|
|
|
C4020 - BEGONIA X BENARIENSIS,
|
|
|
2008/2009 'BIG Red with Green Leaf'
As the first breeding company to introduce a hybrid begonia with 'Primadonna' 100
years ago, we take begonia breeding very seriously. They are at the heart of what we
do. To celebrate that big event, Benary is proud to introduce the begonia x
benariensis 'BIG'TM series.
100 years of history behind them is not the only thing that makes the 'BIG' TM
begonia introduction a remarkable event. Large 2-3" (5-8 cm) flowers held are above
the leaves for maximum show. The deep green or bronze foliage add vibrancy and
contrast to the striking red or rose colored flowers. Early flowering and superior
branching add to the appeal of this tall landscape specimen. Characterized by ist
upright arching habit, 'BIG' TM begonias make a stately presentation in park settings
and large landscape plantings from full sun to shade. 'BIG' TM begonias also add
durability and color to mixed combination planters, window boxes and baskets.
From their high germination that appeals to plug producers, their early flowering habit
that reduces crop time for growers, to their abundant large flowers and attractive
foliage that make them a dynamic retail item; 'BIG' TM begonias add value for
everyone. The versatile nature of 'BIG' TM begonias make them the plant of choice
for areas traditionally filled with Petunias, Marigolds, Geraniums and Impatiens.
Combine 'BIG TM Red with Green Leaf' along with 'Sweetie White' Impatiens for a
bright look to shade areas or with 'Golden Globe' Melampodium for a vibrant sun
setting. When begonia 'Sprint White' Improved is used as an edge with 'BIG TM Reg with Bronze Leaf' in sun or shade settings the contrast of leaves is stunning. And 'BIG TM Rose with Bronze Leaf' adds depth to a sunny setting when bordered with Gazania 'Talent Rose'.
|
|
TECHNICAL INFORMATION |
|
| Garden Height: | |
40 cm
|
|
| | |
15,75 inch
|
|
| Flower Size: | |
8 cm
|
|
| |
3,15 inch
|
|
| Crop Time: | |
Plug crop: 6-8 weeks; Flowering pots (sowing to flower) depending on season, light intensity, and pot size: 1 plant in 12 cm pot: 13-14 weeks (Plant height: 15-20 cm) or 3 plants in 20 l container: 15-16 weeks (Plant height: 30-35 cm)
|
|
| Sell Period: | |
from mid of April to June
|
|
| Seed Form: | |
Plug tested pelleted and raw seed
|
|
| Seed Count: | |
80000 K/g
|
|
| Sowing Time: | |
from mid of December onwards
|
|
| Sowing Method: | |
1-2 seeds/pellets per plug
|
|
| Germination: | |
Stage I: 8-12 days at 23 °C with a relative humidity of 95 % or higher; Stage II: 10-14 days at 20-21 °C; Stages III+IV: 18-20 °C in a media with very low soluble salt levels an pH 5.5-6.2. Requires light for germination. Do not cover seeds. In winter supplemental light (50 W/m2) is recommended. Long day plant. The day length should be 12 h. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid substrate to dry out.
|
|
| Plug Culture: | |
From stage II reduce the moisture, but the plugs should not dry out. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,5 EC as roots are sensitive to high salt levels. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During stages III+IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 100-150 ppm.
|
|
| Growing On: | |
6-7 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plug into 12-13 cm pot (12 cm:
35-40 pots/m2, 13 cm: 30-35 pots/m2). The plugs should have 2-3 sets of true leaves. High light conditions promote better branching and earlier flowering.
|
|
| Media: | |
Use a well-drained, growing substrate, pH 5.5-6.2.
|
|
| Temperature: | |
Grow at 17-19 °C.
|
|
| Fertilization: | |
Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize at 150 ppm nitrogen weekly, watching excessive salt built-ups.
|
|
| Cultural Hints: | |
Monitor for fungus gnats or shore flies in the moist plug trays and treat appropriately. Higher light levels and sufficient space are important for improved branching. For selling harden plants to adapt to cooler night temperatures and high UV levels.
|
|
|
All colors
|
|
|
|
* Germination Stages (from seed to finished young plant)
| Stage I: | Starts with the radicle breaking through the testa. The roots are touching the medium. Ends with fully developed cotyledons. |
| Stage II: | Starts from fully developed cotyledons. Ends with the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair. |
| Stage III: | Starts from the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair and ends with 80% of the young plants being marketable. |
| Stage IV: | All young plants are ready for sale and in the process of being hardened off. This stage lasts about 7 days. |
Hint
The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.
|
|
|
