RANUNCULUS—Ranunculaceae 
This year we have been able to buy the finest and largest Ranunculus we have ever 
seen. Usually we have listed £3, small bulbs. They seldom grow 100% and require 
more careful attention. So many fail with #3 that we decided to list nothing but 
Jumbo bulbs,—about 1” in diameter. Most growers would call them Super-jumbo in 
size. Altho more expensive than small bulbs, one gets just about as many flowers for 
the price of $1.00 from the Jumbo bulbs as from the smallest and cheapest size. The 
bulbs are easier to grow; give longer stems; better and more double flowers; bloom 
earlier. Jumbo bulbs may throw as high as 20 or more flower stems. 
Large bulbs force well in pots while small ones do not and often do not flower at 
all. You will be pleased with the big bulbs either in the garden or in pots. 
Culture. Best time to plant is from Sept. to Feb. One can plant directly in a pot 
or the garden but best germination is secured by placing bulbs in a flat in a cool shady 
place. In So. Calif. that place may. well be under the shade of a large tree. They should 
be cool when sprouting and our fall’ hot spells” are their worst enemy. After sprouting, 
they will endure more heat. Most of them will sprout within a week or 10 days. When 
sprouted, set the bulbs in the pots or garden. Plant 2” or 3” deep. In the garden this 
size may be planted a foot apart. Give a 6” pot, for house culture. The secret of 
success is to grow Ranunculus under cool conditions. In the house the night temperature 
must not be above 45° and 30° is better. 
The best soil is rich, sandy loam to which has been added about 10% thoroly 
rotted and composted manure. One may add some leaf mould. Perfect drainage is 
essential. Water lightly until growing well, then give plenty and occasionally some 
weak liquid manure. Give potted bulbs plenty of light and good ventilation. 
Giant Double Ranunculus, Jumbo Bulbs, 20c ea. $2.00 per doz. $12.50 per 100. 
BILLBERGIAS—Bromeliaceae 
Billbergias have a rich, tropical appearance with the showiest inflorescense. In both 
foliage and flowers they are most unusual and most lovely. The foliage is stiff and 
erect, forming a cup. They are tender tropicals that are easily grown in pots but do 
| well outside in So. Calif. ; 
Being epiphytes they should be rooted in almost pure leaf mould, wood earth 
| (rotted wood), peat or sphagnum moss mixed with a little sand for greater substance. 
| But they do quite well in half sand and half leaf mould or peat. Here they need half 
| ‘shade, but in the house, a sunny window is usually right. Sun brings out rich colors. 
“of foliage but don’t overdo the sun exposure as it may burn the leaves and prevent 
their functioning. The “cups” should hold a drink when growing. In the winter 
they rest and when you start them in winter do it “easy like.” Not too much water 
until will rooted and growing but never allowed to dry out. 
Billbergia nutans. The earliest to flower, often late Dec., usually in Jan. - Feb. 
The inflorescence is most beautiful. Price 50c. With bud showing, $1.00. 
B. distachia hybrid. Foliage reddish green with cream spots. Long spikes with 
rose pink bracts and blue margined green flowers. Blooms in early spring and a few 
in late summer. $1.00. 
B. rubro-cyanea. The foliage has very rich variable markings of green, red and 
white. Flowers green, edged dark blue with crimson bracts. To bring out the rich 
colors of the foliage give some sun exposure. The more sun received, the finer will 
the colors be. But guard against too much sun which would burn and injure foliage 
and stop growth. $1.25 ea. 



Gloxinias 
. Tuberous Begonias, Fancy Leaf Caladiums, Gloriosas, Ismenes, etc., will be listed 
yee ane Catalog. More varieties than ever before. None of these can be planted 
efore Feb. 
BZ 
