Begonia
             
                        tuberhybrida F₁
             
                        Primary

                        Begonia
             
                        tuberhybrida F₁
             
                        Primary
Begonia tuberhybrida F₁

Primary

  • Very early, uniform flowering series
  • High germination rate and usable plants

Not available in North America.

Crop Time
Spring: 14 - 16 weeks
Height ∅
8 ″ / 20 cm
Width ∅
9 ″ / 23 cm
Exposure
Partial shade - Shade
Seed Form
Pilliert
Best Uses
Beet und Balkon, Ampel, Landschaft, Topfpflanze

Culture guide

Usage

Annual, pot plants, patio containers, window boxes, bedding and landscape

Sow time

December-January

Sowing method

1-2 seeds per plug

Germination

Germination will occur in 7-14 days at 75-78 °F (23-25 °C). Sow seed on a fine media with good water holding capacity and good drainage. Consistent moisture levels are important to uniform germination. Humidity levels above 95 % and a media pH between 5.5 and 6.5 are important. Do not cover seed as light is required to germinate. Supplemental 24-hour assimilation light provided at this stage will increase germination, reduce crop time and improve plug quality.

Growing on

Transplant plugs into finished containers with a well drained media, and pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Maintain day length in excess of 14 hours. Continued supplemental lighting will improve plant quality and shorten crop time. Growing temperatures between 68-72 °F (18-22 °C) optimize growth and flowering. Fertilize at 150-250 ppm nitrogen in a well-balanced formula.

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.

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.


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.

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.