The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



The seed should be sown in pots, in an even temperature of 

 about 65, the pots being well drained, and containing a good 

 compost at the bottom, with fine sandy loam on the surface, pressed 

 down. Before sowing sprinkle the soil with water, and sow the 

 seed evenly, barely covering it with fine earth. Germination is both 

 slow and irregular, and the plants must be pricked off into pans or 

 small pots as fast as they become large enough to handle. This 

 process should be followed up so long as seedlings appear and 

 require transferring. They may be shifted on as the growth of the 

 several plants may require. Begonias need more attention with 

 reference to an even temperature during this stage than at any other 

 period. 



As bedding plants, Begonias are not nearly so much grown as 

 they deserve to be. They may be planted out in June, and remain 

 till the middle or end of October, without suffering any injury from 

 frost. In the open ground they produce abundant supplies of 

 flowers for cutting at the end of September and early in October, 

 when many other flowers are over. The plants should be put out 

 when they show themselves sufficiently strong, and it is better to be 

 guided by the plants than by any fixed date. The beds must be 

 freely enriched with well-rotted manure and decayed vegetable 

 matter ; it can scarcely be overdone, for Begonias are gross feeders. 



The earliest plants to flower will often be retained in the 

 greenhouse, as they follow in succession the Cinerarias and Cal- 

 ceolarias. Those that start later may be turned out as they come 

 into bloom, which will probably be in June. By deferring the 

 planting out until there is a show of bloom a selection of various 

 shades of colour is possible, and this will greatly enhance the beauty 

 of the beds. Begonias are hardier than is generally supposed they 

 need no protection, and require no heat, except in the stage of 

 seedlings, when first forming their tubers. 



For autumn decoration Begonias should be taken up from the 

 beds during September and potted, when they will continue to bloom 

 in the greenhouse or conservatory for a considerable time, and form 

 a useful addition to the flowering plants of that period. 



If not required for autumn decoration, let the plants remain out 

 as long as may be safe ; then pot off, and place in the greenhouse. 

 Be careful not to hasten the drying-off of the bulbs. When the stems 

 fall Begonias may be stored for their season of rest, allowing them 

 to remain in the same pots in which they have flowered. They can 

 be put away in a dry cellar, or on the ground, covered up with sand, 



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