Ball Perennial Manual: Propagation and Production [Hardcover]

Jim Nau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996

This guide unravels the mysteries of seed germination, divisions, cuttings, and other forms of perennial propagation. Containing valuable information on more than 300 species of plants, it is a cultural cookbook of herbaceous perennials.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This book is a technical manual targeting large-scale, professional growers. Author Nau has been trials manager and is currently the resource person for the Ball Seed Company.

Perennials are arranged alphabetically by botanical name. Discussions of the 149 genera and 300 species include common name, description, hardiness, season of bloom, propagation, germination overview, growing conditions, varieties, related species, and uses other than perennial border in the home garden. An opening section provides a useful explanation of what is covered in these areas. "Hardiness" usually refers to winter's worst; here, the high heat and humidity of southern climates is also considered. "Germination" includes seeds per ounce, light and dark requirements, and days to transplant.

A chapter on propagation techniques describes processes in detail. "Stem Cuttings" ranges from softwood stems to leaves, rooting, particulars of timing, temperature, and other factors. "Seed Propagation" includes pros and cons of this method, various types of cold and warm conditioning, and scarification. Entries in the alphabetical section refer the user back to this section. Appendixes include a clear USDA plant-hardiness zone map, a table of perennials propagated by seed with expected response and bloom time, a propagation table for perennials, a source list, a glossary, a bibliography, and indexes to scientific names, common names, and subjects. The 70 color photographs are good, but peripheral.

Herbaceous Perennial Plants: Treatise on Their Identification, Culture, and Garden Attributes, by Allan M. Armitage (Varsity, 1989), covers 270 genera. It provides basics of perennial culture, classification, and use; identifies cultivars and related species; offers helpful charts, but contains far less methodology. Occasional folklore, history, line drawings, and lively author commentary make this a good choice for home gardeners. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials, by Leo Jellito and Willhelm Schacht (2v., Timber, 1990), covers 800 genera with brief notes on cultivation and use. Its 690 color and 352 black-and-white photographs make it an unmatched selection guide.

While the Ball Perennial Manual is designed as a resource for professionals, it can be of great value to the avid home gardener. A good choice for libraries with large gardening collections.

About the Author

Jim Nau is the author of Ball Culture Guide: The Encyclopedia of Seed Germination.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Ball Publishing (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883052106
• ISBN-13: 978-1883052102
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,416,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ball Perennial Manual is worthwhile reading, December 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Ball Perennial Manual: Propagation and Production (Hardcover)

Ball Perennial Manual, Jim Nau author..This large gardening book is a very whorthwhile addition to any northern gardeners library. Mr. Nau gives information on selecting, planting, nurturing, and propogating many of the common (and some not so common) plants. Especially helpful is the winter survival tips found at the end of each plant section. The Ball Perennial Manual has tips for any gardener, new and old gardeners will save time and money by reading this very informative manual.

4.0 out of 5 stars Best book on perennials if your growing your own, February 9, 2012

By 

BruceRWintergreenGarden (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ball Perennial Manual: Propagation and Production (Hardcover)

This book comes from probably the best author on plant production in the US today. Jim Nau, of the Ball Seed Co. is the guy for herbaceous plant today. The number of species listed is limited. (That is why 4 stars and not 5) But what he talks about is authoritative and that is in short supply when it comes to perennial books today.