GRAND RAPIDS GROWERS, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan =p 
FLOWER SEED DEPARTMENT 
We are convinced that many of the failures with flower seeds are due to lack of proper conditions, and while 
it would be impossible in the space at our disposal in this catalog to give explicit directions for each and 
every variety which we offer, we feel sure that if the general directions given below are followed, success will 
be the rule. 
All of our flower seeds are listed by their common name in strict alphabetical order, together with the 
botanical name for your guidance. 


Annuals are those flowers which bloom and die the same year ; 
Wi grown from seed exclusively. 
Success ith Flower Seeds Biennials bloom and die the second year from the seeding time. 
For all flower seeds which should be started indoors, the Perennials grow the plant the first year but do not flower 
best plan is to sow in earthenware seed pans or boxes until the second year and then bloom every year. 
{about 2 inches deep) which should be filled to the depth 
of an inch with any rough material that will furnish per- 
fect drainage. The upper inch should be nicely sifted soil, SPECIAL NOTICE! 
composed, if possible, of about one-third each of sand, leaf 5 
mould and light garden loam. Press firmly and evenly and Where many of the flower seeds and herbs are an imported 

water thoroughly the day before sowing. Sow the seeds item, it is extremely difficult to say whether or not there will 
thinly over the surface, cover about one-eighth of an inch be any available for planting this year; however, we would 
and press firmly. When the seedlings are large enough to appreciate your inquiry and will quote prices on request, if 
handle, they should be transplanted into similarly prepared available later in the season. 
boxes an inch apart each way, or put into small pots and 
kept in same until time to plant out in the open ground. 
At all times they should have an abundance of air, other- 
wise the young seedlings are liable to ‘damp off.” 
For most of the ordinary annual flowers, the simplest 
method is to sow directly out-of-doors when danger of 
frost is past in the space where they are intended to flow- 
er. The ground should be duy and raked fine on the sur- 
face, sowing the seeds evenly and thinly, covering not over 
four times their size, and firming the soil over them. 
Should they come up too thickly, as most of them are 
likely to do, thin out so that the plants will stand from 
4 to 12 inches apart, according to the variety. 
How to Sow Flower Seeds 
It will prove quite an advantage to mix all small seeds 
with sand or dry soil and scatter broadcast. This separates 
the seeds and is quite an advantage in thinning out or 
transplanting the young plants as those that remain are 
und.sturbed. A common mistake in sowing flower seeds is 
covering too deeply. The exception to this is the Sweet Pea, 
which is seldom planted deep enough. As a general] rule, 
cover small seeds only tu the depth of the thickness of the 
seeds ; always press the earth after sowing all flower seeds, 
else there is danger of their drying up before the roots can 
get firm hold cf the soil. Seed of the hardier annuals may 
be sown where they are to grow; but as a rule, it is pre- 
ferable to transplant, as the plants are generally stronger 
and stand the drought better. During very dry weather, 
and when the seedlings are first set out, they should le 
watered freequently. ‘4 
The weeds should be kept down and ‘the ground loosened 
often, so that the plants will receive the full benefit of 
the rains and dews, which they will not if the ground is : : : 
allowed to become hard and baked. Sweet Alyssum 
ABRONIA (Sand Verbena). Pkt., 10c. 


Alyssum (A) 
(SWEET ALYSSUM) 
Very popular border flower. Dwarf habit, blooming until 
killed by frost. Fine for beds, borders and vases. 
Little Gem. Erect; white. 4 ozs., $3.50; 1 oz., $1.00; 14 0z., 
30c; pkt., 10c. 
Violet Queen. Oz., $1.25; 14 0z., 40c; pkt., 10c. 
Carpet of Snow. Pkt., 10c. 
Alyssum (P) 
Saxatile compactum (Basket of Goid). 9 inches high. Blooms 
in May and June. producing masses of golden flowers very 
early. 1 oz., $1.00; 14 0z., 30c; pkt., 10c. 
Ageratum (A) 
(FLOSSFLOWER) 
One of the best summer blooming plants. They are rapid 
growers; early and constant bloomers. 
Mexicanum Tall. 18 inches. Beautiful, soft lavender-blue, 
of free branching habit. 14 oz., 40c; pkt., 10c. 
Blue Cap. Selected. 6 inches. Definitely more dwarf, more 
compact in habit with small leaves. Bright, deep, rich 
lavender-blue. 1 0z., $4.00; 14 0z., $1.25; pkt., 10c. 
Rlue Perfection. Pkt.. 10c. 
ci Midget Blue. Dwarf, compact, rich blue. 1 0z., $5.00; 14 oz., 
Ageratum $1.50; pkt., 10c. 

