Seed Germination of Tuberous Begonias

August 21 2014 | Posted in Growing Begonias, Growing Begonias From Seed, News

Seed Germination of Tuberous Begonias

Sowing Media (Seed Starting Mix): Standard plug mix of 60% peat 20% perlite 20% vermiculite. Adjusted to pH 5.5-6.0. Wet thoroughly before sowing seed.

Sowed: Single or double in a plug flat or lightly and evenly in an open flat. Temperature: 73-77?? F

Light: Begonia seeds germinate in light; do not cover seed with media. Provide 14+ hours of light. Ten foot candles are sufficient to germinate but 350 candles are necessary for growing on.

Humidity: During germination of seeds 100% humidity is required. This can be done on a small scale by covering the flats with translucent plastic or other covering, such as glass, that will retain humidity while allowing some light to pass through. If media is sufficiently wet, additional watering should not be needed during germination.

Germination Time: At 7-10 days the radical emerges and the flats should be removed from the 100% humidity environment. After 2 weeks, germination should be complete.

Fertilizer: Feed early with 50ppm N to encourage seed germination (studies ??how KNO³may work better than other fertilizers). Avoid high EC. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer after germination.