it will germinate soon after the first rain 
following the sowing. 
Perennials. While the perennials grow in the wild state 
under the same conditions as the annuals, they do not re¬ 
produce themselves nearly as freely, being perennial there 
is not the need of it. With most species the best results 
will be obtained by sowing in seed boxes, using a light 
well prepared soil and keeping in a lath house or sheltered 
place until the seedlings are well started. Gradually hard¬ 
en off to the full sun and when large enough to handle 
pot up into small pots; when the plants are thoroughly 
established, plant out into the open ground where they 
are to remain and flower. 
WHEN TO SOW WILD FLOWERS 
Annuals. The best time to sow the annual wild flowers 
is early in the fall before the first rain or during the early 
part of the rainy season. The L^ed will germinate soon 
after the first rain following the sowing and in seasons 
with a normal rainfall will require no further attentoin. 
Later sowings may be made up until the beginning of 
February, but these later sowings may not succeed quite 
as well as those sown in the fall and the blooming period, 
when natural rainfall is depended upon, will be shorter. 
Where artificial watering can be practiced, sowings can 
be made up until the early part of March. 
Perennials. The perennials can be sown at almost any 
time of the year, late spring to early fall being a very 
good time. Most species if started at this time of the 
year will flower the following spring and summer. 
IN THE EASTERN STATES 
In the eastern states follow the same instructions as 
given for California, but sow in spring as soon as the 
cold weather is over. 
QUANTITY OP SEED REQUIRED 
The quantity of seed required to sow any given area is 
dependent upon the type of planting contemplated. If the 
area to be sown has existing growth of shrubbery and 
trees a good average is five pounds to each acre; if the 
area is clear a good average would be eight pounds to acre 
and, when used within the close confines of the garden, an 
ounce will sow from 150 to 200 square feet. These quan¬ 
tities will vary according to the extent of covering desired 
and the existing conditions. The average city lot of 50 by 
150 feet requires about 1 y 2 pounds or one pound to 5000 
square feet. For those not used to sowing fine seed, it 
will be found advisable to mix it with some finely screened 
soil or sand. Then scatter as evenly as possible over the 
ground. 
CAUTION 
Owing to the considerable demand for wild flower seeds, 
resultant entirely to our 33 years of endeavor in growing 
them and bringing them before the public, there are now 
a number of so-called wild flower mixtures on the market. 
It is as regretable as it is true that many of these mix¬ 
tures contain few of the true wild species, being aug¬ 
mented by the more common of the hardy garden varieties. 
Having proven this to be the case by numerous tests, we 
feel justified in cautioning all who contemplate planting 
wild flowers to be sure and get the true species. 
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There is no better guarantee of securing only 
the true wild species than by insisting on Payne’s 
Wild Flower seeds in either separate species or 
mixtures. Payne’s Wild Flower Mixtures are sold 
in sealed packages only, not genuine without 
our seal. 
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