TUBEROUS BEGONIAS (Multiflora Nana) 
This group of tuberous Begonias 
which we are offering this year are 
not exactly new. However, they have 
not been distributed or grown in 
America with the popularity which 
they rightly deserve, as they have been 
in Europe for the last twenty-five 
years. . . . They differ from the large- 
flowered types in having a dwarf, 
bushy growth covered all summer with 
a mass of small double flowers IV 2 
to 3 inches in diameter. The character 
of their growth makes them invalu¬ 
able for borders or bedding purposes, 
as they form a veritable carpet of 
single color. . . . All varieties are 
propagated artificially, by cuttings 
only, as seed from them does not come true to type or color. 
In this manner the bulbs offered are divisions of the original 
plant and members of individual variety, forming absolutely 
no variation. 
FI REFLAME . . . Flamboyant. Small semi-double flowers 
of the most intensive scarlet. The plants grow only four to 
six inches high and are simply covered with blooms from 
June to the end of October. It can be utilized both for 
bedding and hanging baskets. 
Price . . . 25c each; $2.50 per dozen; $18.00 per 100. 
MRS. HELEN HARMS . . . Pure yellow double. A very 
dwarf, bushy growth; outstanding for borders or bedding. 
Price . . . 35c each; $3.50 per dozen; $25.00 per 100. 
MME. RICHARD GALLE . . Pure orange double. Almost 
identical with Mrs. Helen Harms, except for color, which is 
dear orange. 
Price . . . 35c each; $3.50 per dozen; $25.00 per 100. 
CULTURE OF TUBEROUS BEGONIAS 
Natural state. Central and South America. . . . Planting time, 
January to May. Flowering time. May to November. 
SEED . . . Sow from January to March. Place one or two 
inches of gravel in flats or seed pans, to insure good drainage, 
over which place a fairly coarse mixture of two-thirds leaf 
mold and one-third peat, about one inch deep. Smooth the 
surface with the same mixture, finely sifted, not more than 
one-eighth inch deep but do not press it down. It is necessary 
for the surface to be of a spongy character, so that when the 
seed germinates, the young roots can get into it. If surface is 
too fine and packed, the seedlings will often fall over, as the 
young roots are unable to get in.... Place the pans in shallow 
water until thoroughly soaked up from below, then broad¬ 
cast the seed. Cover with glass and a sheet of paper or keep 
it in the dark until germination takes place. Night tempera¬ 
ture of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary for quick 
germination. Lower temperature than 65 degrees will con¬ 
siderably slow up germination, with poorer results. ... As 
soon as germination takes place, take the paper off and in 
three or four days lift the glass also, otherwise the little seed¬ 
lings will get too spindly. Warm temperature, protection 
from direct sunlight, and uniform moisture, are absolutely 
necessary. Even a slight drying out of the surface will be 
fatal to the delicate young plants. Very gentle overhead 
watering should be used when necessary. . . . Dampening off 
will occur only if flats are kept too wet in greenhouse with¬ 
out proper ventilation. Watering with a weak solution of 
Clorox, about 4 to 6 per cent, we found as best cure and 
preventive. 
TRANSPLANTING . . . When the third leaves are de¬ 
veloped, transplant one inch apart in flats containing the 
same mixture as for sowing. No finely-sifted surface is neces¬ 
sary any more. Do not put more than one to one and one- 
half inches deep of soil in your flats. Deep flats filled with 
several inches of soil are not necessary. Usually they do not 
drain w'ell, soil will get sour, and checking of the growth 
will be the result. Before they get too crowded, transplant 
in the same manner again farther apart, until strong enough 
to be planted out in the open or, if desired, potted up. ... If 
planting in open ground, enrich the soil liberally with well- 
rotted cow or sheep manure and a sprinkling of bone meal. 
If soil is heavy, add plenty of either leaf mold, peat or sand 
or a mixture of all, so that the ground will be light and 
porous. Plant in a shaded position, such as under the trees or 
north side of the house, where direct sunlight cannot reach 
them. Keep well watered, fine overhead sprinkling preferred. 
FEEDING ... If a very strong growth is desired, additional 
feeding can be given when the plants reach approximately 
four to five inches in height, either by the sprinkling of one- 
half teaspoonful of ammonium phosphate around each plant 
or approximately a heaping teaspoonful of cottonseed meal, 
which should be worked into the soil slightly, not too dose 
to the stem. This dose will usually prove sufficient for the 
whole season but can be duplicated again later in the summer 
when the plants are in full bloom, which will prolong the 
flowering season to some extent. 
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