Starting A Florida Flower Garden 
Florida flower growers frequently experience difficulty in getting a good stand of robust 
seedlings, and as these are the basis of a beautiful southern garden, every effort should be made 
to secure good planting stock. 
There are two general methods of sowing flower seeds, the first method is to sow the seeds 
in the open in shaded shallow furrows in the garden, where the plants are to bloom. Burlap, 
palm leaves or Spanish moss may be used for shading, and will also protect seeds from being 
washed out, covered too deep or packed by heavy rains. The other and preferred method of 
starting most flower seedlings in Florida is to sow the seeds in flats or shallow boxes where the 
environment may be more easily and better controlled, than when sown in the open. The flats 
must have adequate drainage provided by holes in the bottom to allow the free passage of water. 
To prevent the soil from falling through the holes place a bit of broken flower pot or glass bottle 
or large stones over each hole. Using a screened mixture of rotted manure and fertile sandy loam 
soil, fill the flat to within a half inch of the top. Firm the soil with a block of wood, and soak 
with a fine spray. After the water has drained away, sprinkle small seeds thinly over the moist 
surface, or plant large seeds in rows. Large seeds may be covered by sand, fine seeds planted 
broadcast, such as Snapdragon and the Petunia should be pressed into the soil with a block. 
Cover the seeds with newspaper, or better, with burlap, and apply small quantities of water to 
the flat daily until germination starts, never allowing the seeds to dry out. The cover must be 
removed immediately after the seeds sprout so that the tiny plants will not be spindly or leggy. 
After germination, apply a damp-off disease control, such as Semesan, following directions on 
the package. The damp-off control should be used at the first sign of the disease, which causes 
young seedlings to rot off at the base of the stem. Give as much light as possible and water 
daily with a fine spray. 
Ants must be prevented from carrying away the seeds. Blocks of wood which stand in oil 
will make excellent ant-proof legs for the flats. Magikil Jelly Ant Bait is a most effective control 
for ants, and is harmless to plants. 
Thin the seedlings as they begin to crowd, and transplant to other flats or beds when the 
plants have four leaves. The flower plants should be set in their permanent locations in the 
garden on a cloudy afternoon if possible, and should be shaded during the next few days until 
they become established. Frequent heavy watering and weekly applications of a good fertilizer 
will contribute in a large measure to the success of a flower garden. Frequent shallow cultivation 
to keep down weeds, and to loosen the surface soil is a very beneficial operation. 
When an annual plant forms seeds, it has completed its life cycle and begins a rapid decline. 
To assure a maximum number of blossoms, all annual flower plants must have the faded blos¬ 
soms or seed vessels removed each day, thus keeping up the production of flowers and postponing 
the decline of the plant as long as possible. 
When flowers are cut, they should be stored in deep, cool water for several hours before 
arranging. Never leave cut flowers in sunlight or in a draft. 
Twelve Kilgore Seed Stores Serving Florida 
In addition to our large mail order department at Plant City, Florida, we maintain twelve 
Florida stores for your convenience, located at the following points: 
Belle Glade Pahokee 
Gainesville Palmetto 
Homestead Plant City 
Miami, 140 N.W. 5th St. Pompano 
Each of these stores carries a full supply of all flower seeds listed and described in this 
Flower Guide, and also a complete supply of lawn grass and vegetable seeds, fertilizers, sprayers 
and dusters, as well as garden tools and supplies. Everything for the Florida flower garden. 
Sanford 
Vero Beach 
Wauchula 
West Palm Beach, 
910 Belvedere Road 
