BEDDING BEGONIAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20402, 2 November 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

BEDDING BEGONIAS.

NUMEROUS VARIETIES.

Fibrous-rooted begonias, belonging to the semperflorens section, are among the most largely grown and popular of summer bedding and bordering plants. They are always in evidence in largo grounds and public parks. This clas3 of begonias is the'easiest to raise, and is suitable for brilliant summer beds and border arrangement wbere distinct colouring and a profusion of flowers impart splendid effects. There are several distinct varieties, specially adapted for the purpose, including a charming strain, with small russet-crimson foliage arid glowing scarlet-climson flowers. One of the most attractive is known by the name of crimson bedder. There is also s, beautiful clear white begonia, with large flowers and beautiful green foliage, contrasting with the preceding varieties. A very dwarf variety, which produces showy rose-pink Sowers in tho greatest abundance, is a general favourite for the outer lines and for bordering. Where heavy frosts occur the begonias must be taken up annually and transferred to winter quarters. The protection of a close-growing hedge is often sufficient. Propagation is affected from seeds, and by the division ot the old plants. Seeds require to be sown in seed pans, and when largo enough to handle, pricked o5 into seed trays and grown until large enough for planting out. October and November are suitable months to plant fibrcus-Tooted begonias. They may a!so be made use or as pot plants. They are easily grown and effective when mixed with collections ci pet plants. ' Tuberous Hooted Species. Taberons-rooted begonias are indispensable for pot culture, and may also be employed for bedding purposes in the open when planted under favourable conditions. They require a good friable, light soil, and a partially shaded situation that :s well sheltered. The tubers should be started in plant- trays, ready for planting cut in November. For pot culture the tubers thac have been dormant throughout the winter should be repotted into 4in. or 5m •pots, in a mixture of loam and leaf mould, with a little sand arfd rotten dung. Place.the pot near the glass, and during the growing season keep them freely •watered, with an occasional application ox manure water. Kepot with larger sized pots as required. In treating seedlings pot them from the se'-d pans into Sin. pots, or pricit. tnem off into plant trays. When the soil in the pots becomes filled with roots, pot them on into fours, aud later into larger sized nois as necessary, using the same compost as required for the old L-übers. Keep them regularly watered and occasicntlJy fertilised. CALCEOLARIAS, HERBACEOUS VARIETIES. Herbaceous calceolarias, when well groivn'and in full flower, are the finest of all {lowering herbaceous pot plants. From a packet of seed, of tho finest strain a marvellously wide range of colours may be provided. ' They arc somewhat difficult for the amateur to cultivate, but tliev well rcpav the extra care and trouble that is : necessary from the sowing of the seed to the flowering stages. The seedlings must be pricked off into pans or shallow plant trays, about 2in. apart, and placed in a close frame. When large enough they must be potted singly into 3in. pots, returned to the frame or greenhouse, placed near the glass, and kept close for _ a few days. Wheu enough repot into 4in. or siu. pots, using a compost of one-half good ..fibrous loam, the other half consisting of thoroughly decayed manure and leaf mould /in equal parts, with a little coarse sand to keep the soil open and poious. At a later stage give a final potting into 6in. or Tin. pots, providing ample drainege.' Careful attention to watering is neces*arv. with an occasional rnanunal wateiing" when the flower buds are beginning to show. On the first appearance or. green fly which is the worst insect enemy, the grower has to combat, the plants should be fumigated with tobacco. The plants last in bloom for about two months. Early sowings should now be read} for putting into their flowering pots. PLANTING OF DAHLIAS. DIVERSITY OF COLOURS. •Early in November is the usual time to plant the first batch of dahlias. This -is a most popular summer and_ autumn flowering genus of plants. ror very «arly flowering a few of the old tubers may be planted. The planting may be continued at intervals up to the end o December. Dahlias arc always at their test flowering stage early in the autumn *'hen the days begin to "shorten and the ijews aje heavier and more refreshing to §he foliase. The marvellous new classes and forms »nd great diversity of colours and disposition of tiio flower stems, notably the and garden decoratives that hold their flowers well above the foliage on stiff *rect stems as represented by the in"imerabltj varieties of recent date, has placed the dahlia in the forefront among flowering plants. The middle of Novem.N? is tha best time to plant the general Collection. In preparing the holes, loosen ft® soil well aud in the absence of stable to*au- 0 n; i_ T a handful of bonedust with. ■ 8 Mil previous to planting.