Prevention of Powdery Mildew on Tuberous Begonias

June 25 2015 | Posted in Begonia Care, Begonia Diseases, Begonia Tips

Prevention of Powdery Mildew on Tuberous Begonias

Prevention of ??powdery mildew or treating powdery mildew on tuberous begonias is a subject of great interest with begonia growers. Basically it comes down to prevention. Powdery mildew is in the environment and begonias are susceptible to it. Luckily there are plenty of non-toxic ways to prevent powdery mildew and if needed some chemicals as well.

Good Cultural Practices:

1. Start with good clean free draining potting soil. Plants are healthier in good soil. An unhealthy weak plant is more susceptible to powdery mildew.
2. Good air flow is necessary. Do not crowd plants for many reasons.
3. Do not over fertilize. Powdery mildew spores germinate best on new succulent growth. Slow release ok.
4. Give plenty of light; moisture and shade incubate powdery mildew. Begonias grow better in bright filtered light anyway. Unfortunately full sun all day is not possible, but some sun is better than none.
5. Some varieties can be??more susceptible.

Green Preventatives: Spray these once every couple of weeks. They are preventatives, not cures.

1. Any milk ??? at 2 to 3 parts water to 1 part milk is effective.
2. Neem tree oil – coats leaves preventing germination of spores. 2 tablespoons per gallon
3. Horticultural oils – does the same coating process. One teaspoon per gallon.
4. Baking Soda – 1 tablespoon per gallon. Careful, burning can occur especially when mixed with horticultural oil.
5. Copper sulphate & calcium hydroxide; AKA: Boudeaux Mix. Is somewhat toxic.

Following not trialed on begonias.

6. Potassium bicarbonate ??? like baking soda, but may actually eliminate fungus spores.
7. Mouthwash ??? Generic ethanol based mouthwash. 1 part to three parts water.
8. Vinegar ??? 2-3 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water. May burn.
9. Soaps ??? Safers Insect soap and many other brands.
10. Sulfur ??? Safer Garden Fungicide, Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide. Must use more often.

Chemical Prevention:

1. Chlorothalonil; Trade names: Ortho MAX, Bonide Fungonil, Gardentech Daconil, Bravo, Echo
2. Triforine; Trade names: Funginex, Ortho Rose Pride
3. Triflaxystrobin & Triadmefon: Trade names: Strike (was Bayleton)
4. Tebuconazol; Bayer Advance Disease Control
5. Miclobutanil; Immunox

Use all with protective clothing and follow direction on labels.

Begonia Care – Dormant Tubers

November 07 2014 | Posted in Begonia Care, Begonia Tips, Dormant Tubers

Begonia Care – Dormant Tubers

How To Prepare Your Begonia Bulbs for Dormancy??

Begonia tubers may be grown successfully for many years if given proper care. When blooms on your begonia plants begin to decrease and the foliage turns pale and yellow, dormancy is approaching. The time of year when this occurs will depend on the climate. In most places it will be October but in temperate regions, where the nights are warm, plants may be delayed until December. Watering should be discontinued at this time.

• If you have been growing in a warm greenhouse, plants in autumn should be moved to an unheated greenhouse or outdoors. Leaves and stems will fall off the begonia plant and should be removed before they decay. At this stage stop watering, allowing soil to dry.
• In climates where soil may freeze, ??tubers in ground should now be dug and washed free of soil. If a portion of the stem remains attached to the tuber, leave it on temporarily. After a week or ten days of storage it will naturally detach itself. Cutting it or breaking it off may??damage the tuber.
• If a tuber is cut or bruised in digging, expose it to the sun and air. It will heal itself. Tubers may be badly cut and still grow well next season.
• In climates where soil does not freeze; tubers may be left in the ground.
• Begonia tubers grown??in pots, they do not have to be removed. Turn pots on their side and store them in a dry, non-freezing??location.
• Tubers must be completely dried before storage , whether they have been washed or not. The best method is to place them in the sun or any dry, well ventilated location. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate and takes about two weeks. Make sure any remaining??stems have fallen off or can easily be removed before storing.
• Store dry tubers in single layers trays, shallow boxes, paper or net bags in a dry area between 38-50??F for winter. If desired, cover them with dry peat or clean, dry sand.

Begonia Diseases – Powdery Mildew

April 04 2014 | Posted in Begonia Diseases, News

Begonia Diseases – Powdery Mildew

White powdery spots on both sides of leaves and greasy spots on the undersides are signs of powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is likely to infect tuberous begonias when environmental factors permit it. Crowded, shady conditions and poor air flow are conducive to mildew. Uneven day and night temperatures paired with dramatic changes in relative humidity can favor the development of the disease.

Placing plants at least a foot apart in an area where there is good air circulation will help prevent the outbreak of mildew. Stabilizing temperatures and humidity levels may be difficult to do depending on your location. Humidity can be reduced by not watering directly over the top of the plant and watering earlier on in the day.

Fungicide application can provide mildew control. Application of fungicides to susceptible plants before or in ??earlier stages of the disease is key. Too early of an application on young plants may cause stunted growth and will result in fewer flowers on some varieties. If mildew growth is mild to moderate it is generally too late for effective control with protectant fungicides. In this case the use of horticultural and plant-base oils is needed.

A more natural, organic application can be applied. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water or 2 parts water to 1 part milk. Spray plants every 7-10 days. Neem Tree Oil can be used as directed.

How to Plant Begonias in Containers

March 12 2014 | Posted in Begonia Care, Customer Questions

How to Plant Begonias in Containers

The best performance of tuberous begonias is achieved when a relatively large pot is used. Good root systems will result from using large pots and frequent drying of medium will be avoided. A good rule of thumb for uprights is to choose a pot about four times the diameter of the tuber. ??Plant tubers directly into container, bulbs concave side up. Cover with 1/2″ potting soil. Multiple begonia bulbs can be planted per pot. Here is our recommendations.

Inspired to plant, grow and enjoy your own Tuberous Begonias? Shop Begonias now!

How to Plant Begonias in Hanging Baskets

February 27 2014 | Posted in Begonia Care, News

Are you wondering how to plant begonias in hanging baskets? Not to worry, our experts are here to help! Follow our step-by-step guide below to learn how to create the ever classic and always trending handing basket garden. We hope you find this guide insightful and inspiring.

Tuberous Begonias are the perfect addition to any garden! Begonias are frost-tender plants and thrive with bright light but little or no direct sun. ??Begonias can be planted in the ground once the frost has passed, but they can also be planted in pots and hanging baskets, creating a glorious display for any garden all summer long.

How to Plant Begonias in Hanging Baskets

Step 1 – Starting Tubers in Pots:??If you’d like to jump start the process, plant tubers in shallow containers or 4-5 inch pots. Make sure the potting mix has a light texture, a soiled mix, mixed 3 to 1 with builder’s sand. Place potting mix in sand in a plastic bucket. Slowly add water and stir until mix is moist but not soggy. Pour mix in container stopping about 1 1/2 from the rim. Next, carefully place the tubers hollow side up in the potting mix. Space the tubers 2-4 inches apart (1 tuber per 4-5 inch pot and cover them with 1/2 inch of potting mix.) Water sparingly and place the container in a window that provides bright but indirect light. Note: Tubers that have not already begun ??to sprout when you receive them will usually show signs of growth within 2-6 weeks after planting.??

Step 2 -Transplanting:??After the first couple of leaves emerged and the danger of frost has passed, transplant tubers to a shallow container??that can be suspended along the house or edge of the roof. One Hanging Basket Begonia tuber in a 12 inch container makes for a spectacular and long-lasting display!

Note: If the stems of a Hanging Basket Begonia grow upright and refuse to trail over the edge of the container, plants may not be receiving enough light and you might have to find a new location for??them. Also, if by any chance you have trouble with powdery mildew, you can prevent future outbreaks by spraying the plants with a mild fungicide (mix one tablespoon baking soda and 2 or 3 drops of insecticidal soap in a gallon of tepid water.) Spray this every 10 days during hot, humid weather.

Step 3 – Enjoy: Grab your favorite garden magazine, find a cozy spot in your backyard and sit back and enjoy your beautiful hanging baskets!

Summer Care Tips: Tuberous Begonias thrive in soil that is evenly moist but well drained. Fertilize plants once a month with a well balanced water soluble fertilizer.

Ready to plant your own begonias in hanging baskets???Browse a variety of??begonias in hanging baskets??from CalBegonias now!