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FLOWER SEEDS FOR FLORISTS" 
EXCELLENT PETUNIAS 
The Petunia could well be considered as our Na¬ 
tional Flower. It thrives in every state, is easily 
grown from seed, and is available in the widest va¬ 
riety of forms and colors. Petunias are No. 1 flor¬ 
ists' bedding plants. If cost of production figures 
were available, chances are such seed produced 
plants as Petunias would be found quite profitable 
and often carrying the loss on such stock as Ger¬ 
aniums. 
The past summer's drought exposed Petunias to a severe test. 
The result has strongly brought out the fact that some varieties 
are naturally weaker in growth than others and, therefore, not 
so well suited to outdoor bedding conditions. We line out in our 
trial grounds every summer all varieties we list, besides many 
new ones for trial. This gives us a clear chance to note their 
behavior. These notes are reflected in our descriptions of 
varieties. We try to make these descriptions accurate and de¬ 
pendable. Petunias and all seed-grown stock will vary some in 
habit and color. Sometimes this variation is serious and should 
have been avoided, as in the case of the new Flaming Velvet 
the past season. However, some, such as Setting Sun or Dwarf 
Pink Glory, are examples of varieties that do well to be 60% 
to 70% true; but these varieties are so fine as they are that 
we must have them. We know very well that the off ones are a 
loss. Through our trial grounds we try to keep this loss down. 
Also, through personal inspection of all seed crops in California 
and Europe, we do all possible to have our stock good and as 
true as it can be. 
Sowing This Seed. Much perfectly good live Petunia seed is 
lost through careless sowing and lack of close after attention. 
When this happens, it means a double loss. The grower's 
stock is delayed and gets in late, and his seedsman is usually, 
and generally unjustly accused of supplying old or dead seed. 
The varieties we find the finest and most largely called 
for are starred. Generally, you will be safe in using these 
starred varieties, but we realize that demands do vary. 
The "All Double" Strains 
The varieties of this valuable class we have found the pre¬ 
ferred ones in our past season's trials are listed and described 
on the inside front cover page. We should add that in their 
germination the All Double strains are not quite so vigorous as 
is that of the singles and must be watched accordingly. If you 
haven't time to watch the germination of this costly seed with 
care, better turn it over to someone who has. 
^Victorious. The finely fringed All Double Mixture. 
*Pink Perfection. (World Beauty). Choice clear carmine-pink. 
Loveliness. Lighter than Pink Perfection with some white. 
Extra dwarf. 
Amaranth Red. A very rich color for bedding or pot plants 
Snowball. Clear white fringed. 
White Glory. Extra large, showy. Peony-flowered white. 
Prices, all varieties: Vz Tr. pkt. (500 seeds), $1.00; Tr. pkt. 
(1000 seeds), $2.00; 3 Tr. pkts., any variety, $5.00. 
We can supply All Double Victorious in bulk at: 
1/64 oz., $6.00; 1/32 oz., $1 1.50. 
Miscellaneous Double Strains 
Giant Double Fringed Madonna. We are very glad to report 
this double fringed white greatly improved in proportion of 
real double fringed. It was our finest double fringed white 
this season. 
Vz Tr. pkt., 75c; Tr. pkt., $1.50. 
Double Shepherd's Pride. A very choice salmon or shrimp- 
pink. Percentage of doubles is quite low. We suggest work¬ 
ing up a stock from cuttings. 
Vz Tr. pkt., 75c; Tr. pkt., $1.50. 
Double Rosy Morn. (Carnation-Flowered). Small bright rose. 
Percentage of carnation-flowered or double in this strain is 
quite low. Suggest working up a stock from cuttings. 
Tr. pkt. (1 000 seeds), $1.00; 1/64 oz., $1.75. 
Probably nine growers out of ten make out all right. For that 
one that doesn't we will repeat: most seed germination failures 
are due to plain carelessness, maybe we should say lack of close 
attention. Covering too deeply, combined with keeping the soil 
too wet and cold, will smother or rot the seed, especially if the 
germ isn't extra strong. To be sure that soil won't stay over 
wet too long, use light sandy material — some peat moss with it 
will retain moisture without leaving it wet too long and at the 
same time will prevent drying out too rapidly, except the sur¬ 
face soil that must be watched closely. Cover seed very lightly 
or not at all; but when not covered, the flat or pan must be 
protected with a piece of glass. As the seed sprouts, a light 
dusting with any sterile material such as charcoal may be ap¬ 
plied. We furnish a circular with every lot of Petunia seed sent 
out that details clearly the important points in germinating this 
seed, also the after care of plants and complete description of 
the various classes and varieties. Whether or not you order your 
Petunia seed from us, ws gladly send you a copy. 
Ball Dwarf Giants No. 1. Most uniformly large-flowered dwarf strain of 
this valuable pot plant class of Petunias. 
The California Giants in Mixture 
This extra large flowered open throat class is very generally 
found valuable for spring selling in 3- to 4-inch pots. Sow in 
January and February for this purpose, and keep near the glass. 
Also, don't set the plants on soil, or the roots will work into it 
quickly, resulting in a tall soft growth. We are certain as we 
can be that a finer strain of Dwarf Giants does not exist than 
our Ball Dwarf Giants No. 1, reproduced above and in natural 
colors on the back page of this catalog. Please order by number 
and name. 
* No. 1. Ball Dwarf Giants. Most uniformly dwarf strain that 
is possible to produce. Grown for us under our supervision 
by an European specialist. 
Vz Tr. pkt., 75c; Tr. pkt., $1.25; 1/64 oz., $2.25; l/32oz., 
$4.00; 1/16 oz., $7.00. 
See other Dwarf Giants on next page. 
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