The Canadian Horticulturist. 119 



THE TUBEROUS BEGONIA. 



BELIEVE this is destined to become in the very near 

 future, an exceedingly popular flowering plant ; as 

 much so, I have no reason to doubt, as the universally 

 grown Geranium. It is as free, and as continuous in 

 blooming as the Geranium is, and with quite as much 

 variety in color. For the benefit of those not yet 

 acquainted with it, I may mention a few descriptive points. The colors are 

 crimson, scarlet, magenta, pink, yellow, orange and white, and ranging 

 through all intermediate shades. 



In the many varieties there are many different forms of flowers, from 

 single to the most double, from sky pendant bells, to the boldest, most open, 

 and erect form. Some of these latter are very large and striking. 



The plants are continuously in bloom, from the time they commence in 

 May, or June, until late in the fall. I have as yet failed to get any bloom 

 from them in the winter. 



The stems ordinarily, even in the green house, die down on the approach 

 of winter and part from the tuber. The tubers are very easily preserved. 

 They can be buried in sand or earth, or put away in the pots in which they 

 grew, in any place where it does not freeze. I notice some authorities give 

 50 F. as the lowest point to which the temperature should range in the 

 place of storage. I have found that it does not matter should it fall far 

 lower, so long as the freezmg point is not reached. 



I believe it is the practice of some, to plant the dry tubers of those 

 intended for bedding directly into the open ground, where they are intended 

 to bloom, for the summer. This is done in the latter part of May or begin- 

 ning of June. I think however, it is better to start the tubers in pots before 

 planting out. Some of the single varieties make first-class bedding plants. 

 Increase, or propagation, is effected either by cuttings or seed. Named, 

 or particularly desirable varieties are reproduced from cuttings. This is 

 rather a new method of increase as but few cuttings can be obtained from 

 each plant. The cuttings make good blooming plants the first season, but 

 frequently form no latent seeds, or eyes, from which to start again. Seed, 

 although very small, germinates readily, but the young seedlings require 

 constant attention. A few minutes, hot sun, will burn them up, or a little 

 too much moisture, or shade, will damp them off. After leaves the size 

 of a ten cent piece are acquired there is very little more trouble ; 

 but until that period is reached, closer attention is required than amateur 

 cultivation can, in all cases, give. For those who do not desire to plant 

 largely, it is better to purchase the dry tubers, or flowering plants of profes- 

 sional growers. These can be procured from almost any florist, at about 



