Grower Facts Begonia Baby Wing
(Begonia X hybrida)

Germination
Sowing
Do not cover seed. Water thoroughly at sowing to completely dissolve the pellet. Recommended plug
sizes are 400 to 200-cell.

Temperature
72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C). Keep temperature as constant as possible.

Humidity
Maintain relative humidity at 95%.

Sowing
Do not cover seed. Germinating in a chamber is recommended.

Light
Light is beneficial, but not required. Plug Production

Media
Use a very well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with a medium pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and an EC of about 0.5 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction).

Temperature
Maintain soil temperature at 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) after true leaves develop. Plugs can be held at 62 to 65°F (17 to 18°C) from maturity until transplant.

Light
After germination, maintain light levels between 1,000 and 2,500 f.c. (10,000 to 30,000 Lux). As seedlings mature, light levels can be increased up to 5,000 f.c. (54,000 Lux).

Moisture
BabyWing is very sensitive to drying out during early stages of germination. Keep soil moisture high until the first true leaf develops, then reduce moisture levels.

Fertilizer
The high soluble salts in fertilizers tend to affect BabyWing; however, it will also grow slowly if not fertilized. Frequent light fertilization is best. Use 20-10-20 about 50 ppm at Day 8 and 100 ppm at Day
11. Then use every other day until Stage 3. After true leaves emerge, alternate with 15-0-15 until transplant. Always rinse foliage after feeding.

Plant Growth Regulators
None are required during the plug stage. Growing On to Finish

Container Size
4 to 4.5-in. (10 to12-cm) pot: 1 plant per pot
6-in. (15-cm) pot: 1 to 2 plants per pot
6.5-in. (16-cm) and larger pots: 3 plants per pot
10 to 12-in. (25 to 30-cm) hanging baskets: 4 plants per pot

Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Temperature
Night: 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C)
Day: 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C)
Light
Grow in a high light environment: 3,000 to 7,000 f.c. (30,000 to 70,000 lux). High light levels will result in earlier flowering and stronger stems.

Irrigation
Allow the media to dry slightly, then water liberally. Water early in the day to avoid leaf burn when temperatures are high.

Fertilization
Fertilize every other irrigation with 15-0-15, alternating with 20-10-20 at 150 ppm N. Maintain the medium EC around 1.0 mmos/cm (1:2 extraction).

Plant Growth Regulators
A very light spray of tank mix containing B-Nine 2,500 and Cycocel 300 ppm can be used at 2 to 3 weeks after transplant. A light phytotoxicity may appear on the foliage after the PGR spray, but the plant will recover later.
Note: BabyWing is very responsive to Bonzi and Sumagic. Avoid overspray from neighboring plants.

Pinching
No pinching is required.

Common Problems
Insects: Fungus gnats, shore flies
Diseases: No major problems when using good cultural and IPM practices.