^^Flower Seeds for Florists'' 
I > c. 
GOOD ASTERS 
Successfully growing asters is not so much a matter of 
luck as it is providing favorable growing conditions. The 
principal one is to avoid a check in growth. This is proven 
by the fact that when sown direct where they are to flower 
—no transplanting check, they usually come thru 100% 
clean. But this late start flowers them on shorter stems 
than when sown earlier and planted out. The checking 
effect of transplanting is not generally appreciated; for 
instance when California seed growers sow Snap seed and 
plant out, they become much more susceptible to rust 
than when sown direct—no transplanting. Also excess 
moisture, either atmospheric or at the roots, distinctly 
encourages rot. This is especiall) true in the early stages 
of their growth and is proven by a wet June that almost 
invariably rots them out, for the same reason excess mois¬ 
ture in the seed bed, or much atmospheric moisture—lack 
of ventilation, should be avoided. After they are partly 
or full grown they, of course, become more resistant to 
the effect of excess moisture. The third important precau¬ 
tion is to avoid using soil for asters two years in succes¬ 
sion. Why some growers get by with the same soil for 
several seasons we can’t explain. In our own experience 
entirely fresh soil always gives the best results. For next 
season we plan to steam sterilize our outdoor cloth house 
area for this crop. Four inch tile spaced two feet will be 
used for this purpose as well as sub-irrigating and drain¬ 
age. Last and most important is the use of resistant bred 
varieties. These varieties, or some of them, are generally 
successful. Where they are not, we can only say they are 
attacked by forms of rot that do not exist in the soil in 
which they were bred. All rot or wilt resistant strains are 
developed in California and West Chicago. We keep close 
check on them and know that varieties sent out as such 
have stood up practically 100% alongside others, used as 
a check, that have gone down. 
Your Aster Seed 
Practically all the aster seed used in America is grown 
in such California fields as is pictured above. Climatic 
conditions there develop and mature it perfectly. Little 
stem rot develops for the seed is sown direct. We thoroly 
go over these fields when in flower to check varieties and 
strains. The new crop is received by us in November and 
December and after a geimination test, it is ready to mail. 
Sending out the original strain of Ball White Aster in 
1920 was the start of our seed business. We have stayed 
with the development of this crop since, being particularly 
interested in developing rot resistant strains. These strains 
are selected thru the principle of the “survival of the 
fittest.” Not only are plants selected for this that survive 
in rot infested soil, but in this selection other good points 
are considered as well. We are as certain as we can be 
that these strains are superior. For this reason we use them 
exclusively in all varieties available in resistant form. 
12 Best Varieties 
(Approximately 12,000 seeds per oz.) 
This list is based on our experience and the demand 
from all sections—the heaviest sellers. While we realize 
that it can’t be 100% safe for all sections, we do believe 
it will be found a generally safe list. Dates given with 
all varieties offered are for flowering in our latitude. They 
will vary in different sections and varying seasons. All 
varieties are equally improved when grown under the pro¬ 
tection of cloth. 
Early Giant Light Blue. A very attractive early flowering wilt 
resistant California Giant type. Color is a clear, rich light blue. 
Good stems and partly non lateral. Sept. 15 to 20. Tr. pkt., 
35c; % oz., 75c; 1 oz., |2.50. 
All our aster seed is grown for us under the ideal climatic conditions of California where strong sun and absence of rain through the 
growing season insure perfectly matured seed. 
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