Seeds of Hardy Flowers 
PERENNIALS, 
AND BIENNIALS WHICH LAST BUT TWO YEARS 
HOW TO GROW THEM. Hardy plants (perennials) bloom the second year from seed and are permanent 
thereafter. Some of them may bloom the first year if the seed is sown very early. Among the perennials we find 
some of the most beautiful flowers for cutting and many of the old-fashioned sorts dear to our childhood memories. 
A hardy border properly planned and planted is a source of joy from early spring to late autumn; during that 
period it will be resplendent with color and yield an abundance of bloom for indoor decoration. The plants need 
little attention other than to be kept free from weeds and given an occasional top-dressing of plant-food. 
WHEN TO SOW. Seed may be sown in a hotbed in February or March, or outdoors from the first days of 
May to mid-August. It is well to sow as early as possible, thus permitting the plants to become strong and well 
established before winter. For most perennials a coldframe is an ideal place for starting seeds, but if you do not 
have one, make a seed-bed of finely sifted light soil, adding and mixing thoroughly well-decayed manure, humus, 
or prepared plant-food. Sow the seeds in shallow drills, covering 3^inch or more, according to the size of the seed, 
but very fine seed should only be lightly pressed into the soil. Press down the bed with a flat board, and water 
gently but thoroughly with a fine spray. Do not permit the soil to become dry while the seed is in process of 
germination, for until the plant develops roots its life depends entirely on moisture. Nearly all failures in growing 
perennials may be attributed to drying in the seed-bed, which should be carefully watched and watered until the 
plants have made from four to five leaves. Most seeds will germinate in from eight to fourteen days, but others 
may need a month or so; therefore do not become impatient. If seedlings come up very thickly, pull out some and 
transplant to boxes or other seed-beds; later they may be set out in the permanent place. Transplanting should be 
done before October 1, to permit the plants to become established before frost. Mulching the plants with leaves, 
salt hay, or peat moss about the middle of December is a distinct advantage. The leaves and hay must be removed 
in spring, but the peat moss may remain. Full cultural directions will be found on each packet of Schling’s seeds. 
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