
PANSIES 
PANSIES are the garden favorite for which there is no substitute. The 
mixed strains lavishly display Nature’s own harmony of rich, varied 
colors and shades. The separate colors afford an unusual opportunity 
for working out exquisite color combinations, when used as a ground 
cover or border for early or late Spring bulbs, such as Daffodils, Hya- 
cinths, Narcissus, Scillas; with Iris; in Rose beds in May or June; with 
Summer annuals, such as Asters, Zinnias, or Marigolds; or for Chrysanthe- 
mum beds in Fall. 
The mild climate and fertile soil of the Willamette Valley in Western 
Oregon, distinguish it as the only location in the entire United States 
having growing conditions which are identical with those of England, 
and, in many cases, superior to those of the flower seed producing sec: 
tions of Continental Europe. 
Our Pansy seed is grown in this valley, near Portland, Oregon, and is 
reselected from the finest domestic and foreign strains. The planting is 
carefully cultivated and fertilized, and is thoroughly "rogued” to eliminate 
plants not true to type. Tne seed is properly cured, is stored in bulk; at 
the correct temperature, thus presérving its: viability, and is’ packaged 
as orders are received. The result is vigorous seed which produces plants 
having early blooms, with a wide color range, excellent. texture, and 
largest size. 
CULTURE. Paisies are easy to grow and are unusually hardy and.free 
from disease. The soil should be very rich and mellow, as the pansy is 
a heavy feeder, with a multitude of fine roots. The plants respond to 
frequent cultivation and watering, and plenty of fertilizer. This may be 
rotted barnyard manure or raw bone meal at planting time, and @ well- 
balanced commercial fertilizer at intervals during the blooming ‘season, 
to compensate for the heavy drain on the plants and to maintain the size 
of the flowers. The blossoming season will be prolonged and the size 
of the blooms preserved, if all seed pods and faded flowers are consist- 
ently removed. As the plant matures, pick part of an occasional side 
branch, but always leave the main or central branch... .This method of 
picking will not only provide more graceful material for flower arrange- 
ments but will also help to keep the plant pruned and shapely. 
Pansies attain their best in cool weather, and show their maximum size 
of bloom under this condition. The blossoms in our planting are largest 
during late April, and decrease in size ds the heat of summer begins. 
In our garden the late Spring blooms often measure over 4 inches, but 
become smaller during the heat of July and August, regaining their size 
in the cooler weather of Fall. In hot climates the gardener can not always 
get the maximum size bloom which is possible in more temperate zones. 
We have found that we obtain our largest blooms from fall planted 
seedlings. 
WHEN TO SOW PANSY SEED 
Pansy seed may be sowed at any time of the year, provided a tempera- 
ture of from 60° to 70° can be maintained. During the months when the 
outdoor temperature is at this point, the seed may be sowed in the open 
ground. During winter seed can be sowed either in a greehouse, a cold 
frame. supplied with artificial heat, or in flats which are kept in a warm 
rcom. After the young plants have begun to develop they should grad- 
ually be accustomed to a cooler temperature. In hot climates better 
germination is obtained if the seed is sowed during the cooler part of 
the year. They are ready to be transplanted to their permanent location 
when they have developed from 5 to 7 leaves. They should be planted 
outdoors eithér early enough in the Fall to become well rooted before 
growing weather stops and Winter sets in, or early in the Spring. 
The pansy is very hardy and can be carried through the winter out- 
doors, if given the same protection ds is provided for perennials in any 
given locality—usually a mulch of straw, marsh hay or strawy manure. 
In most localities, fall planting, either in outdoor beds or in cold frames, 
can be successfully practiced, and early Spring blooms obtained. It is 
entirely possible and also practicable to make two separate sowings of 
pansy seed.each year: one sowing in early Spring and another sowing 
in late Summer. The late Summer sowing provides pants for very early 
Spring blooms or as ground cover for Spring bulbs. The early Spring 
sowing: gives plants which will enliven the late Summer and Fall border, 
or will make a fine ground cover for Chrysanthemums, or other Autumn 
flowers. 
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