84 
FLOWER SEEDS 
ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, PERENNIALS 
WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO TREAT THEM 


Annual Flowers 
Annual Flowers grow from seed, blossom, 
fruit and die down in one season. Many self- 
sow and are practically permanent. They are 
obtainable in every color, readily grown and 
can be used in the following ways—in a border 
made up of a number of different annuals— 
for massing of a single variety or color in beds 
—for filling in spots in the perennial border 
and rockery—and for growing in rows to sup- 
ply cutting flowers. 
When to Sow Annual Seed 
Nearly all annuals will germinate and bloom the first 
season if sown outdoors as soon as the ground is warm, 
but many sorts such as Ageratum, Asters, Carnations, 
Petunias, Phlox, Salpiglossis, Scarlet Sage, Snapdragon, 
etc., require sowing in some sheltered situation such as 
a cold frame, greenhouse or a window box in the home 
about a month before outdoor culture starts. The young 
plants are transplanted to the open ground when the 
weather is warm. This is necessary, not only on ac- 
count of their tenderness, but also because they need 
more time for development, and by sowing early, the 
growing season is prolonged. Others such as Bachelor's 
Button, Calendula, Cosmos, Gaillardia, Marigold, Nas- 
turtium, Zinnia, etc., may be sown outdoors in the 
open ground when all danger of frost has passed, 
Most Annuals thrive on rich soil, plenty of water and 
sunshine, frequent weeding and cultivation. Annuals 
with tap roots, such as Blue Lace Flower, Eschscholtzia, 
and Poppies do not transplant well, and are best sown 
where they are to stand. Some of the hardy annuals 
such as Alyssum, Bachelor’s Button, Calendula, Cosmos, 
Larkspur, Bedding Petunias and Poppy can be sown in 
the Fall just previous to the late heavy frost. The seed 
will then be dormant until Spring. 
variety of size, form and color. 


Biennials 
Biennials are plants that flower the second 
year from sowing of the seed. 
When to Sow Biennial Seed 
Sow the seed the latter part of June, during July and 
up to the middle of August. Transplant the seedlings 
4 to 5 inches apart into a cold frame or they may be 
wintered over in the open ground with protection of 
hay or straw. : ‘ 
Perennials 
Perennials are plants that usually come into 
flower the year after sowing. They go on. 
living and increasing for a number of years, 
the stems dying down annually and then 
throwing forth new growth from the roots 
each Spring. Perennials are effective planted 
in irregular but graceful groups along the 
border. They should be planted so that there 
is continuous bloom of some kind from early 
Spring to late Fall. Once established, they 
are a constant source of pleasure presenting a 
The tall, 
sturdy growing plants are valuable as cut flow- 
ers and the low species can be used either in 
the front of the border or in the-rock garden. 
When to Sow Perennial Seed 
They are easily raised from sowings in seed beds from 
late Spring until about August. 
plants, which may be planted in a permanent situation 
early enough in the Fall, to enable them to winter 
safely. Protect them with a light covering of litter late 
in the Fall. Seed sown in the Fall, winter over in a 
cold frame. Tender perennials such as Cannas, Dahlias, 
and Red Hot Poker should be dug up and stored away 
free from frost. * 
CULTURAL DIRECTIONS for FLOWER SEEDS 
The following general rules apply to all: 
There are two ways of sowing seeds; the one in the 
border where they are intended to remain; the other in 
prepared beds from which they are transplanted to the 
Flower Garden. The soil of the seed bed should be in a 
fine condition, smooth and level as possible, and well 
enriched Do not plant when the ground is wet. Sow 
in rows so that the starting plants can be easily seen. 
Cover each lot of seed to a uniform depth. Scarcely 
cover small seeds and others not more than four to six 
times the diameter of the seed. Press the soil firmly 
over the seed and keep moist during the process of ger- 
mination, and while the plants are young. Thin out the 
young plants to prevent crowding and keep entirely free 
from weeds. In watering apply gently in order to avoid 
washing the seedlings out er uhe ground and, as far as 
Possible, prevent aking of the surface of soil. 
When the seedlings have three or four leaves, first 
water and transplant on a dull day so that they do not 
~~ 
get spindly. The last stage is to transfer them to the 
garden four to twelve inches apart, according to the 
size the plants attain in maturity. 7 
Quick growing annuals such as Cosmos, Marigold 
and Zinnias, etc., also varieties that do not transplant 
so well, can be sown where they are to remain, and 
thinned out to afford each specimen a fair chance of at- 
taining robust growth and of producing fine heads of 
bloom. Vigorous growth depends upon good. drainage, 
a soil mellow and rich in humus, plant food consisting 
of manure or prepared fertilizer and lime. 
During the time the plants ‘are in flower pick freely, 
They make strong 
to prevent seed pods forming, and thereby lengthen the © 
owering season. 
All outdoor seed planting must be done when all” 
danger of frost has passed and the ground is warm; 
otherwise the expectation of a successful garden is 
remote. 
Brief Cultural Instructions are Printed on the Back of All Packets “a 

