bulbs rot if given much water before they are rooted and growing. Don’t 
hurry them. 
Bulbs should be potted early in order to give plenty of time for root 
growth. If delayed the results are less satisfactory. 
ACID AND ALKALINE SOILS 
Most plants thrive in a wide variety of soils and are not too particular 
about the soil pH. Such plants are widely distributed and include our most 
common ornamental and economic plants and especially weeds. But some of 
our most important plants are very exacting in their requirements. 
The pH of the soil (or any substance) is measured in units thus, pH 5.5. 
It refers to the relative acidity or alkalinity and this depends on the con- 
centration of the hydrogen ions. The scale runs 1 to 14. pH 7 is neutral. 
Below that the acidity increases as the pH decreases. Above pH 7 the scale 
indicates increasing alkalinity. 
Most semi-aquatic plants and shade loving plants do best in a mildly acid 
soil. This will include most plants that grow in woods or bogs. 
Among bulbs the following do much better in mildly acid soils, around 
pH 6 and some possibly like more acidity. Gladiolus, Vallota, Callas, Caladiums, 
Arums, Lilies, Haemanthus Nerines, etc. Those requiring neutral to mildly 
alkaline soils are Iris, Hippeastrums, Narcissus, etc. 
The acidity of a soil may be increased by the incorporation of any form 
of vegetable matter. The most acid is imported peat, leaf mould and tan bark. 
In fertilizers Superphosphate, Aluminum sulphate and sulphur are acid. 
Lime, gypsum, ground shell, manure with ammonia odor and commercial 
nitrogenous fertilizers are alkaline. 
Vitamin B1 has been proven a useful stimulant for bulbs. In transplant- 
ing, soak the roots of bulbs or any plants in a solution and the plant does not 
even wilt. We have done this with Hippeastrums in bloom and the flower 
was uninjured, lasted for days and ripened seed. Use it on growing plants for 
better plants and bloom. Our prices are 100 tablets for $1.00. 40 tablets 
50c or 18 for 25c. 
Directions for preparing and using Vit. Bl solution. The Tablets keep 
indefinitely. The solution should be prepared only as needed but will keep a 
short time in a refrigerator. 
There are two solutions, maximum strength and minimum strength. To 
prepare either, dissolve a tablet in 20 drops, 1%4 teaspoon, of water in a small vial. 
For the maximum solution add the entire 20 drops to one quart of water. 
Use this solution for spraying small seedlings, either of bulbs or any plants, 
three times a week. This gives more rapid growth. Soak seeds having a thin 
seed coat in this solution for 24 hours, for better and more rapid germination. 
When transplanting bulbs, shrubs or any plants in full growth, immerse their 
bare roots in this solution for 15 min. We often dilute to one gallon for this 
purpose and immerse roots for one hour. After planting apply remainder of 
solution and follow with plain water, enough to saturate the soil. 
But do not soak dormant bulbs in either Vit. Bl solution. It causes 
them to rot. 
The minimum solution is prepared by adding the 20 drops of stock solu- 
tion to 20 gal. water, or one drop to one gallon. Use this to water growing 
plants in soil. Use once a week for plants in the garden, but only once in two 
weeks for potted plants. Use water irrigation between times. Good results 
may be had with bulbous plants like Clivias, Hippeastrums, etc., when starting 
to grow well and during growth of flower stem, thru blooming and all later 
growth by the use of this solution alternating with water and occasional use 
of weak liquid manure water. You may expect larger and better flowers and 
plants. 
These directions apply only to the tablets we offer. We send these in 
bulk and without directions. Therefore save this. The directions are more 
complete than those obtainable elsewhere. 
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