Keep them slightly on the dry side when starting, but still moist enough to 
start growth. When in good growth they require abundant moisture and high 
humidity of the air. Cold air currents must not strike the plants. Protect al- 
ways from wind and drafts. Water from a can, using tepid water in cold months. 
Allow no moisture to touch foliage. The combination of water and sunlight, 
spots the foliage. 
Altho very few of our customers blame their bulbs when an occasional fail- 
ure results, they do sometimes ask me why nine bulbs grew and one did not. 
Since long-distance diagnosis is impossible, I tell you here more definitely than 
most books on bulb culture, the conditions necessary for success. The average 
amateur will be able to succeed. But if you overwater when starting the tubers, 
allow the temperature to go down to 34° a few nights, a few tubers may fail. 
There is a certain amount of tolerance, but not the same degree, in Gloxinias 
and in all plants. Thus one dies but a dozen may survive if your culture is only 
75% correct. 
After flowering lessen the water given, gradually. When the tops are dead 
give only enough water to prevent shriveling. By Feb. some of the tubers will 
show growth. Repot the tubers as soon as they start to grow. 
We offer only Calif. grown Gloxinias, and Tub. Begonias and Florida grown 
Caladiums because they are the best in the world. I could buy Belgian grown 
Gloxinias for less and sell them at a lower price, but it has been reported to us 
that at least some of the European Nurseries are growing strains that have in- 
ferior flowers. 
We offer 14”-114” tubers in the following varieties: Blanche de Meru, rose 
white throat; Emperor Frederick, scarlet, white border; Emperor William, violet, 
white border; Etoile de Feu, scarlet; Mont Blanc, pure white; Prince Albert, 
frilled, dark violet; Princess Elizabeth, blue, white throat; Roi des Rouges, 
frilled, dark crimson; Tigrinia, from light rose to dark lavender; Violacea, soft 
violet; Brunhilde. Pure White. 
Faye Davis Hybrids. These are fine hybrids of large size, assorted colors 
that average at least as good and usually better than the named sorts. 
Price, named varieties and hybrids, 50c ea. Complete Collection, one bulb of 
each, 12 var. labelled, $5.50. Assorted varieties, not labelled, $5.00 per doz. 
Achimines are close relatives of Gloxinias and belong also to the Gesneria- 
ceae. Altho distinctly different, the genera Achimines and Sinningia are closely 
parallel in the color and form of their flowers, foliage characteristics, ecology in 
nature and culture. The tubular flowers are mostly in purple tones altho white, 
pink and red are seen. 
Culture. Achimines tubers are very small and in our arid climate they dry 
out easily if improperly stored. They should be covered by dry sand and stored 
at a minimum temp. of 45° It is best to start at once when received if this is 
Feb. 1, or later. They may be grown in pots or wire baskets. As Achimines are 
shallow rooting, and the roots need air, fill the pots 1/3 full of drainage material. 
8” wire baskets are ideal containers and will hold several plants. If too full, they 
transplant easily. Line the basket well with sphagnum moss and place the com- 
post in the center. Baskets are listed with Orchid supplies on a later page. 
The best compost for Achimines is one part sand or very sandy loam and 
two parts well rotted leaf mould or leaf mould and peat. Some commercial 
growers use a little well rotted manure in compost. A compost suitable for 
Gloxinias is also good for Achimines as they grow in nature in similar soils. It 
is important that the soil be at least one half humus. The humus may be peat 
or leaf mould or a combination. The purpose of sand is to insure good drainage. 
A top dressing of screened, well rotted manure may be given the plants after 
they are well started. When starting they must be waterd very sparingly but 
not allowed to become dry. When growth has started gradually increase the 
water supply as these plants must never become dry after starting. Use very 
weak liquid manure occasionally after plants are well advanced. 
Achimines are tropicals and need high humidity and warm conditions. Start 
them at a temperature of about 60°. When flowering a temperature of 50° is 
better and by that time you can remove them to the shade of trees, preferably. 
with limbs trimmed high. They must have about 75% shade. They may be 
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