BEGONIA TUBERHYBRIDA, BEGONIA TUBEROSA Primary

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Crop Time:Plug crop: 8-10 weeks; Flowering pots (from sowing to flower): 17-19 weeks

Seed Form:Raw Seed and Pelleted Seed

Seed Count:0 K/g

Sowing Time:December-January

Sowing Method:1-2 seeds per plug

Germination:Stage I: 7-14 days at 21-23 °C and relative humidity of 95 %. Maintain high moisture. Light germinator, don't cover seeds or pellets. Additional light (50 W/m2) accelerates germination and improves quality of the seedlings; Stage II: 28-42 days at 20-21 °C. Continue long day lightning (14 h) and avoid saturated or dry media, lower humidity levels. Water temperature should be 18 °C. Stage III-IV: 18-20 °C.

Growing On:6 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant per plug tray (4 x 4-6 x 6 cm) and 12 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pot (10-12 cm). Avoid cool substrate at transplantation. Two time transplantation supports root development and young plant quality.?

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-20 % perlite, 1-2 kg/m2 complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2.

Photoperiod/ Light:Long day plant. Long day (14-16 h) is necessary for flower initiation. In winter assimilation light is recommended for good plant development and quality and will shorten crop time. Short days will result in tuber formation

Temperature:Grow at 16-18 °C. 10 days before selling temperature can be decreased to 16 °C. Temperatures below 14 °C will result in tuber formation and crop delay.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen, using a complete and potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K20-ratio: 1:1,5). Keep low ammonium levels, otherwise the roots become damaged. At high nitrogen levels the foliage can become very big. Avoid pH above 6.5, as high pH causes iron deficiency. Apply chelated iron, if chlorosis becomes a problem. To prevent magnesium deficiency apply magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times. Additional foliage fertilization with potassium supports compact plant growth and provides a dark green foliage colour. Avoid high soluble salts in the soil.