GRAND RAPIDS GROWERS, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan 39 
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 
ere petiely which we offer, we feel sure that if the general directions given below are followed, success will 
e 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. 
Success With Flower Seeds Annuals are those flowers which bloom and die the same cae 
grown from seed exclusively, 


For all flower seeds which should be started indoors, the ‘ Ae i : : 
Bes tenitntis (totsowline carthenware isceds pansion) boxes Biennials bloom and die the second year from the seeding time. 
(about 2 inches deep) which should be filled to the depth Perennials grow the plant the first year but do not flower 
until the second year and then bloom every year. 
of an inch with any rough material that will furnish per- 
fect drainage. The upper inch should be nicely sifted soil, 
composed, if possible, of about one-third each of sand, leaf 
mould and light garden loam. Press firmly and evenly and 
water thoroughly the day before sowing. Sow the seeds 
thinly over the surface, cover about one-eighth of an inch 
and press firmly. When the seedlings are large enough to 
handle, they should be transplanted into similarly prepared 
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 dug 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 
{t 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 to 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, Sweet Alyssum 
and when the seedlings are first set out, they should be 
watered frequently. 
The weeds should be kept down and the ground loosened ABRONIA (Sand Verbena). Pkt., 10c. 
often, so that the plants will receive the full benefit of 
the rains and dews, which they will not if the ground is Alyssum* (SWEET ALYSSUM) (A) 
allowed to become hard and baked. 
(60,000 seeds per 0z.) 
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 0oz., $1.00; 14 0z., 
30c; pkt., 10c. 
Violet Queen. Oz., $1.15; 4% oz., 35c; pkt., 1€c. 
Carpet of Snow. 4 ozs., $3.50; 1 0z., $1.00; % oz., 30c; pkt., 
10c. 
Alyssum (?) 
Saxatile compactum (Basket of Goid). 9 inches high. Blooms 
in May and June. producing masses of golden flowers very 
early. 1 0z., $1.00; 14 0z., 30c; pkt., 10c. 
Ageratum (FLOSSFLOWER) (A) 
(214,000 seeds per oz.) 
One of the best summer blooming rpiants. They are rapid 
growers; early and constant bloomers. 
Mexicanum Tall. 18 inches. Beautiful, soft lavender-blue, 
of free branching habit. 14 0z., 40c; pkt., 10c. 
Blue Cap. Selected. 6 inches. Definitely more dwarf, more 
compact in habit with small leaves. Bright, deep, rich 
lavender-blue. 1 oz., $4.00; %4 0oz., $1.25; pkt., 10c. 
Blue Perfection. Pkt., 10c. 
Midget Blue. Dwarf, compact, rich blue. 1 0z., $5.00; %4 0z., 
S120 se pki. Uc. 
NUMBER OF SEEDS PER OUNCE, UNDER ALL FLOWER 
Ageratum ITEMS ARE APPROXIMATE 

