In considering any data on Pansy culture it should be remembered 
that this should be treated as suggestions rather than definite cultur¬ 
al instructions. Pansies are no different than any other plant in that 
their culture is subject to so many variables that each grower has 
some problems that he must work out in his own way. If you have 
already perfected a reasonably satisfactory routine of Pansy culture, 
by all means do not discard it completely for something new. On the 
other hand a complete reading of these suggestions may point the way 
for moderate changes or adaptations of your own routine with better 
results than you are now obtaining. It is with this in mind that the 
following suggestions are given. 
STRAIN SELECTION 
This, of course, is quite important in that it is upon the basis of the 
strain used that you must depend for the ability to produce good 
Pansies. It should be remembered, however, that a good strain is only 
the beginning of successful Pansy growing and that the best strain can 
not take the place of good culture. The finest strain can be made 
appear like a very poor sort in conditions not suitable for good culture. 
Poor culture will not only give poor plants but in some cases will 
entirely upset color balance through loss of the finest plants. You 
must carry out your part to assure success. 
Although not always, price is usually a good index to the quality 
of a strain. The reason for this is that the larger flowered a strain is 
or the more highly bred, the less seed it produces. Also the more the 
seed grower has invested in it from a breeding standpoint. This 
means that good Pansy seeds must be priced at a level which is in 
proportion to its production cost. 
Another factor which enters into Pansy seed costs is its source. 
Imported stock can be sold more cheaply than American grown sorts. 
This is because of the same condition prevailing in other commodities— 
namely higher labor costs prevailing in this country. It will usually be 
found, however, that due to being acclimated, domestic strains are 
better suited to our market conditions and are just as cheap in the 
long run. Sometimes the type of market being supplied will dictate the 
price that it is advisable to pay for seeds, although, it is often poor 
economy to let low seed costs be the deciding factor in selecting a 
strain. 
The reason for this is that good plants will sell well in almost any 
market condition and stock that is above average will usually sell at 
a profit when common material is a drug on the market. 
I believe we may safely say that every grower and dealer isr 
conscientious in the belief that they supply the best seeds available. 
We feel that way ourselves. In this assumption, however, we must 
point out that the scope of our stock selection is varied enough that 
what ever your need, you w r ill find a variety in our line that will come 
very near to meeting that need. 
We know that the strains offered here will give satisfactory results 
under proper conditions in spite of difficulties reported occasionally. 
It is unreasonable to believe that because one or two growers out of 
hundreds of growers experience trouble with a variety or lot that the 
fault is with the seeds. In such cases it is advisable to first examine 
the cultural care given and if we can be of any help in clearing up 
such a situation, please let us co-operate with you. 
TIME TO PLANT 
This is a factor that will vary somewhat with the locality and 
climate. The best Pansies in any locality, and the most profitable 
from the sales standpoint, is the ones that can be marketed early— 
when other flowers are scarce. In this the early development of several 
of the Harrold’s Pedigreed Strain varieties is of a goodly advantage, 
Generally speaking, growers in the northern States should plant in 
July and August, and transplant the seedlings into winter holding beds 
in time to become established before heavy ground freezes occure. 
Pansies will stand temperatures down to ten degrees above zero with¬ 
out protection of any kind and experience little danger of damage. If 
temperatures lower than this may be expected, they should be given a 
light mulch of brush, straw or marsh hay for protection. With a little 
protection they can easily be wintered in temperatures ranging many 
degrees below zero. 
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