

HOW TO GROW WATER LILIES 
EASY TO GROW—Water lilies are the easiest of all flowers to grow, for they require no care once they are set out. No 
weeding, no hoeing, and no hand watering. They grow equally well in every state in the Union, whether North or South, 
East or West. Just plant them in a box, tub, half barrel, or bushel basket and watch them grow. 
TUB GARDENS—Many of the most beautiful water lilies do splendidly in just a tub or half barrel, sunk in ground and 
filled half full of rich soil. We especially recommend tub gardens to those who have a small lot in the city or who rent 
their property, as they are easily moved. (See page 22.) 
BUILDING THE POOL—Select a sunny location if possible. Many lilies will bloom in partial shade, however (see 
“Helpful Hints’). Build your pool of concrete with sloping sides (no form required) using a 3:2:1 mixture (3 parts 
gravel, 2 parts sand, 1 part cement). It should be 6 inches thick, 2 feet deep, and should be re-enforced near the top with 
a few strands of heavy smooth wire placed in the center of concrete. Pockets can be built along the sides for shallow 
water plants by pressing bricks into soft concrete. Fill with water and drain twice before planting lilies. 
BOXES—Although it is not necessary, lilies generally do best when planted in a container. It should be about 2 feet 
across by 1 foot deep. Boxes, tubs, half barrels, and bushel baskets are all satisfactory. Avoid unpainted metal or red- 
wood containers for they stunt lilies. Our solid oak PLANTING TUBS are ideal. (See page 22.) 
SOIL—Any good garden loam is alright. If sod (especially rotted sod) is available, use it. Sod is richer than plain 
dirt. Be sure to mix in some kind of fertilizer. You will have more and larger blooms if you do. 
FERTILIZERS: After many years of experimenting in our growing and display ponds we have developed a scientifi- 
cally balanced fertilizer, SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM (the Perfect Water Lily Fertilizer.) It contains everything that 
water lilies and aquatics need and is excellent for other flowers, perennials, and shrubs. Use 14 to 2 lbs., for each lily 
and mix well through the soil. For MORE and LARGER BLOOMS, USE SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM;; 3 lbs., $1.00; 
7 Ibs., $2.00; 12 lbs., $3.00; 25 Ibs., $6.00. 
ROTTED DAIRY FERTILIZER is also good but often discolors the water even when used in correct amounts. Use 1 
part to 3 or 4 parts of soil and mix well. Although rotted cow manure is good, it will not give as good results as our scientifi- 
cally balanced SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM. 
FERTILIZING DURING SUMMER: Water Lilies are very heavy feeders. You will get more and larger blooms 
if you will feed them SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM 3 or 4 TIMES during summer. Wrap a large handful in cheese cloth 
or tissue paper and press into soil close to roots on 2 or 3 sides of each plant. Do not disturb plant or container. 
PLANTING—Put about 6 inches of water over soil. Plant Hardy Water Lilies horizontally (not upright) about 1 
inch deep with crown exposed. Plant Tropicals upright, covering up tocrown. (Caution: Tropical leaves are thin and 
wither easily in sun when out of water.) Fill water to 1 foot gradually. 
WHEN TO PLANT—Hardies may be planted from the last of April to the middle of August. The earlier the better 
however. Tropicals should not be planted until the weather is settled which, in the latitude of New York and Chicago, 
is about June 1st. Further South, after May 20th is usually all right. 
SAND—It is desirable to cover dirt after planting with one inch of sand. This prevents fish and frogs from stirring up the 
soil and aids in keeping water clear. 
WINTER CARE—Cover pool or tub garden with boards and leaves (hay or straw). Weight down. Hardies keep per- 
fectly this way. Tropicals should be replaced each spring, unless, a green-house is available. Goldfish may be left in 
pool providing—(1i.) The water is about 2 feet deep, and, (2.) Maple leaves do not blow into pool. Otherwise, remove 
goldfish to tub in cellar. (Note: If desired, Hardy Lilies may be moved to cellar and kept covered with water or wet 
burlap. ) 
SPRING CLEANING—As soon as weather permits, drain or dip out pool and remove all rubbish. Give each lily 14 
to 2 pounds of SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM. Every other year at this time do the following: 1.) dig up each plant; 
2.) pull or cut it apart; 3.) change soil mixing in well two pounds of SLOCUM’S PERFECTUM; 4.) plant back just the 
largest root; 5.) destroy others. 
LOTUS—Lotus tubers look like a string of bananas. They like a heavy rich soil. Plant them horizontally or flat (not 
upright). Cover with 3 to 4 inches of soil. They require 2 to 10 inches of water (no deeper). Plant at the same time as 
Tropicals as cold weather may stunt them. Once established, however, they are as tough as Hardies. (Caution: In un- 
packing and planting Lotus Tubers, be careful not to break them for they are very brittle). 
DISTANCE APART—The average lily requires a space 3 feet across (or more). A 5 foot pool will take care of 3 or 4 
lilies. A 10 foot pool will accommodate 6 to 10 lilies and other aquatics. A little more space should be allowed for the 
larger flowering lilies and Lotus. The lilies pictured on page 5 do well in very crowded quarters (less than 3 foot space), 
due to their naturally small leaf spread. 
PESTS—Mosquitoes can be kept out by goldfish. Black aphids can be killed with fly spray, or washed off with the hose 
so that the fish can eat them. 
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