# Rosecroft Begonia Gardens, 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 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 60° and 70° 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. 
