VETTERLE & REINELT — HYBRIDIZING GARDENS 
CAPITOLA, CALIFORNIA 
FEEDING 
When the first crop of blooms has faded, cut the flower spikes off just above the foliage 
and keep slightly dry for two or three weeks to give the plants time to rest before the new 
shoots appear above the ground. When this takes place, cut the rest of the old stock off, 
sprinkle a teaspoonful of Ammonium Phosphate around each plant, rake it into the soil slightly 
and water thoroughly. From the new shoots appearing from the ground select two or three 
of the strongest and break the rest out. The remaining ones will develop into fine spikes again. 
Do not force a new growth late in Autumn, rather keep the plants on the dry side because if 
forced into bringing a third crop late in the season the plants will soon exhaust themselves and 
gradually die out. 
DESIASES 
Mildew will attack plants grown close to a wall, or planted thickly together, especially later 
in the Fall. The new "Ortho Mildew Spray” originated by the The California Spray Chemical 
Corp., 2082 Center Street, Berkeley, California, diluted with water to a four per cent strength, 
will control it perfectly. This spray not only acts as a preventive but will cure heavily affected 
plants, as it kills mildew instanly. It is a light oil and can be applied at any time without burn¬ 
ing the foliage to which it gives a nice shiny appearance. 
DELPHINIUM CARDINALS 
Sowing directions for the scarlet larkspur differ slightly from that for the garden hybrids. 
They cannot be transplanted with bare roots when growing. Sow either in small pots and plant 
out later without disturbing the root system or sow in flats in peat with slight addition of 
sand only. Peat is the only medium that will stick to the roots so they may be safely trans¬ 
planted in the field. 
CULTURE OF AERBERAf 
Upon receiving the plants cut all foliage two-thirds back and plant in open ground in 
any location except heavy shade so that the crown is on the level with the soil. If it is 
buried deeper, it results often in crown rot and the plants may die out entirely. Perfect 
drainage is most important. They are best if grown in raised beds by themselves. 
Sandy loam is the best soil for them; however, they will grow almost in any type of 
soil provided it drains well. 
Slight addition of cow or sheep manure with sprinkling of bone meal, well mixed before 
planting soil will help. Excessive use of fresh manure should be avoided. Once established 
they are best if left alone for years. If moving and dividing is desired, it should be done in 
early Spring, February or March. 
Old established clumps can be kept vigorous by a small addition of bone meal to the 
ground in early Spring. Sprinkle a handful around each plant and rake into the ground. 
Then water thoroughly. 
SEED 
When growing plants from seed, sow either in flats or open ground in light sandy soil. 
Cover only slightly. Keep moist and heavily shaded until germination starts (about ten days). 
Then give a little more light but never full sunlight. Transplant about three inches apart 
when the second leaves are developed. When fairly large, gradually harden off and plant out. 
We offer only guaranteed fresh seed from our breeding stock. The hybrid Gerberas do not 
come true to color from seed. There is always considerable variations and hardly two of them 
will be alike. Hence the seed can be supplied only in mixture. 
PESTS 
Gerberas are subject to crown rot. This is a fungus disease for which there is no cure known 
and the infection ruins the plant often within a few days. Deeply buried crow/i and heavy 
watering without adequate drainage causes most of this trouble. 
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