Begonias

myke

myke

Well-Known Member
The wife really likes these flowers. With a newly built grow area in my bsmt thought maybe I should grow my own rather then pay for them in the spring

These are perennials I guess, never started one before. Figured if I can grow weed they can’t be that hard.
Any tips?
Thx.
 
There are many types of Begonia. Do you have anything particular in mind?

I've been growing them from seed for a long time. Begonias from seed are not too difficult
but are not entry level. So be prepared for some disappointment as you climb the learning curve.
At the seedling stage they are more difficult than Cannabis. As adults, very easy.

It is worth the disappointment. The photo is Begonia 'Big'. This is an angel wing begonia grown from seed in 2018. Seed was started under lights about the first of April (I'm in USDA climate zone 7A). Transplanted out around June first. The big pot on the left contains three plants.

I'll be glad to answer any questions you have about begonias.
CIMG0185.JPG
 
Hi thanks, no nothing chosen yet. Wife just says color.
I’m in climate zone 4a. We’ve been buying them for the last 8-10 years and they do well in a spot that gets morning sun shade rest off the day. There under cover from a patio roof.
I probably should check and see what the local stores have for my zone
If I start from seed how much lead time will I need for June 1?
Thanks,I’ll have more questions I’m sure as I don’t really no anything about them.
 
Here’s a pic from last year. Not sure if u can tell what kind they are.
Having problems with pics. Will try again later
 
Pic. I assume these are tubers ?
 

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I grow. Thx that site doesn’t seem to work for me. I’m working off of a smart tv that isn’t very smart
I’m able to find what I need. I’ll get some seeds this weekend and start a test for fun. This way come April I’ll have some experience.
 
Myke, Just a little final advice.
1. Start with pelleted seed. It is more expensive but much easier to sow and grow.
2. Pick an 'easier' Begonia to start with. I recommend Angel Wing or wax Begonia
3. Start the seeds in some sort of high humidity environment. A plastic bag over the pot where the seeds are sown will work. Remove the bag when the seedlings have their first true leaves.

Check out the American Begonia Society web site. Lots of cultural info.
http://www.begonias.org/
http://www.begonias.org/
Good luck! Begonias are very rewarding to grow. Not so much as Cannabis but still worth the effort.
 
They have broken the soil,right now there just getting natural light.Can I put them under a T5?
 
myke said:
They have broken the soil,right now there just getting natural light.Can I put them under a T5?
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Myke, you can grow them under any light source: T5, HPS, LED or natural light.
I used T5s for many years before moving to LED. They work great.
Just make sure you keep an eye on humidity. The seedlings develop fastest in a high humidity environment.
When the seedlings are about one inch you can reduce the humidity.
 
I’ve got a few non stop tubers.Gottem under some leds now.
I understand the tubers don’t like to be wet?
 
Myke,
Don't pot up the tubers until they show signs of emerging from dormancy. You will see red,pink or white 'pointy' buds develop on the concave surface of the tuber. Potting before signs of growth is the main killer of begonia tubers.
 
I.G.Rowdit said:
Myke,
Don't pot up the tubers until they show signs of emerging from dormancy. You will see red,pink or white 'pointy' buds develop on the concave surface of the tuber. Potting before signs of growth is the main killer of begonia tubers.
Click to expand...
10/4, all 3 have show signs of life.
Just water around the edges of the buld?The top of the buld is level with the soil.
thx
 
Place the tubers so that the top surface, where the buds emerge, is even with the soil level. Water carefully in the early stages of development. For the first couple of weeks there is not much of a root system so it is very easy to over water and create a 'soaked' potting mix. You want to keep the mix just moist enough that when you squeeze a handful you get only a few drops of water. This can be tricky at first. I would advise checking the soil moisture at least once a day. I start tubers in a shallow tray. I transplant to larger, individual pot at one month.

Increase watering as the foliage develops. When the new growth is about four inches tall cover the top (concave side) of the tuber with potting mix. Roots will develop from this top portion giving the plant a better flow of water and nutrients. Start to fertilize at one month. Fertilize monthly with 0.5-0.6EC balanced fertilizer.
 
Last fall I put my tubers in a dark cool spot. Today I opened the box. This is what I have?? What happened?
Do I plant them in some moist soil?
 

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