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The Book of

Annuals

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The Book of
Annuals

ASELCTORIAL GUIDE TO THE
CHOICE AND CULTURE OF
FIFTY OF THE MOST DEPEND-
ABLE PLANTS THAT FLOWER
THE FIRST YEAR FROM SEED

By ov
Henry He Saylor

Author of
Making a Rose Garden, etc.

New York
McBride, Nast & Company

IQI3

Copyright, 1913, by
McBripe, Nast & Co.

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Published;- April, 1913

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CONTENTS

IMRODECTION: “yoobesdooneundboo no 5 0A DUDO TOON CoOn dO OnOr
‘SowimnG, URANSPLANTING -AND, (CUDTURE)........2..-.«0.-
Jue DENRA iene ore Boe. A CLOUS MORONS «= vale = otra are eer=
AAEETENDTN noob ccndedsuce Ageratum conyzoides ..........
ANGIE (OTE Ag ooo ates Callistephus hortensis ..........
IS BIS AIM ereyars sie fe, 2 2 5) sents Impatiens Balsamina ..........
WaAlNOPSISWesere. s ors ois cnecs, 21 Coreopsis’ vinctoria 7. ...-..5 13. -
Chine yall es) ohio aan ood se Iberis Amara and umbellata

Castorsbean: 2tc-ce RACITIUS SCOTUMIUNIS yi -iexcien > =
(CaiOuihy Gilesnapboemao ae Silene Armeria and pendula ....
Chrysanthemum ........ Chrysanthemum carinatum .....
CIE SERS lap codpiaaoa eens Clarita Clegans) nasa 5- mae. Sate
REGO cians acco oni nie ae Covwa eSCONdONE <2 Ko sh ws seas
GEESCOMD csr ans oie das Celosig: CTISTOLG a. ce ena as on
(COMMING GaoAbeGoceoose CENtaured CYOCMUS ~..55.2665%+-
(CISTI. 5 pac o ase HOD ant Cosmos bipimmatus ...........---
IORNTINE), yocasgansepogcac Datura cornucopia .............
Hiverlastimg stele serie ole Helichrysum bracteatum .......
Granlllandiay <i yc s-0tor esi Gallardia puichella ............
Globe Amaranth ....... omphreng globosa ...........-
Godetiay 7.0... ssere aero sins ois Godetviq amend, acme ass. sae oes
Gourds sacs nsec eis Cucurbita ovifera, etc. ~........-
Gry psopil ae vase el ets Gapso pila neleg ams iesart
Uzvornest: 1al070) foongase. Humulus Jiapomcd ...---...+---
Gales Ul ie stoye art eyaisyss crac Delphimium: Ajacis) 22... 2
Love-in-a-mist ......... Nigela Damascena .............
IIe ball (0) (6 le neeereie Omron Wageles Cn6cta x... srs ve ioe i
MINORS auGoaocaccas Ieseda) odordta ...............-
MoomAower Mere esi e- Ipomea Bona-noz .............

7

8 Contents
PAGE
Morning-glory ....-.... INOMOCG PUNPUTED wos om =) ao 83
INGESEMMUIMN Seasesonoues Trope@olum majus and minus ... 85
Nicotiana. eee ia NACOTIGNEA OGUNIS o2.oaecos oasis 87
IPansSVisios etc ee Nee VAOla Uri COLOT Ame. orice eee toe 89
Retuniaeecee eee cra JERI [LOLOL nocasnocdonemsr 91
PINOXS cpeita sas ee eel Phiox Drummond... 4-466 - 93
Binkew Chineseses ares cer Dianthus Chinensis, var.
LHCU GUNG Eisen nonea sous noe 95
let ajan, Shakey ceopocce IEGG NTP WINCHES boon ekedeecoodcc 97
Portulaca eee Portulaca grandiflora .......... 99
Salpiclossisimac see Salpiglossis “sinuata.. 101
Scaliosaeciscites variants Scabiosa atropurpurea ......... 103
ScarlepSagemm cra Salvia splendens ..... 22.5.) 105
Schizamthys) y's oi ela Schizanthus pinnatus .......... 107
Snapara gon sa. tlt ye Antirrhinum majus ............ 109
Snow-on-the-mount ..Huphorbia marginata .......... 111
SLOG co) aacasyscye ect eee Matthiola incana, var. annua 113
Summer Cypress ....... iKochiascopatiauen.))..--e eee 115
Suntowerlsecs secre Helianthus annuus ..........-.. LU
Weel AllySSum te srr 012 Alyssum maritimum ........... 119
SAW JE odo on cnccoce HGR US Od OF AUS yee 12]
Syiees Quien s.ons0c00c Centaurea moschata ........... 123
WEIN, cagasaaoacasoac Verbena (various species) ...... 125
ONE, soooopnsd0ap0080s Zinnia elegans ..........2--008: 127

THE ILLUSTRATIONS

(Arranged alphabetical

ly by botanical names.)

PAGE
Ageratum conyzoides .........Ageratum ............... 30
Alyssum maritimum .......... SMiGas AVERT seeagaoaue 118
Antirrhinum majus ........... SHAPOTAGOR scicet.. bu:0s ats 108
Arctotis grandis .....2..6.00 APPiCAM WAIST. Fa u85 sate ats's 28
Callistephus hortensis ........: ASHER MC UUAE oais ie eiereiste nee 32
Celosia. cristata .....-...-..-- @ockscombij.ce ce a2 3 ete 51
Centaurea cyanus ............ COLNMOWER tea cte ene ae fee 52
Centaurea moschata .......... MIMESU MOMLEAIY (siete cree c0ers 122
Chrysanthemum carinatum ...Chrysanthemum .......... 44
Clarita elegans 0... 2084.6. Clarke taretes act-crretacarerie > 46
Cobwa scandens ............- (Ol ese onc wun aneee none dee 48
Coreopsis tinctoria ........... CalltOpsismeyesictaiterstere cvets are 36
Cosmos: bipmnnatus ........... COSMOSE Ese stsnene ciel ae ters 54
Cucurbita ovifera ...........- Goud si eer s wicks ciereisye:2/atere 66
Datura cornucopia ......... IDAEUN AR Fair cre ce eyes ~ arabayclale, 56
Delphinium Ajacis ........... Wars pure certo ctewle “tects ot) 72
Dianthus Chinensis, var.

FT BQCIDIG! op iaia we © pele #10 5's ele \CHIMESE. Scie nets 94
Euphorbia marginata ........ Snow-on-the-mount ....... 110
Gaillardia pulchella .......... Gri yas 1: Wee, Sree 60
Godetia ame@na .............- GOS soso om oiensueses ene ates 64
Gomphrena globosa .......... Globe Amaranth ......... 62
Gypsophila elegans .......... Gypsophila srrncccrs oie os 68
Helianthus annuus ........... Sunbower yes sixteen 116
Helichrysum bracteatum ..... IBiVier aS tim pa orers) terete crores 58
Humulus Japonica ........... JAPANESE! ALOP! aa)5 «eye aslere es 70
Iberis Amara and umbellata..Candytuft ............... 38
Impatiens Balsamina ......... jo) S211) Rae Oe eer ae eee 34

10 The Illustrations

PAGE
Ipomea Bona-now ........... Moontowermec. oar 80
Ipom@a purpurea ............Morning-glory ........... 82
HOA SOOM cooccsocsesec Summer (Cy pGesse ee eel 114
IB RAPTTRLES, CONOROUETIS 5 Sah 5 a6n0ce Sweet «Peat vrano-p risers 120
Matthiola incana, var. annua..Stock .................... 112
Nicotiana alata or affinis..... Nicotiana cc. sa<cisc <2 secs 85
Nigela Damascena ........... IEOVe-In AMIS bee stateless 74
IEG TRAP TEINORUS soeoocoanpe ae Eoppys) whirleys racer 96
JER DNE IDTIDIFIGK, 2 eoo6onse0cce JPabi Asobabca as dopoose 90
Phlox Drummond .-.....-.-- lOXrachoessierons euesan eve Po erat 92
Portulaca grandiflora ........ Ronrtwlacae severe idiert ee 93
IROSCC, OUORUTM se0050-000000C Mienonetke tetris 78
Ricinus communis ..........-. Castor beams erent 4.0
Salpiglossis sinuata .......... SPIOWAOSISIS: 4560560006 080c 100
Saloia splendens .......5..--- Sorndlamishiat! Banwdocanooas 104
Scabiosa atropurpurea ....... S@AWNCKE: soosanco0accsdb0¢ 102
Schizanthus pinnatus ......... Schizanthusess seer ec 106
Silene Armeria and pendula...Catchfly ..............--. 42
INOGALOD CROBIG coccnsoscbs0000 METMOGL oooecccasnascsac 76
Tropewolum majus and minus..Nasturtium .........+-.-- 84
Verbena (various species)..... W@rNy osoodn0o000daanec 124
Wa, URKCOUOR sasnccdsadossoc IPBVIGIY goodgcsooosbodan005 88
Zinnia elegans ....-...... sn colnet) c nooododeno000ss UM

The Book of

Annuals

INTRODUCTION

suffered in recent years from any lack of new

books. Volumes in plenty have made their
appearance, laying bare the secrets of the bulb gar-
den, the hardy border, the successful management of
hotbeds—and few of them have fallen short of a very
acceptable standard. Indeed, the time seems fast
drawing near when we in this country shall overtake
our astute English cousins in the degree of specializa-
tion their gardening writings have attained. Some-
times I feel that we are going too fast, that we are
passing fourth readers around a class that would
prefer a primer, for, after all, there are uncounted
thousands among us who have yet to taste the real
joys of gardening.

Quite recently a friend asked whether I would
help him with his choice of annual flowering plants
for his proposed garden. He had before him a sheaf
of the seedsmen’s catalogues, from the bewildering
pages of which he was attempting to make a list of
seeds that he might order. The names, I found,
meant little to him beyond the mere sounds. ‘‘ Love-
in-a-mist’’ had a definite appeal, but whether it was
one of the old standbys or one of the difficult plants
that the experienced gardeners have given up trying

Me field of garden literature surely has not

14 The Book of Annuals

to grow, he had no means of knowing. Its color—
white or pale blue flowers—was listed, also its height,
but whether it was one of the timid plants that need
careful guarding from more vigorous neighbors, or
a weed-like ruffian, seeking but a chance to oust all
else from the vicinity, was as a closed book—and the
definitely successful and well rounded garden a far-
off goal.

‘*T suppose I should be able to find all these things
in the books,’’? said my friend, ‘‘but somehow it
seems rather hard to dig out. The gardening writers
tell me how to treat hollyhocks for the rust and that
bulbs should be planted upon a eushion of sand, but
I haven’t yet found one book that will give me a
start by helping me to pick out a dozen or fifteen
flowering plants that will grow in spite of my igno-
rance of their needs, and give me a variety of at-
tractive bloom throughout the summer months.”’

All of which is my reason for presuming to add
this humble little volume to the long lst that can
scarcely be denied a space on the amateur gardener’s
bookshelf.

The arrangement, it is hoped, has been kept as sim-
ple as the aim of the book: fifty plants that flower
the first year from seed sown in the spring are pic-
tured in the following pages. Opposite each is given
in condensed form the desired data regarding color,
height, character of growth, soil preference and gen-
eral culture, from which a garden of annuals may be
chosen and brought into bloom. The list has been

Introduction 15

made up with the idea of including the majority of
the available plants, including a few vines. An
asterisk marks about half of these as the most de-
pendable plants that will give a satisfactory variety
of form and color.

In choosing a list for the available garden space,
the most successful results will be secured by spend-
ing some little time and study upon the planting ar-
rangement on paper. It is so much easier to change
locations and proportions on a sketch pad than to
correct errors after the plants are once started upon
their life work. Lay out the garden plot on paper
first, representing each foot of length and breadth
by a half-inch or other convenient unit. In a plot
along a fence or wall, keep the higher plants at the
rear and the low edging plants in front. Avoid
straight lines in the clumps, allowing the various
plantings to run in and partly around neighboring
groups rather than as simple bands or blocks. Above
all, have one or two generous groups of a particular
plant rather than a lot of insignificant patches. With
most annuals, it takes a fairly large planting to make
a satisfactory showing, and it would be far better to
cut down the list of plants to be grown than to at-
tempt to grow more kinds of flowers than the available
space warrants.

There are four considerations that should be kept
in mind while arranging the planting plan: color of
flowers, height when in bloom, time of bloom, and
preference as to sunlight or shade. The available

16 The Book of Annuals

garden space will probably be either wholly in a
sunny location or in a partly shaded one; the wholly
shaded plot offers difficulties that, with annuals, are
perhaps too great to surmount. This narrows our gov-
erning factors to three, then, and it will require con-
siderable study and readjustment to work out a plan
for the bed that will pass all tests.

The requirements as to height have already been
touched upon. If the bed is to be viewed from both
sides, the taller plants will, of course, be put in the
center, graduating the others down to either edge. A
mechanical and too regular effect as to height need
not be feared, for it would be impossible to obtain,
even if we were to strive for it.

The colors and times of bloom are more difficult
to arrange. All that we need to make sure of, how-
ever, is that there will be a fair balance of bloom in
the bed or throughout the garden during each month,
and that unpleasant combinations of color do not oc-
eur. The use of white flowers between reds and
blues, or between reds and yellows, or between two
shades of the same general color, may always be de-
pended upon to preserve the peace when there is any
question about harmony. There is hkely to be more
need of the white between colors near together in
the spectrum than between colors that are nearly
complementary. A clump of clear blue is made more
beautiful by contrast with neighboring yellow than
if the two were separated. If you have a vista be-
tween the beds—along a straight walk, for example

Introduction 17

—the grouping of the blues at the far end, with the
reds and yellows near the viewpoint, will give greater
depth of perspective; the opposite arrangement will
make the end of the vista appear quite close at hand.

It will be well to remember that the amount spent
for seeds alone is a small part of the total of pre-
liminary labor, soil enrichment and preparation, and
the care of the garden throughout the summer. For
this reason, do not hesitate to pay the few extra cents
per packet that clean, healthy seeds must necessarily
cost. While some gardeners prefer to enjoy the
surprises that a packet of mixed colors will bring,
those who have any definite ideals of color arrange-
ment will pin their faith to the slightly more expen-
sive seeds that will give bloom of a single known
color.

SOWING, TRANSPLANTING AND
CULTURE

H AVING decided what flowers are to be grown,

there arises the great question of when to

plant. In spite of the many attempts that
are made every year to put the planting season on a
definite schedule of dates, this will never be possible.
There are too many variable factors to be taken into
consideration—latitude, altitude, character of the sea-
son, condition of the soil and so on. In the following
pages planting dates have been given, usually, but
it should be understood that these are intended only
as a rough guide. The amateur will do well to con-
sider that there are, in the big class of annuals, three
distinet subdivisions—hardy annuals, half-hardy an-
nuals and tender annuals. The first of these may be
sown outdoors as soon as the ground becomes mellow
and readily workable. This, roughly, is the first part
of April, in the vicinity of New York—the latitude
for which the dates in this book are given. North and
south of this latitude the planting date varies approxi-
mately a week with each hundred miles—earlier in the
South, naturally. The half-hardy annuals are treated
in one of two ways: started in a coldframe in April,
to be transplanted into the open border in May, after

Sowing, Transplanting and Culture 19

all danger of frost is passed ; or they may be treated as
the tender annuals and sown in the open only after
danger of frost. The tender annuals are those which
will perish at a touch of frost, so they must be sown
only after that danger is past.

Of course it is impossible to tell just when this
date will be in any location. June first is certainly
safe, in the vicinity of New York, but by that time
the gardener has lost perhaps two or three weeks of
valuable time. The risk of loss in most cases is small
—the cost of a few packets of seed—so that it is usu-
ally customary to sow the seed early in May and
accept the risk of its having to be planted again.
May fifteenth is usually considered a perfectly safe
date. This is about corn planting time, a period which
the Government itself has worked out on a map show-
ing the date over the whole country. The May first
belt extends from the middle of the Jersey coast out
through the lower part of Pennsylvania, the central
part of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, along the lower
edge of Iowa and through the lower and central part
of Nebraska. On April fifteenth corn may be
planted through the lower part of Virginia, central
Kentucky, central Missouri and central Kansas. The
April first season extends over the central part of
North Carolina, through Tennessee, diagonally
through the lower edge of Missouri, the upper cor-
ner of Oklahoma, into the lower left-hand corner of
Kansas. March fifteenth is safe enough for southern
North Carolina, the central part of South Carolina,

20 The Book of Annuals

Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Okla-
homa. On the other hand, May fifteenth is none too
late for southern New Hampshire and Vermont, north-
ern New York, the Great Lakes country, northern
Wisconsin and Minnesota, and central North Da-
kota.

On account of this uncertainty as regards a safe
date for planting the tender annuals outdoors, many
of the annuals are started indoors in what are called
‘flats,’’ to be transplanted into the open after danger
of frost is past. It should be understood that in many
cases little is gained in this way. The plants grow
much more slowly indoors than they would outdoors
in June, so that very frequently those who start the
ordinary annuals in flats in April find that by plant-
ing seeds of the same annuals in the open in late
May the latter soon catch up to the former plants
and usually prove more sturdy. However, it is a de-
cided advantage to plant certain of the annuals in-
doors, as they are slow in starting and the best of
their bloom can be realized only by having the seed- -
lings well under way when they are set out in May.
Such annuals are nicotiana, snapdragon, everlastings,
cosmos (particularly the late-flowering kinds), salpi-
glossis and moonflower.

A hotbed is naturally the best of all places in which
to start annuals such as those just named, and any
others that may need an early start. The construc-
tion of a hotbed has been explained in so many other
books that it may well be omitted here.

Sowing, Transplanting and Culture 21

For the greater number of amateur gardeners, how-
ever, the hotbed will perhaps seem to be too much
bother, and they will prefer to start the seeds in flats
indoors. Late February or March is the earliest date
when this need be done, in the vicinity of New York.
Around Chicago, April first is time enough. The
early date is for the slow-starting annuals. March
fifteenth or April first is really soon enough to start
the majority of them. This will give fair-sized plants
to set out by the middle of May. It will readily be
seen that it does not pay to have the seedlings reach
this stage before that time. Not only is nothing
gained, but everything is hable to be lost unless the
seedlings are transplanted from the flats into larger
flats, pots or paper pots.

The flats are usually made by sawing ordinary
eracker boxes into sections three or four inches deep
and covering one side with boards, through which
half a dozen holes are bored for drainage. Do not
make the mistake of having these flats too large. They
are heavy and awkward to handle when filled with wet
soil.

The soil for the flats may well be of the best for
its purpose. Otherwise all our trouble and nursing
will go for naught. Perhaps the easiest way to get
this soil would be to patronize the nearest florist. A
proper mixture can be made without great trouble,
however, by taking equal parts of good garden soil,
leaf mold, thoroughly rotted black manure, and sand.
The garden soil is best if scraped from the bottom of

22 The Book of Annuals

thick sod. The leaf mold may be scraped from some
hollow in the woods where leaves have collected for
years. The manure must be old, black and so thor-
oughly rotted that it is like fine black soil. Turn
this mixture over and over on a platform or in a large
box, with a spade, to make it uniform throughout.
Then put into the bottom of the flats a bottom layer
of cinders, gravel, coal ashes or even excelsior—any-
thing that will secure drainage for the under part of
the soil. On this put the prepared soil to the depth
of two or three inches, sifting the top half-inch or
inch on through a fine sieve—a piece of screen wire
mesh stretched over the bottom of a box will serve
nicely. See that the box is tapped to settle the soil
and then make the top surface even.

At this point it will be well to pour boiling water
over the flats of soil. This will kill any insect or plant
hfe that might trouble us later. On the next day the
soil will probably be in good condition for planting.
Smooth the top and mark out with the edge of a
board the necessary tiny drills or trenches in which
the seed is to go. These need not be over two inches
apart but should run the whole length or width of
the flat. If but one or two kinds of seed are used
in the flat, it may be more convenient to broadcast it
rather than sowing in drills, although it seems to
be easier when transplanting to take the little seed-
lings from a drill.

It is a general principle that seeds sown indoors in
flats should be covered by a depth of soil equal to

Sowmg, Transplanting and Culture 28

once or twice their diameter. Without attempting the
microscopic task of measuring the diameter of the
small seeds, it will be found satisfactory to put these
on top of the soil, pressing them into it with a flat
board and then sifting a very little soil over them.

Some seeds need soaking over night in warm water
m order to hasten germination. Some, lke moon-
flower, are extremely slow in germinating, unless the
heavy shell of the seed is nicked with a file. Some,
like nicotiana, need even more elaborate preparation.

After the seeds are sown, the flat should be given
a thorough watering. The sprinkling of water over
the top from a watering-pot would be fatal, washing
the seeds out of their places and playing general havoe
with the careful work that has been done. However,
a covering of burlap or bagging over the flat will
break the force of the stream and secure a fairly
even saturation. By far the best way, however, is to
stand the whole flat in the bottom of a wash-tub or
other receptacle, so that it may soak up water from
the bottom. Allow it to stand in the water until the
top appears moist. Then allow it to go unwatered
until the top seems fairly dry. Too frequent water-
ing tends to keep the soil wet rather than in the moist
condition that is best for germination of the seeds and
early growth.

Covering the flats with glass for a day or so in
the sun will hasten the germination of the seeds if
they have been started late. Otherwise it is just as
well to let them come along as they will.

24 The Book of Annuals

One great difficulty in raising the seedlings in flats
is that they are liable to become spindling, the re-
sult of forcing in a warm and not entirely congenial
atmosphere. It would be well to keep the flats in a
room that does not get too much artificial heat. Flats
of very sturdy little seedlings have been raised behind
a window in a cool attic, where they have gotten the
benefit of the sun and none of the harm that comes
from superheated rooms. The coldframe naturally is
a better place still, and it is in such a place that
seedlings will attain the sturdiest growth.

If the seedlings show their second true leaves before
the weather has become settled enough to transplant
them to their permanent quarters, they should be
taken out of the flats and put into pots, old berry-
boxes or paper pots. In transplanting the seedlings,
either to flats, pots or outdoors, lift a portion of a
row with a trowel, taking the soil to the full depth
of the box and then break off small pieces containing
individual plants. With what is known as a ‘‘dibber”’
or ‘‘dibble’’—a short length of broomstick pointed
at one end—a hole is made in the new location. Tak-
ing the little plant by the stem, it is lowered into this
hole until all the roots and half its stem are under
the surface. The dibble is then put in again an inch
away from the hole and moved towards the plant so as
to close up the opening in which it is held.

After transplanting the seedlings, whether to an
indoor location or outside, keep the plants from the
sun for two or three days.

Sowimg, Transplanting and Culture 25

It is said that annuals will grow in practically any
soil. If this is true it is no reason why we should
attempt to grow them that way. The results are sure
to be disappointing. The border or bed in which
the annuals are to grow should be spaded over to
the depth of a foot—one full ‘‘spit’’ (the depth of
a spade blade) and another short one below it. After
the soil has been thoroughly broken up it should have
mixed with it a quantity of old well-rotted manure.
Fresh, ‘‘green’’ manure is far worse than useless; it
is completely destructive to plant life. If the soil
shows a tendency to stickiness, it is over-balanced on
the clay side and needs, in addition to the manure,
some sand. The best soil for annuals should be such
that when a handful is taken from beneath the surface
and squeezed, it will, when released, partly crumble
apart. Clayey soil remains in a sticky ball; soil that
is too sandy falls entirely apart too quickly.

The seeds should be sown outdoors somewhat deeper
than in flats—three to four diameters under the sur-
face—and it is always well to sift over the soil, after
the seed is planted, a hght covering of sand or sandy
soil, which will help to prevent the ground from bak-
ing and forming a crust.

Watering is a simple enough procedure, yet it is
probably one of the most common sources of trouble
in the garden of annuals. A light sprinkling daily
does more harm than good. The ground should be
thoroughly soaked, say once a week. If water is con-
veyed to it by means of a hose, take off the nozzle and

26 The Book of Annuals

leave the hose on the ground to flood the border or
bed with as much as it will readily absorb. If this is
done at night, give the surface of the soil a muleh in
the morning by breaking up the top crust as finely
as possible. This ‘‘dust’’ mulch should be created
after every rain and after every watering. It is in
this way only that the moisture that is put into the
ground can be retained there for the use of the plants.
As soon as the surface of the soil is allowed to form a
crust the water is drawn out by evaporation through
capillary attraction and lost to the garden.

The necessity for weeding a garden has become
so firmly implanted in the Anglo-Saxon mind that it
seems hardly necessary to dwell upon it here. It is
just as essential to keep weeds out of the flower gar-
den as out of the vegetable garden, and the task is
undoubtedly harder in the former case because of
the more complicated grouping and the absence of
rows. The only plan of action that will lead to the
ideal garden is to keep the weeds out from the earhest
stages of growth. If they are kept down at the first,
when the annuals themselves are developing their
strength, they will be far easier to keep down later
when the flowers are better able to hold their own.

There are few garden pests that will cause annoy-
ance in the garden of annuals. First of all, there are
the aphids, the most common of the great class of
sucking insects. They are tiny green things that
may be seen clustered around a soft stem, sucking the
juice from it. If they seem to be very thick on the

Sowiug, Transplanting and Culture 27

plants they may be put out of the fight by a spraying
of hot soapsuds—use half a cake of Ivory or common
laundry soap churned up until dissolved in eight
gallons of hot water.

Then there are various insects of the eating class—
the beetles, ete. These are perhaps most easily dis-
posed of by knocking them off the plants into a can of
kerosene. If they appear in such large numbers that
this method seems impractical, sprinkle powdered hel-
lebore on the foliage in the early morning when the
dew is on the plants, or after a shower. A powder
gun will do this work much more effectively than it
can be done by merely shaking the powder over the
plants, as with a gun it may be gotten on the under
side of the leaves where the insects are most likely
to be found.

The Book of Annuals 29

AFRICAN DAISY

Arctotis grandis

A plant that should be given plenty of room on
account of its rather sprawling manner of growth.
Stake, if grown near smaller plants.

Sow seeds outdoors April fifteenth, or start them
in flats indoors April first and transplant to the
border in May.

Cotor: white petals, lilac on the under side; center
dull blue with yellow outside cirele.

HeiguHt: two and a half feet, branching.
PErRIoD OF BLoom: July through early frosts.
Location: rich loam; sun.

The Book of Annuals 31

* AGERATUM (FLOSS FLOWER)

Ageratum conyzoides

One of the best annuals for edging the beds.

Sow seeds indoors about Mareh fifteenth, trans-
planting after May twenty-fifth; or sow seeds out-
doors after danger of frost. A sowing in September
will give plants that may be potted and brought into
bloom indoors.

Cotor: blue or white, or varying to rose.

Hercut: one foot, rather loose growth, except in some
dwarf and compact forms.

Periop OF Bioom: July 15 to frost.
LocaTION: any garden soil; any exposure.

The Book of Annuals 33

* ASTER, CHINA

Callistephus hortensis

One of the most popular and highly developed an-
nuals. It is easily and safely transplanted, so that
it is an excellent plant for a reserve bed from which
to fill gaps.

The orange rust, appearing on the under side of
the leaves, occasionally attacks the plants; spray with
ammoniacal copper earbonate solution. (Make a thick
paste of 3 oz. copper carbonate with water in a
wooden vessel; add to this 5 pints strong ammonia—
26° Baumé—diluted with 3 or 4 parts water; stir
and add water to make 50 gals.) If attacked by
black beetles (about Aug. 1) knock these into a pan
of kerosene. Dig wood ashes in to keep aphis from
the root. Mulch in dry weather with grass clippings
to protect the shallow roots.

Seeds may be sown under glass by Feb. 15 and the
plants set out by May 1. The plants will withstand
‘some frost.

CoLoR: various.
HEIGHT: two feet.

PERIOD OF BLoom: August to October; late asters,
September to October.

Location: light rich soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 35

BALSAM

Impatiens Balsamina

A widely cultivated half succulent annual of erect,
compactly branching nature. The flowers appear
clustered along the stem in the leaf axils.

Start seeds indoors April first or sow in the open
when danger of frost is past. Transplanting and
pinching-in induce stronger and more compact growth.
Do not let the plants suffer for lack of moisture.

The double balsams are called Camellia-flowered
varieties.

Cotor: white to dark red; yellowish and spotted.
HEIGHT: one to two and a half feet.

PrErIop OF BLoom: July to frost.

LocaTIon: rich sandy loam; sun.

The Book of Annuals 37

* CALLIOPSIS

Coreopsis tinctoria

Known also as tickseed—one of the most easily
grown garden annuals. There are Tom Thumb va-
rieties. The flowers are good for cutting, and cutting
induces more bloom.

Sow seed where the plants are to bloom, thinning
seedlings to eight or ten inches apart.

Conor: yellow.

HEIGHT: one to three feet.

PERIOD OF BLoom: mid-June to September.
LocaTION: any garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 39

* CANDYTUFT

Iberis Amara and umbellata

Next to sweet alyssum, perhaps the most widely
used annual for edging. It is shown in the illustra-
tion with centaurea in the background.

Sow seeds as early as possible in the spring, or in
the fall. Thin to four inches apart. For continuous
bloom sow every two weeks.

I. Amara is the common white-flowered candytuft ;
the kinds with colored flowers are varieties of J. wm-
bellata.

Cotor: white (J. Amara) ; purplish (I. umbellata).
HEIGHT: six to eighteen inches.

Preriop oF Bioom: July to September. (Fall-sown
seed, May to July.)

Location: rich garden soil; open sun.

The Book of Annuals 41

* CASTOR BEAN

Ricinus communis

A foliage plant of tropical appearance, too fre-
quently seen as a central motif in a small cireular
bed, but which may be useful as a background for
the border.

Plant seeds indoors in pots for transplanting, or
outdoors in May.

The varieties are obtainable in various colors of
fruits, stems and leaves.

Couor: of leaves, green, reddish, very dark and varie-
gated.

HeicuT: three to fifteen feet.
Location: Deep rich soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 43

CATCHFLY

Silene Armeria and pendula

Known also as sweet-william, but not to be confused
with the perennial to which that name is more fre-
quently applied. The flowers are borne in flat-topped
panicles.

Seeds may be sown in the autumn or successively
from early spring. Start April first and sow fort-
nightly until July.

Cotor: White through pink to purple.

Hetent: S. Armeria, one to one and a half feet;
S. pendula, trailing.

PrEriop oF BLuoom: July to October.

Location: sandy loam: full sun.

The Book of Annuals 45

CHRYSANTHEMUM (SUMMER)

Chrysanthemum carinatum

The commonest of the few annual members of the
splendid chrysanthemum family. There is also a
strain known as C. Burridgeanum showing a ring of
red on the rays, adding a fourth color to this re-
markably brilliant, though to some tastes rather
gaudy, flower.

Start seeds indoors in April, or outdoors after dan-
ger of frost is past.

CoLor: white rays with a yellow ring at base and
dark purple dise.

HeieHt: two feet, bushy. .
Periop or BLoom: midsummer to frost.
LocaTIon: rich sandy loam; sun.

The Book of Annuals 47

CLARKIA

Clarkia elegans

An easily grown annual that has been much im-
proved in recent years. The showy, attractive flowers
are good for cutting as well as for massing in the
front part of the border.

Start seeds indoors in February or March or out-
doors April first.

CoLor: purple or rose, also white varieties.
HeicHtr: one to three feet.

Periop oF BLoom: mid-June to September.
LocaTIon: warm light soil; sun or partial shade.

The Book of Annuals 49

* COBGA

Coba@a scandens

One of the most rapid of the annual climbers.
Particularly valuable for its strong foliage growth
and effective flowers in covering trellises, arbors, tree
trunks and rough walls.

Sow seeds indoors in March or by April first, put-
ting them in edgewise and covering but lightly with
soil. Or, sow outdoors in the same way, in May.

Cotor: white and purple.

HEIGHT: twenty-five to fifty feet on good support.
Preriop OF BLoom: July.

Location: deep loam; sun.

The Book of Annuals Sal

COCKSCOMB

Celosia cristata

A very stiff, formal little plant that was known in
most of the old-time gardens. Its well-marked colors
of foliage are sometimes useful as a foil to neighbor-
ing bloom.

Sow seeds indoors in early spring and set out plants
in May.

It is moisture-loving and may need forceful syring-
ing with clear cold water, or dusting with flowers of
sulphur to get rid of the red spider.

CoLtor: (of combs) red, purple, violet, crimson and
yellow.

HEIGHT: nine inches.
Periop oF BLoom: June to October.
Location: light rich soil; sun or partial shade.

The Book of Annuals 53

CORNFLOWER

Centaurea cyanus

Known also as bachelor’s button, bluet, ragged sail-
or and sometimes as bluebottle. A deservedly popular
annual, flourishing in practically any location where
it receives the benefit of a little sun, and blooming
continuously from July to frost, if flower heads are
kept picked. It self-sows.

Sow seed outdoors in May, where plants are desired,
or start indoors April first for earlier bloom.

Cotor: blue, purple or white.

HEIGHT: one to two feet.

Prriop oF BLoom: July to frost.

LocaTION: any garden soil; sun or partial shade.

The Book of Annuals 55

COSMOS

Cosmos bipinnatus

One of the favorite tall annuals for late summer
bloom. Its worst fault is its lateness of bloom—too
frequently nipped in its youth by the early frosts.
A dwarf form, four to five feet high, blooms in July.

Sow seed indoors in April and transplant outdoors
after danger of frost is past. Pinch back the leading
shoots to induce more bushy growth.

CoLtor: white through pinks to red.

HeIcHT: three to ten feet, needing support of wire
mesh or strings.

Preriop oF Buoom: dwarf forms, July to frost; tall
forms, September to frost.

Location: sandy soil, not too rich; sun.

The Book of Annuals 57

DATURA (TRUMPET FLOWER)

Datura cornucopia

A fragrant-flowered annual of rather striking
beauty. The flowers are large—eight inches long—
and suggest their botanical variety name in their suc-
cession of one trumpet-shaped form inside of another.

Start seeds indoors April first, setting out plants
May first.

CoLor: white, yellow and purple.
HEIGHT: two to three feet.

Prriop oF BLoom: July to September.
Location: rich, moist soil; warm sun.

The Book of Annuals 59

EVERLASTING (STRAW FLOWER)

Helichrysum bracteatum

The curious dry vari-colored flowers that seem
artificial by reason of their ‘‘everlasting’’ qualities.
They are easily grown. It would be wise to estab-
lish their location so as to prevent their varied and
brilliant colors from clashing with more delicate
bloom.

Sow seed outdoors in April or before, thinning
seedlings to twelve inches apart.

Gather flowers at night to preserve their best form.

Cotor: white, yellow, red, ete.
HEIGHT: one and a half to three feet.
Prriop OF Buoom: July to frost.
Location: Any garden soil; sun.

—

-

The Book of Annuals 61

GAILLARDIA (BLANKET FLOWER)
Gaillardia pulchella

An exceedingly brilliant flower—too much so in
the estimation of some—but if one is careful to select
named varieties of the proper colors the results are
very gratifying.

Sow seeds outdoors where plants are to bloom and
sow early in April or before, as the seed germinates
slowly.

Cotor: various, chiefly yellows, reds, garnets, ete.
HEIGHT: one to two feet.

Periop OF BLoom: late June to frost.

Location: any good soil; sun.

4

The Book of Annuals 63

GLOBE AMARANTH

Gomphrena globosa

Sometimes called bachelor’s button. The globe-
like flowers, about the size of clover heads, are of
many colors and are remarkable for the showy bracts
which hide the true flowers. They are ‘‘everlastings,’’
and like most such are easily grown.

CoxLor: various.

HEIGHT: twelve to eighteen inches.
PeERIoD OF BLoom: July.

Location: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 65

GODETIA

Godetia amena

One of the old-time garden favorites, with flowers
of great brilliance and a satiny luster that has given
them the name ‘‘satin flower.’’

CoLor: white, rose, light purple.

HeIcHtT: one foot.

Prriop oF Buoom: July to frost.

LocaTIon: any garden soil that is not too moist; sun.

x
¥

The Book of Annuals 67

GOURDS

Cucurbita ovifera, ete.

One of the most decorative of the annual vines,
bearing picturesque fruits of a variety of form and
size. There are such named varieties as Hercules’
Club (illustrated), Egg-shaped, Dipper, Bottle-
shaped, Dish-rag, Pear-shaped and so on.

Sow where vines are desired, after danger of frost
is past.

HEIcuHT: ten to fifteen feet, needing support.
LocaTIon: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 69

GYPSOPHILA (Annual)
Gypsophila elegans

Bearing a profusion of very small flowers that give
a mist-like ensemble with the delicate foliage. The
latter is useful for combining with other cut flowers.

Sow seed outdoors every two weeks from April first
to July, where plants are desired.

Gypsophila paniculata, Baby’s Breath, is the per-
ennial form.

CoLor: white and rose.

HeicHtT: one foot.

PERIOD OF BLoom: June to frost.
LOcATION: open, rather dry; sun.

The Book of Annuals TL

JAPANESE HOP

Humulus Japonica

One of the most reliable annual climbers, being
free from attack of insect pests and attaining a height
of some twenty feet. The foliage is luxuriant and
attractive, there being varieties with leaves varie-
gated with white and gray splotches.

Start seeds indoors in April, setting plants out in
May. Or, sow seeds where the vines are desired, in
May after danger of frost is past.

Cotor: flowers meonspicuous.
Hereut: fifteen to twenty-five feet.
LocaTIon: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 73

*LARKSPUR (Annual)
Delphinium Ajacis

The annual sister of one of the best-known peren-
nials, and a plant that has a long season of bloom.
Select one or two named single colors and mass them.

The seed is slow in germinating and may well be
sown in the fall. If this is not possible, sow out-
doors early in April.

Cotor: blue and violet to white.

HeicHrT: eighteen inches to three feet.
Preriop oF BLuoom: July to frost.
Location: deep rich sandy loam; full sun.

The Book of Annuals 15

LOVE-IN-A-MIST

Nigela Damascena

Known also under the names of ‘*devil-in-a-bush”’
and ‘‘fennel flower.’’ The plant is easily grown.

Sow seeds in the open any time after the middle
of March. Thin the seedlings to eight inches apart,
but do not transplant. Plant for successive bloom,
making a sowing every two weeks until July first.

Cotor: white, blue, yellow.

HEIGHT: one to two feet.

Prriop OF Boom: late June to frost.
LocaTION: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals TT

a

*MARIGOLD (AFRICAN)

Tagetes erecta

The common marigold of old gardens, with its char-
acteristic strong-scented foliage. Some of the dwarf
varieties in burnt-custard colorings are most effective
in the front of the border.

Give plenty of room (eight inches to a plant), air
and rich soil.

Sow seeds outdoors in May after danger of frost
is past..

Cotor: yellow to deep orange.

HeicutT: two feet.

Prrrop or Buoom: late July through early frosts.
Location: light rich soil; full sun.

The Book of Annuals 79

* MIGNONETTE

Reseda odorata

One of the best-known and most fragrant of the
yid-time annual herbs. Unfortunately, in attempting
to improve the size of the flower spikes the odor has
become stronger but less delicate and pleasing. The
old garden forms, however, are still obtainable.

Sow seeds outdoors in April and again July first
for a succession of bloom.

Cotor: yellowish white.

HEIGHT: six inches.

Prriop OF Buoom: July first to frost.
Location: light, sandy soil.

The Book of Annuals 81

MOONFLOWER

Ipomea Bona-nox

Especially valuable for covering arbors and for
screening, and notable for their easy culture, quick
growth and beautiful bloom. Give the vine plenty of
water. The flowers are fragrant, and they are open
and at their best at night, sometimes remaining open
until noon. Excellent for evening cut flowers.

Seeds may be sown outdoors but are better started
indoors April first. Hasten germination of seeds by
filing a notch in the hard shell or soaking for a couple
of hours in warm water. Set out the vines in May.

CoLor: white.

HEIGHT: ten to twenty feet.

Periop oF BLoom: August and September.
LocaTIoNn: strong soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 83

* MORNING-GLORY

Ipomea purpurea

One of the least exacting and most versatile of all
garden plants. Like its sister the moonflower, the
morning-glory is a quick-growing vine of the greatest
service in covering arbors or for screening.

Nick the seeds with a file, and the vines should
bloom in six weeks from sowing (outdoors in May,
after danger of frost is past).

Give plenty of water.

CoLor: various.

HeicuHt: four to ten feet.

PErRIoD OF BLoom: July to September.
LocaTIon: strong soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 85

* NASTURTIUM

Tropeolum majus and minus

Majus is the climbing nasturtium, useful for cov-
ering banks or walls, or in the window-box. Minus
is the dwarf variety—the Tom Thumbs, ete.—that is
so deservedly popular for edging the border, not only
for its flowers but for the leaves, which are among
the most beautiful of all plants. To some people the
variegated-leaf forms will appeal.

Sow seeds outdoors in May. If the plants bloom
sparingly, pinch off leaves to induce flower growth.

Cotor: shades of yellow and orange.

HEIGHT: majus, climbing; minus, six inches.
PERIOD OF BLoom: late June through early frosts.
LocaTION: warm, sunny, fairly moist soil.

The Book of Annuals 87

NICOTIANA

Nicotiana alata (or affinis)

The tobacco plant, valued in the flower garden for
its rapid growth, large foliage and fragrant night-
opening flowers. In Middle States and South it
maintains itself from year to year.

The seed is too small to germinate readily in or-
dinary soil: sprout it by spreading on a thin cloth
over a pan of water that is kept continually warm.
Then plant indoors in flats, setting out the plants
in May.

Fertilize with wood ashes.

CoLor: white.

Heicut: two to three and a half feet.

Prriop oF Bioom: July and August.

Location: rich, loose, deep, well-drained soil; sun,
protected from winds, or partial shade.

The Book of Annuals 89

* PANSY

Viola tricolor

One of the oldest of the garden flowers and one of
the most popular.

The plant loves a cool moist climate, which fact
explains the dwindling of size and amount of bloom
in our hot, dry summers. Keep foliage and ground
sprinkled frequently for best results.

Start seeds in coldframe in August for next spring’s
bloom; or purchase plants from the florist.

COLOR: various.
HEIGHT: six inches.
PrERIOD OF BLoom: all summer.

LocaTIon: rich, clayey soil; morning sun, partial
shade; sheltered.

The Book of Annuals 91

et

* PETUNIA.

Petunia hybrida

A plant of the easiest culture and of most profuse
bloom. Its only faults are its tendency towards weed-
iness and the garish colors of the common strains.
Choose selected named varieties. Of the double-
flowered sorts, only a quarter of the bloom will be
double flowers—usually borne on the plants that were
the weaker seedlings.

Sow seeds indoors April first and set out the plants
early in May. Or, sow outdoors in May.

CoLor: white to light purple; and striped.
HericHt: two feet.
Periop oF BLuoom: July to frost.

Location: any garden soil; open sun,

The Book of Annuals 93

* PHLOX (Annual)

Phlox Drummond

A plant originating in Texas about 1835, which was
at once heralded with enthusiasm in England, and
which has become one of the most popular annuals
here.

Sow seed where plants are desired, and thin seed-
lings to one foot apart. Give the plants food and
moisture to prolong bloom through the summer.

CoLor: various shades of pink and red, also white.
HEIGHT: six to eighteen inches.
Prriop oF Buoom: late July through early frosts.

Location: good, light garden soil; sun or partial
shade.

The Book of Annuals 95

* PINK (CHINESE)

Dianthus Chinensis, var. Hedewigi

Single and double flowers of many vivid colors and
bizarre markings, but scentless.

Sow seeds where plants are desired, or, better,
start them indoors April first and transplant, six to
eight inches apart, outdoors in May.

The plant is a biennial and will bloom more pro-
fusely and earlier the second year if given a dry
sheltered spot.

Cotor: pinks, reds, ete.

HEIGHT: ten to sixteen inches.

Periop OF Buioom: late July through early frosts.
Location: dry, sheltered ; sun.

The Book of Annuals 97

* POPPY (SHIRLEY)

Papaver Rheas

The best strain, for America, of the famous corn
poppy of Europe. An Englhsh amateur gardener,
Rev. W. Wilks, in 1880, developed the Shirley from
a solitary flower showing a narrow edge of white.
The flowers are always single and show the most won-
derful silky texture in every imaginable combination
of white, pink and red, with yellow anthers.

Sow seed in fall if possible, also early in spring
and monthly thereafter until July. The seedlings
are transplanted only with some risk. Thin the
seedlings to four or six inches apart.

CoLor: pinks and reds.
HeicuHtT: two to three feet.

Prriop oF BLoom: fall-sown, June to August; spring-
sown, July to September.

LocaTION: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 99

PORTULACA

Portulaca grandiflora

Known also as rose moss, and related to the com-
mon weed of sandy soils—purslane. Of the easiest
culture in a hot, dry location. Good for edging and
in dry parts of rock gardens. The display of color
is brilliant on sunny days only. In some places the
plant self-sows—the reason for its persistence in old
oardens.

Sow seeds in corn-planting time (May 15), where
plants are desired, and thin to ten or twelve inches
apart.

CoLor: white to yellow, rose, red, purplish and
striped.

HEIGHT: six to ten inches.
PERIOD OF Bioom: July to frost.
Location: hot, dry soil; full sun.

The Book of Annuals 101

SALPIGLOSSIS

Salpiglossis sinuata
‘‘Painted tongue,’’ remarkable for its large, long-
stemmed, funnel-shaped flowers of varied coloring.

Sow seeds indoors about the middle of Mareh and
see that plants do not become stunted before trans-
planting. Or, sow outdoors in May.

CoLor: purples and blues through reds and yellows
to cream, usually marbled and penciled.

HEIGHT: eighteen inches.
PERIOD OF BLoom: late June to frost.

Location: deep, light, rich soil, not liable to sudden
extremes of moisture or drought; sun.

The Book of Annuals 103

*SCABIOSA (MOURNING BRIDE)

Scabiosa atropurpurea

One of the best of the annuals, though apparently
little known. The variety having black-purple
flowers is one of the darkest and richest flowering
plants. All the varieties have fairly long stems and
keep well in water.

Sow seeds indoors April first to transplant in May
one foot apart; or sow outdoors in May after danger
of frost is past.

Cotor: white, pink, crimson, lavender, purple, violet
and_ bi-colored.

HEIGHT: eighteen to thirty inches.
Prriop OF BLoom: early. July to frost.
LocaTION: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 105

* SCARLET SAGE

Salvia splendens

One of the most brilliant red-flowered bedding
plants in cultivation. Its showiness and ease of cul-
ture have caused it to be used without restraint. Al-
though it does best in full sun, it is of greater value
to the gardener in brightening half-shaded spots in
the foreground of trees or shrubs. —

Sow seed of an early-blooming and compact strain
in a frame or indoors early, so as to get good plants
to set out in May.

CoLor: scarlet.

HEIGHT: two feet.

Period or BLoom: July 15 to frost.

Location: deep rich soil; sun or partial shade.

The Book of Annuals 107

SCHIZANTHUS

Schizanthus pinnatus

The ‘‘butterfly flower,’’ an annual herb from Chile.
There are several interesting sorts bearing flowers of
various brilliant markings.

Sow seeds outdoors where plants are to bloom, and
thin to give each seedling a space one foot in diameter.
Transplanting is done at some risk.

Stake the plants, unless the location is well shel-
tered from winds.

CoLor: white, violet and lilae with yellow.
HEIGHT: two feet, branching.

PrErIop OF BLoom: July to frost.
LocaTIon: any good soil, sheltered; sun.

The Book of Annuals 109

SNAPDRAGON

Antirrhinum majus

In reality a perennial, but seeds sown very early
in the spring give flowers the first year. Then, too,
the first crop of bloom is usually the only one worth
while. There are dwarf varieties for use as edgings,
also double forms.

For early bloom sow the seeds in frames in August
or September, mulching the young plants for winter
protection. Or, sow the seeds as early as possible in
the spring, in a frame if possible.

With winter protection the plant may be carried
over, but the second year’s bloom may be of another
color.

CoLtor: ranging from red and purple to white.
HIGHT: one to three feet.

PrEriop OF BLoom: August to frost.

Location: light, rich soil; full sun.

SE psebisthiererstegt emt ote eta dramas ee

iad
a ; ;

The Book of Annuals 111

SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNT

Euphorbia marginata

A particularly useful fohage plant for the gar-
dener who realizes that the success of a garden does
not depend entirely on the flowers. The leaves are
margined with white, some of them being white all
over. As a background for some strong red-flowering
plant, euphorbia would be very effective. In the illus-
tration it is shown as a foil for marigolds in a flower
arrangement.

Start seeds indoors, preferably, to secure a longer
season, setting out plants in early May.

Cotor: (of foliage) light green margined with white.
Heicut: two feet; erect and not spreading.

Periop oF BLoom: flowers inconspicuous.

LocaTION : any good soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 113

* STOCK (TEN WEEKS)

Matthiola cana, var. annua

The name comes from the fact that the plant blooms
in ten weeks from seed. Another name for it is
‘‘oillyfiower,’’ a corruption of July-flower. Most of
the sorts are double clusters of small fragrant flowers
at the top of an erect stiff stem.

Sow seed through March or early in April in a
moderately warm hotbed, transplanting at the end of
May, on a cloudy day, into the border. By successive
sowings, one can have stocks in bloom throughout the
summer.

CoLor: white, through rose, crimson, purple and
parti-colored.

HEIGHT: one to two feet.
PERIOD oF Buioom: July to frost (with successive
sowing).

Location: rich, sandy loam; sun.

The Book of Annuals 115

SUMMER CYPRESS

Kochia scoparia

A little-known plant that may be used to great ad-
vantage to take the place of small clipped evergreens
in the annual garden. The growth is erect, stiff and
pyramidal—exeellent qualifications for the corners of
formal beds or to flank the ends of a walk. The
foliage is hight green until September, when it turns
a rich crimson. The plant dies two weeks after pro-
ducing its countless number of minute flowers. In
the illustration it is shown used as a border.

Sow seeds indoors in April or in the open May
first.

Cotor: (foliage) light green turning to crimson.
HEIGHT: two to two and a half feet.

PERIOD OF BLoom: flowers inconspicuous.
Location: clayey soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals ELy

SUNFLOWER

Helianthus annuus

Too coarse for a location near the house, but ex-
cellent at the back of a distant border in masses.
Give plenty of room—a diameter of three feet to a
plant—as the sunflower is a gross feeder. The
plant is ideal for the chicken yard, furnishing a little
shade and food that is relished.

Sow seeds where they are to grow in April or May,
or, better still, start them indoors in March, setting
out the plants in May after danger of frost is past.

Couor: yellow.
Heieut: three to twelve feet.
PERIOD oF BLoom: August to frost.

LocaTIon: any, but best is light, rich soil with mois-
ture; full sun.

The Book of Annuals 119

TS

* SWEET ALYSSUM

Alyssum maritimum

Undoubtedly the most popular of all the edging
plants, largely because of the long season of bloom
and ease of culture. Its light green foliage and sweet-
scented abundant bloom are practically indispensable
in the annual garden. Avoid the straight line of
plants in the edging—sowing a drift here and there
that extends back between higher plants.

Sow seeds early—April first—where the plants are
desired. Pinch off the bloom and foliage stems from
time to time to induce continued flowering.

Cotor: white.
Heigut: four to six inches.
Pseriop or BLoom: June through early frosts.

Location: any good garden soil, best in sandy loam ;
sun.

The Book of Annuals 121

* SWEET PEA

Lathyrus odoratus

The sweet pea should have, and is well worthy of,
a generous portion of the garden to itself.

Cultivate the soil deeply, above all things, and in-
sure abundant moisture. Train the vines on brush,
preferably, to prevent their burning, but wire mesh
will serve and is more sightly and durable.

Sow seeds in March (except white-seeded varieties,
which should go in in April) an inch apart in a trench
eight inches deep, on fine soil, covering with an inch
of soil and gradually filling in trench as seedlings ap-
pear and increase in height. A very common mistake
is sowing too thick. Expert growers thin seedlings to
six inches apart.

Constant cutting insures the maximum of bloom.
Give plenty of water.

COLOR: various.
HEIGHT: five to six feet.
PERIOD OF BLoom: July to September.

Location: moderately rich and deeply worked soil;
open sun.

The Book of Annuals 123

* SWEET SULTAN

Centaurea moschata

A straight-growing annual that is valuable chiefly
for the large, fragrant flower-heads. Being a centau-
rea, it is closely allied to the cornflower (Centaurea
cyanus), but the longer stems make it a better flower
for cutting.

In the illustration the large sharp-petalled heads
are the sweet sultans; the others are the cyanus va-
riety—ragged sailor, cornflower or bachelor’s button,
as it is called—which are less improved horticultur-
ally.

Start seed indoors early in April and set plants out
in May. Or, sow seed outdoors in May. It is better,
however, to get an early start so as to enable the
plant to perfect its flowers before very hot weather.

CoLor: white, yellow or purple.

Heicut: two feet.

PERIOD OF BLoom: June, through August.
LocaTIon: any good garden soil; sun.

The Book of Annuals 125

VERBENA

Verbena (various species)

Another of the time-honored plants from our grand-
mothers’ gardens. One of its good properties lies
in the fact that after blooming all summer it may be
eut back, given a rest, then forced into bloom again
as a house plant. The white-flowering varieties are
said to be the more fragrant.

Start seeds indoors in March in a flat or in a
flower-pot on the window-sill. Or, plants may usu-
ally be bought from the florist, to set out early in
May.

CoLor: white through lilae and rose to purplish blue;
also yellow.

HEIGHT: two feet.
PERIOD OF BuLoom: early July through first frosts.

Location: rich soil, better moist; sun or partial
shade.

The Book of Annuals 127

* ZINNIA

Zinnia elegans

A rather stiff, formal plant, in bad repute with some
gardeners because of its magenta varieties. Used in-
telligently, from named varieties in good colors, it
ranks with the best annuals, and even approaches the
dahlia in perfection of form.

Sow seeds about May first and thin plants out to
a foot or two apart, depending upon whether the
dwart or tall sorts are used.

CoLor: white, yellow, orange, scarlet, rose, purple,
Che:

HEIGHT: six inches to two and a half feet.
PERIOD OF BLoom: July to frost.
LocaTION: deep, rich soil; sun.

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