Growing Begonias in Pots – How to Grow Begonia Bulbs

August 06 2015 | Posted in Begonia Tips, Growing Begonias, News

Growing Begonias in Pots

Growing begonias in pots is easy! Here’s our step-by-step visual of what growing begonias in pots should look like week-to-week.

1. Plant bulb in moist soil.

2. 1-2 weeks: Keep soil moist, not wet. Ideal temperature is 70-75?? F.

3. 2-3 weeks:??This is when the first leaves typically begin to appear. Ideal temperature during the day is 65-70??F.?? Ideal temperature during the night is 55-60??F.

If planting multiple begonia bulbs, at this time you should orient the leaf points towards the rim of the pot. Flowers grow in the same direction of the leaf points, so it is important to do so to make room for the blooms.

4. 3-4 weeks

5. Water and Fertilize: Clear water should be used for every third watering. Standard 20-10-20 fertilizer should be used.

6. 5-6 weeks

7. 7-10 weeks

8. 10-14 weeks: This is when the first blooms should begin to appear.

9. 15-20 weeks: This is when your begonias should be in full bloom!

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.

Planting Begonias: Starting Tuberous Begonias in Small Pots

July 08 2014 | Posted in Begonia Tips, Growing Begonias, News

Planting Begonias: Starting Tuberous Begonias in Small Pots

Starting tuberous begonias in small pots produces a plant faster than planting a bulb in a large sized pot. This method of planting begonia bulbs is great when its late in the begonia season.

When to Plant Begonias – Begonia Planting Guide

June 18 2014 | Posted in Begonia Tips, News

Wondering when to plant begonias? Check out our begonia planting guide below. Still have questions? Give us a call at 1-831-728-0500 and one of begonia experts will gladly assist you!

CalBegonias is your #1 source for beautiful Begonias!??We were the first and now the only remaining producer of tuberous begonias in the United States. Browse our gorgeous begonia bulbs, hanging begonia baskets, and begonia seeds and see the difference in our California grown flowers. Have questions? Give us a call today at??1-831-728-0500 – we’re happy to help!