TUBEROUS BEGONIA 227 



and grown on until the proper season for their planting out. 

 This is not before the first of June, as Begonias are quite 

 sensitive to cold nights, but not at all to heat. At that 

 time the plants should be fully 6 inches in height and pro- 

 portionately strong. Such plants will make a grand display 

 the entire season, rather delighting in great heat." 



In starting the tubers in March, they should be placed 

 in moist sand or moss in a temperature of 60 to 65, either 

 in the greenhouse or window. After the buds 

 are well started the tubers may be divided 

 as pointed out, or planted whole. They 

 prefer a rich, rather sandy soil. When 

 they are well under way give them all the 

 light and air they will bear, and keep 

 them close to the glass to avoid " legginess " 

 and to insure a firm, sturdy growth. A week 

 before planting them out they should be Tuberous Begonia> single ' 

 given abundance of air and light to " harden off " the plants 

 preparatory to setting them in sun and wind. 



The beds should be in a somewhat sheltered place where 

 they will be partially shaded from the hot midday sun. 

 Let the soil be well enriched with old manure or humus and 

 thoroughly worked over to a depth of one foot. During dry 

 periods the beds will need watering from time to time ; but 

 never water them when the sun is shining full on them, or 

 the foliage may be scorched. A mulch of leaf -mold or old 

 manure will be helpful in keeping the soil moist and the 

 roots cool. 



Before frost the tubers should be carefully taken up and 

 gradually dried in the shade, after which they are to be 

 placed in dry sand or earth, in shallow boxes, and kept till 

 time to start them in the spring. They should be kept 

 in a cool place, secure from frost and away from stoves or 

 heating pipes. 



For amateurs it is better to recommend buying bulbs of 

 the several colors, instead of attempting to grow them from 



