These recommendations on germination are based upon the mater¬ 
ial we list in this catalogue only. Seeds from other sources may give 
entirely different results, although we are satisfied that none will give 
better results under the same conditions. We have seen advertising 
claims for stock that would germinate 100 >. ^rankly we seldom run 
across such high germination even under controled laboratory condit¬ 
ions; and when we do we usually re-run the test as such high results,, 
evan under controled conditions are usually not true. 
SOIL REQUIRMENTS 
Pansies may be successfully grown in many different types of soil, 
although they prefer a soil with good humus content and of above 
average fertility. They must have a soil that is well drained. Pansy 
soil should be moderately on the acid side and a definite warning is 
given here NOT TO APPLY FRESH LIME TO PANS'Y BEDS. The 
last few years, since the small soil testing kits have become popular, 
we have had several very severe cases of lime burn brought to our 
attention. Growers running tests with these outfits find an acid soil 
and immediatly start to rectify this condition when they may have 
grown Pansies successfully for years. This usually proves fatal. 
The action of lime on Pansies is usually to give a fine but rather 
soft plant growth in the early fall. You’ll probably find fall growth 
better than that of check beds. Limed stock will, however, give 
trouble in wintering. They will not prove as hardy and in severe 
cases an actual lime burn will result. This is usually indicated by the 
loss of the lower leaves and other leaves may show a brown and 
withered condition. Lime burn will be agrivated by wet soil conditions 
very much. If it seems to be desirable to apply lime to your soil 
grow some other crop on it one year before using it for Pansies. 
They don’t seem badly affected the second year. 
The soil we use is a sandy river loam and it is constantly rotated 
with green manure crops to keep the vegetable contents up. Other, 
tighter soils may be used but they do not offer the drainage and ease 
of working when wet. As far as growth is concerned, however, nearly 
any good garden soil can be used for Pansies if properly prepared. 
PREPARING THE SEED BED 
Soil in the seedling beds need not be as heavily fertalized as that 
in the transplanting beds, as the plants do not stay in them as long 
nor feed as heavily while there. They must, however, have sufficient 
fertility to produce a sturdy plant at transplanting age. Soil that 
holds moisture well but has good drainage is best adapted for seeding" 
operations, as less danger from drying out during the germination 
period will be experienced. 
A dressing of rotted cow manure may well be worked into the bed 
before planting and some bone meal added. The latter tends to produce 
a compact, sturdy plant that transplants well. 
It is very essential that beds be worked deeply, say to about 8 
inches. After spading and leveling, water the bed until the soil is 
completely moistened even deeper than it has been worked. This is 
necessary in order that as much moisture may be stored in the bed 
before seeding as possible, as the less watering needed after seeds are 
sown, the better results will be. It should be remembered that any 
dryness during the first 8 days after planting may prove fatal. 
SOWING THE SEEDS 
Some growers prefer to sow broadcast while others drill the seeds 
into rows. Where broadcasted the bed should be leveled by lightly 
tamping. Sow seeds and cover lightly with sifted peat moss. With this 
process it will probably be found necessary to use burlap or muslin as 
a covering for the bed. 
In our own plantings we prefer to use drills, as it gives better 
germination and makes the plants easier to dig, weed and cultivate. 
Beds are first raked level and reasonably smooth. Then, useing a 
pointed hoe, drills are laid crosswise of the bed. These are about 1 hi 
inches deep and 3 inches wide at the top. This operation leaves the 
surface of the bed a series of corrugations. Seeds are sown in the 
bottom of these drills in a wide row so that the seeds are scattered 
over a strip an inch wide in the bottom of the drill. The granular 
condition of the surface on which the seeds fall, allows them to lodge 
( Page 9 ) 
