• Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California • 
A FEW PLANTING POINTERS 
If plants arrive in a dry condition, soak the roots over¬ 
night. 
When potting up, soak thoroughly then give no more 
water till almost dry. 
Begonias should not be planted any deeper than up 
to the crown and they should be on a rise rather than 
in a hole, the water must drain away from the crown. 
Begonias generally want at least half shade and won’t 
stand for wind. 
The roots of Begonias are many, small and fine, and 
near the surface, and no digging should be done round 
them, all fertilizing material should be applied on the top 
of the ground. 
Begonias make their new roots above the old which 
asks for a periodic building up of the soil. 
Almost all Begonias are benefited by being pruned 
or pinched back. The tallest growers can be made of 
medium height and bushy by training. 
With few exceptions (such as the winter blooming 
class Lorraine, etc.) Begonias like temperate rather than 
warm conditions, between sixty and seventy is ideal, they 
also like a moist atmosphere and when grown indoors 
this should be remembered. 
Begonias in pots should have the pots plunged in the 
ground or protected in some manner to keep them cool 
and moist. A larger vessel with moist moss in the space 
around is good. 
Do not use potting soil in dry state. 
Aphis are always to be feared. Spray at the first signs 
of an attack, such as curling leaf or ant activity, with 
Black Leaf 40. This in combination with Volck is also 
good for red spider and mealy bug. 
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