they are grown in relatively small quantities is in flats. Select a 
shaded location away from drying winds. In locations where temper- 
atures run above 85 or 90 degrees it is a good idea during the time 
of actual germination to place the flat near a window in a basement 
where it is cool. If this is done they MUST be moved out into a 
shaded but fully lighted position as soon as the seedling leaves start 
to open. Watch growth carefully and as the seedlings develop, grad- 
ually shift into morning sunlight until plants have come into good 
growth. As the weather cools more sun may be given until the plants 
are acclimated to full all day sun if so desired. Shading too long or 
too much will cause the plants to draw out and become leggy. 
In preparing the soil for planting take a good garden loam and 
mix into it about a quarter well rotted cow manure or peat moss. 
If not of a soft texture the addition of one-fifth sharp sand will be 
beneficial. Well composted material mixed 50-50 with loam also 
makes a good planting soil. The addition of a good handfull of 
steamed bonemeal to each flat will be helpful. Fill flat, which should 
be about 13x20x31!% inches or near that size, to within half an 
inch of the top and level by tamping lightly with a brick or wood 
block. 
Water flat thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away 
before planting. Seeds may be sown broadcast and lightly covered 
with sand, peat moss or the same soil in which planting was made. 
COVER LIGHTLY; not over ;; inch. If you can still see some of 
the seeds after the flat is watered just following planting it is just 
right. 
It will require from 7 to 12 days, depending on the time of 
season, for germination to take place. During this time it is absolute- 
ly essential that the flat be kept moist AT ALL TIMES. It should be 
examined two or three times a day and sprinkled lightly with a 
sprinkling can when ever the slightest indication of dryness appears. 
A great help in holding the moisture is a piece of doubled burlap 
(2 thicknesses) that just fit the flat. These may be dipped in water 
and layed over the surface of the flat to start and sprinkling done 
right over it afterwards. This also has a tendency, through evapor- 
ation, to cool the surface which is helpful in obtaining good germinat- 
ion in hot weather. Care MUST be taken to remove this burlap 
before the Seed sprouts get a hold on it for if this happens you will 
lift the seeds out of the ground when the burlap is removed. The 
flats must be shaded for several days after germination gradually 
increasing the light until the plant will stand normal sunlight in 
your growing conditions. For the seeds in each of our packets use a 
full flat. 
After the seed leaves have unfolded reduce the moisture and 
water just enough to kee»v the plants growing well. Excessive 
moisture at this stage of development will cause damping off and 
you can easily lose all the plants. Damping of is first noticed when 
the small plants start laying over on their side and the stem rots 
off just above the ground. Should damp appear, dust the affected 
spots freely with fiowers of sulphur and use still more care not to 
over water. Always set the flats level and on a solid surface — never 
up on something that will permit heavy circulation of air under the 
flat. This will promote cool soil temperatures and prevent excessive 
loss of moisture. 
Watch out for mice, crickets, sowbugs and slugs at this stage 
of development. Mice are especially fond of Pansy seeds and will 
dig and eat the seeds. Crickets will eat or carry the seeds off. The 
sowbugs will eat the plant just as the sprout appears as will the 
slug. There may be other regional pests but these are the ones that 
are the most usual source of trouble. 
The seedlings should be allowed to grow in this seedling flat 
until they have at least 6 leaves but must be transplanted before the 
plants become so crowded as to draw them. 
To obtain the full range of colors and large size flowers of which 
our strains are capable the culture must be such that a goodly portion 
of the seeis are brought to flower. Invariably when poor germination 
is obtained the loss is the heaviest in the fancy colors and the largest 
flowering types. Loss from improper wintering will result in the same 
condition so that heavy losses from any cause usually means a poor 
showing in the finest strains. 
TRANSPLANTING 
Pansies do best if not transplanted more than twice and where 
winters are not too severe a single transplanting — from seedling 
flat to blooming bed does just as well. The flower size and vitality 
of the plant depends upon the food you are able to supply in this 
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