e 
spond generously to the skill of the hybridizer and take on the forms and closely 
imitate the flowers of Camellia, Carnations, etc., and show many forms the like 
of which have been seen nowhere else in nature. 
The flowers of Begonias are monoecious. This means that the individual 
flowers are not perfect—containing both male and female parts but that there 
are male and female flowers, separately produced but on the same plant. The 
large terminal flower on a stem is a male flower with a stamen. On each side 
is a smaller female flower with its pistil and ovary. If one wishes to produce 
seed, the pollen from the stamen is placed on the terminal stigma above the 
ovary. Even an amateur can produce interesting forms by crossing the types. 
Seedlings may be grown on a thin layer of sifted compost on top of a porous 
brick and the brick set into a shallow pan of water. 
If Tub. Begonias are potted at once when received they must be watered 
very little until they start to grow. The better practice is to start them by laying 
the tubers on top of a slightly moist sphagnum or sphagnum and peat mixed. 
They may be covered just slightly but with the concave side containing the 
“eyes” only partly hidden. Keep them only slightly moist at a temperature of 
60° to 65°, shaded. 
When the tops are an inch or more in height and the tuber has made roots, 
it may be removed with a bit of the compost into its pot or basket. Probably the 
common practice of merely storing the tubers and potting them when they start 
to grow is equally good, tho a little time may be lost. The heated, dry air of a 
living room is a poor place to store the tubers, to start them or to grow the 
plants. 
The soil for Tub. Begonias may be *% humus and 4% sand or very sandy 
loam. For the humus use 2/3 peat or leaf mould and 1/3 well rotted, old dairy 
manure. All should be well mixed and fine in texture. Soil should be acid, pH 6.5. 
If not sufficiently acid, add more peat. The addition of small pieces of charcoal 
or a tablespoonful of soot is useful. 
Give liquid manure or soot water, (handful to 2% gal.) during growth as 
Begonias of all types are good feeders. They should be fed little and often. When 
growing well the plants and foliage should be sprinkled well, daily. This will 
not harm the flowers. Tuberous Begonias need half shade and a cool moist situa- 
tion. It is better to shift them to outdoors when warm enough as the house air 
is usually too dry. A lath house is the ideal place in warm weather. Avoid full 
sun and full shade. When they cease blooming (usually about Dec.), gradually 
dry them off. The tubers often live over winter in California if not dug but it 
is better to dig, dry and store here and necessary in cold climates. 
Begonia Quality. Tub. Begonias are produced wherever bulbs are grown 
commercially, but the very best types are the product of California hybridizers 
and growers. Our Tub. Begonias and Gloxinias are all grown by two world fa- 
mous California growers. They are the best tubers and they produce the best 
flowers. 
The size of the flowers and their quality does not depend upon the size of 
the tubers. We offer tubers that are 1144”-114” diam. If you plan to shift to out- 
doors start them in 5” pots. If they are to remain in pots use 6” or 7” pots with 
plenty drainage. Tubers of this size do not make quite as large plants as the 
2” tubers but you can grow more varieties in a limited space and at much less 
cost. 
Giant Double Camellia Flowered. The most popular type. The flowers are 
like large, perfect Camellia blossoms. We offer 17 colors: White, Blush, Pink, 
Rose, Crimson Rose, American Beauty, Yellow, Apricot, Salmon, Light Salmon, 
Dark Salmon, Orange, Flame, Scarlet, Red, Cardinal Red, Dark Red. Price 30c 
ea. $3.00 doz. All 17 colors for $4.25. 
Giant Double Carnation Flowered. They resemble huge carnation flowers, 
but are even more perfect. 14 Colors: White, Blush, Pink, Rose, Crimson Rose, 
Yellow, Apricot, Salmon, Dark Salmon, Red Salmon, Orange, Scarlet, Red, Dark 
Red. 30c ea. $3.00 doz. All 14 colors for $3.50. 
Giant Double Picotee. The exquisite double flowers are edged white like a 
Picotee Tulip. 5 colors: Pink, Rose, Salmon, Apricot, Red. 30c ea. $3.00 doz. One 
of each color, 5 bulbs $1.40. 
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