THE NURSERY-LIST 249 



more than one seed, so that much thinning may be necessary after 

 the plants are up. 



Begonia. Begoniacece. 



Begonias are of such divers kinds that many methods of prop- 

 agation are employed. Cuttings of stems, rhizomes or leaves are 

 commonly used, although seeds grow readily if given careful 

 attention, and they produce excellent plants. 



Seeds of begonia are very small. They should be thoroughly 

 ripe and kept dry till sowing. Sow on the surface of the soil in 

 pans or pots, sift a very little fine earth on them, and cover with a 

 pane of glass. See that the earth is uniformly moist before the 

 seed is sown, and water with great care. Seed-pans should be kept 

 in a propagating-frame or at least in a place free from drafts and 

 strong direct sunshine, at a temperature of about 65 to 70. As 

 soon as the plants are big enough to handle, prick out into pans or 

 flats, giving plenty of room. 



The foliage begonias are grown from cuttings of stems or leaves, 

 at a temperature of about 70. Of the erect stem-bearing species 

 cuttings may be taken of fresh strong stems in spring, giving good 

 blooming plants for the following late winter and spring. Some 

 kinds make creeping or rambling rhizomes, and division may be 

 practiced. B. phyllomaniaca produces plantlets along the stem 

 and on the leaves ; these may be severed and planted. B. diver- 

 sifolia bears tubers in the axils of the leaves. 



The rex begonias are grown from cuttings of mature but vigorous 

 leaves. Three methods may be employed: (1) The entire leaf 

 may be placed flat on the soil of propagating-bed, under surface 

 down, and pegged or weighted down to hold it steadily in place. 

 The principal nerves or ribs are severed, or cut beneath, and at 

 these places plantlets will form. (2) The leaf may be cut into 

 two parts, and either part, or the stronger part, stood on the cut 

 edge in the soil. Plantlets will form along the lower edge. (3) 

 The leaf may be cut into several wedge-shaped parts, each part 

 having at its point a bit of the top of the petiole or leaf -stalk. 

 The point is inserted in the soil. One or two or more plants will 

 form on each wedge. See Figs. 107-109. 



Begonias of the Gloire de Lorraine type are grown from cuttings 

 of well-ripened medium-sized leaves. If taken in early winter 

 and the young plants kept growing vigorously, strong blooming 

 plants should be had for the following midwinter. 



