
NAMED VARIETIES 
We have been selecting and propagat- 
ing a number of seedlings of the basket 
Begonias which are outstanding in 
color, form of flowers and hanging 
habit. All are propagated by cuttings, 
forming rather irregular tubers in com- 
parison to the seedling tubers which 
are smooth and round. It takes several 
years to propagate a sufficient amount 
of tubers for introduction and we are 
so far able to offer only the two follow- 
ing varieties: 
Pink Shower ... The individual flowers 
are a delicate cerise-pink, holding the beauti- 
ful form to the very end of the season in such 
profusion that the plant portrays the name it 
bears exactly. 
Avalanche ... Recent introduction and a 
good companion to Pink Shower, as it is al- 
most a white counterpart of it. A slight green- 
ish tinge in the center of the flowers gives it 
added attraction. 
Price ... 75c each; $7.50 per dozen. No seed 
of the above-named varieties is available, as 
they are produced only from cuttings. 
13 
CULTURE OF HANGING BEGONIAS 
Hanging basket Begonias have the same cul- 
tural requirements as all other types, with 
minor exceptions. For good results one should 
have large tubers, as the larger tuber will have 
more shoots come from it and consequently 
the plant will be larger and more effective. 
Tubers can be started from January to March, 
the same as any other type, but when the 
growth reaches three or four inches trans- 
plant them in a light mixture of soil; if pos- 
sible, two-thirds coarse leaf mold and one- 
third sand, as they are very sensitive to perfect 
drainage. Containers should be large enough; 
a minimum of 8 inches in diameter for small 
tubers and up to 12 inches for large ones. 
Shallow pots, if possible glazed, are better 
than wire or any other type basket, as the 
plants do not dry out in these types so se- 
verely and can produce far better growth. 
Wire baskets, lined with moss, can be utilized 
but one can not expect to grow excellent 
specimens by this method. Tubers started in 
peat will develop a sufficiently large root sys- 
tem so that they can be planted immediately 
in pots large enough to carry them through 
the season. 
Feeding .. . It will be necessary to mix a 
small handful of fish meal with the soil going 
into the lower half of the pot, which will sup- 
ply the plant with sufficient nutrients to start 
with. Later in summer, when the plant shows 
a decline in growth, another small handful 
dug into a shallow trench around the edge of 
the pot and covered with soil will revive it 
completely, and bring a new profusion of 
blooms. 
Pinching . . . Some types, which do not 
show more than one or two shoots at the be- 
ginning of the season, should have the heart 
pinched out when the growth reaches the first 
flower bud. This will induce the side shoots 
to develop fully and form a better balanced 
plant. 
VISIT OUR GARDENS 
in July and August 
when the Basket Begonias are 
at their best 

