GRAND RAPIDS GROWERS, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan 
33 
FLOWER SEED DEPARTMENT 
We are convinced that many of the failures with flower seeds are due to lack of proper conditions, and while 
it would be impossible in the space at our disposal in this catalog to give explicit directions for each and 
every variety which we offer, we feel sure that if the general directions given below are followed, success will 
be the rule. 
All of our flower seeds are listed by their common name in strict alphabetical order, together with the 
botanical name for your guidance. 
Success With Flower Seeds 
^ Annuals are those flowers which bloom and die 
the same year; grown from seed exclusively. 
For all flower seeds which should be started indoors, the 
best plan_ is to sow in earthenware seed pans or boxes 
(about 2 inches deep) which should be filled to the depth 
of an inch with any rough material that will furnish per¬ 
fect drainage. The upper inch should be nicely sifted soil, 
composed, if possible, of about one-third each of sand, leaf 
mould and light garden loam. Press firmly and evenly and 
water thoroughly the day before sowing. Sow the seeds 
thinly over the surface, cover about one-eighth of an inch 
and press firmly. When the seedlings are large enough to 
handle, they should be transplanted into similarly prepared 
boxes an inch apart each way, or put into small pots and 
kept in same until time to plant out in the open ground. 
At all times they should have an abundance of air, other¬ 
wise the young seedlings are liable to “damp off.” 
For most of the ordinary annual flowers, the simplest 
method is to sow directly out-of-doors when danger of frost 
is past in the space where they are intended to flower. The 
ground should be dug and raked fine on the surface, sowing 
the seeds evenly and thinly, covering not over 4 times their 
size, and firming the soil over them. Should they come up 
too thickly, as most of them are likely to do, thin out so 
that the plants will stand from 4 to 12 inches apart, accord¬ 
ing to the variety. 
How to Sow Flower Seeds 
It will prove quite an advantage to mix all small seeds 
with sand or dry soil and scatter broadcast. This separates 
the seeds and is quite an advantage in thinning out or 
transplanting the young plants as those that remain are 
undisturbed. A common mistake in sowing flower seeds, is 
covering too deeply. The exception to this is the Sweet Pea, 
which is seldom planted deep enough. As a general rule, 
cover small seeds only to the depth of the thickness of the 
seeds ; always press the earth after sowing all flower seeds, 
else there is danger of their drying up before the roots can 
get firm hold of the soil. Seed of the hardier annuals may 
be sown where they are to grow; but as a rule, it is prefer¬ 
able to transplant, as the plants are generally stronger 
and stand the drought better. During very dry weather, 
and when the seedlings are first set out, they should be 
watered frequently. 
The weeds should be kept down and the ground loosened 
often, so that the plants will receive the full benefit of the 
rains and dews, which they will not if the ground is al¬ 
lowed to become hard and baked. 
Biennials bloom and die the second year from 
the seeding time. 
Perennials grow the plant the first year but do 
not flower until the second year and then bloom 
every year. 
M The letter (A) following variety indicates An- « 
\nuals; (B) the Biennials; (P) the Perennials. 
Sweet Alyssum 
Alyssum (A) 
(SWEET ALYSSUM) 
Very popular border flower. Dwarf habit, blooming until 
killed by frost. Fine for beds, borders and vases. 
Little Gem. Erect; white. 14 oz., 20c; pkt., 10a 
Alyssum (P) 
(SWEET ALYSSUM) 
Saxatile compactum (Basket of Gold). 9 inches high. 
Blooms in May and June, producing masses of golden 
flowers very early. 14 oz., 25c; pkt., 10c. 
Ageratum (A) 
(FLOSSFLOWER) 
One of the best Summer blooming plants. They are rapid 
growers; early and constant bloomers. 
Mexicanum Tall. 18 inches. Beautiful, soft lavender-blue, 
of free branching habit. 14 oz., 20c; pkt., 10a 
Imperial Dwarf Blue. 6 inches. A charming variety of fine, 
compact gfrowth, covered with heads of feathery flowers 
of a deep lavender color. 14 oz., 20c; pkt., 10c. 
ANTIRRHINUM (A). See Snapdragon. 
AQUILEGIA (P). See Columbine. 
Ageratum 
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