California Native Seeds and Plants 3 

California Wild Flower Mixtures 
The mixtures listed below are the result of over forty years of observation and intensive study of the native 
flora of California from scientific and practical standpoints. Each mixture is prepared according to a regular 
formula which has taken years of experimental work to bring to perfection. They contain only the true wild 
species, mixed in the right proportions to produce a succession of flowers over a long period of time. The species 
used in the mixtures are the most showy kinds, hardy and of easy culture, succeeding under any ordinary con- 
ditions. We recommend their general use in home grounds, parkways, school grounds, private estates, vacant 
lots or any unused ground in either large or small areas. 
By the use of these wild flower mixtures many odd 
corners and waste pieces of ground can easily be converted into beauty spots for a large portion of the year at 
a minimum of expense in money, time and labor. Don’t fail to sow some wild flower seeds this season. 
Payne’s Wild Flower Mixtures are sold in sealed packages only. Not genuine without our seal. 
RAINBOW MIXTURE 
(PAYNE'S MIXTURE No. 1) 
A general mixture of annual wild flowers of all colors, con- 
sisting of twenty of the hardiest and most showy species 
mixed in the right proportions to produce a succession of flow- 
ers over a long period. Plants commence to bloom early in the 
spring and continue until late summer, an ever-changing mass 
of colors. This is the best mixture for general use, being espe- 
cially adapted for vacant lots, parkways, school grounds, pri- 
vate gardens, etc. Should be planted freely everywhere. 
Packet, 15c; ounce, 70c; 14 pound, $2.10; pound, $7.00. 
SHADY MIXTURE 
(PAYNE'S MIXTURE No. 2) 
A mixture of annual wild flowers for sowing in shady and 
partially shady places, mixed in the right proportions to pro- 
duce a succession of flowers. Packet, 15c; ounce, 80c; 14 pound, 
$2.40; pound, $8.00. 
GOLDEN MIXTURE 
(PAYNE'S MIXTURE No. 3) 
A mixture of annual wild flowers in orange, yellow and 
cream shades, mixed in the right proportions to produce a suc- 
cession of flowers. Useful in carrying out a color scheme. 
Packet, 15c; ounce, 90c; 14 pound, $2.70; pound, $9.00. 
BLUE AND LAVENDER MIXTURE 
(PAYNE'S MIXTURE No. 4) 
A mixture of annual wild flowers in blue, purple and lav- 
ender shades, mixed in the right proportions to produce a suc- 
cession of flowers. Useful in carrying out a color scheme. 
Packet, 15c; ounce, 80c; 14 pound, $2.40; pound, $8.00. 
BLUE AND GOLD MIXTURE 
(PAYNE'S MIXTURE No. 5) 
A mixture of annual wild flowers in various shades of blue, 
lavender, purple, yellow and orange, containing a large num- 
ber of species and mixed in the right proportions to produce 
a succession of flowers. Presents a very charming color effect. 
Packet, 15c; ounce, 80c; 14 pound, $2.40; pound, $8.00. 
PAYNE’S 
SPECIAL ROADSIDE MIXTURE 
A mixture composed of six of the hardiest and most showy 
species, including the California Poppy. Creates a brilliant 
effect in orange, yellow, and blue. Especially recommended 
for vacant lots, waysides, subdivisions, etc. Packet, 10c; ounce, 
50c; 14 pound, $1.50; pound, $5.00. 
CAUTION 
Owing to the considerable demand for wild flower seeds, 
resultant entirely to our 46 years of endeavor in growing them 
and bringing them before the public, there are now a number 
of so-called wild flower mixtures on the market. It is as 
regrettable as it is true that many of these mixtures contain 
few of the true wild species, being augmented by the more 
common of the hardy garden varieties. Having proven this 
fo be the case by numerous tests, we feel justified in caution- 
ing all who contemplate planting wild flowers to be sure and 
get the true species. 
HOW TO SOW WILD FLOWERS 
Annuals. For the annual species, first work up the surface 
of the ground and pulverize thoroughly. In small areas this 
can be done by spading and raking, or in large areas by plow- 
ing and harrowing. In cases where the seeds are to be sown 
on hillsides, where there is an existing growth of shrubs or 
chaparral, small spaces can be worked up quickly by the use 
of a potato hook. Sow the seed broadcast and it will germi- 
nate soon after the first rain following the sowing. 
Perennials. While the perennials grow in the wild state 
under the same conditions as the annuals, they do not re- 
produce themselves nearly as freely, being perennial there is 
not the need for it. With most species the best results will be 
obtained by sowing in seed boxes, using a light well prepared 
soil and keeping in a lath house or sheltered place until the 
seedlings are well started. Gradually harden off to the full sun 
and when large enough to handle pot up into small pots; 
when the plants are thoroughly established, plant out into 
the open ground where they are to remain and flower. 
WHEN TO SOW WILD FLOWERS 
Annuals. The best time to sow the annual wild flowers is 
early in the fall before the first rain or during the early part 
of the rainy season. The seed will germinate soon after the 
first rain following the sowing and in seasons with a normal 
rainfall will require no further attention. Later sowings may 
be made up until the beginning of February, but these later 
sowings may not succeed quite as well as those sown in the 
fall and the blooming period, when natural rainfall is depend- 
ed upon, will be shorter. Where artificial watering can be 
practiced sowings can be made up until the early part of 
March. (At Lake Arrowhead, Bear Valley, Lake Tahoe and 
other places in the higher mountains sow in spring as soon as 
the cold weather is over.) 
Perennials. The perennials can be sown at almost any time 
of the year, late spring to early fall being a very good time. 
Most species if started at this time of the year will flower 
the following spring and summer. 
IN THE EASTERN STATES 
In the eastern states follow the same instructions as given 
for California, but sow in spring as soon as the cold weather 
is over. 
QUANTITY OF SEED REQUIRED 
The quantity of seed required to sow any given area is de- 
pendent upon the type of planting contemplated. If the area 
to be sown has existing growth of shrubbery and trees a good 
average is five pounds to each acre; if the area is clear a good 
average would be eight pounds to acre and, when used within 
the close confines of the garden, an ounce will sow from 150 
to 200 square feet. These quantities will vary according to the 
extent of covering desired and the existing conditions. The 
average city lot of 50 by 150 feet requires about 144 pounds or 
one pound to 5,000 square feet. For those not used to sowing 
fine Bred. ae be found advisable to mix it with some finely 
screened soil or sand. en scatter i 
Recon er aS evenly as possible over 
IS SI RN RR ER SN, Pg 
There is no better guarantee of securing only 
the true wild species than by insisting on Payne’s 
Wild Flower seeds in either separate species or mix- 
tures. Payne’s Wild Flower Mixtures are sold in 
sealed packages only, not genuine without our seal. 
SESE III I PIS 
