Advice for how to grow begonias from seminal fluid is simple : get started too soon . While prime cum - begin time is still weeks away for most parts of North America , there ’s one plant life that requires a chip more time to grow . Begonias are beautiful yearbook that are both refinement - loving and deer - resistant and they make a beautiful addition to almost any landscape . If you want to grow some of your own , you might be surprised to learn that , unlike most otherannual flowers , mid to recent January is the perfect time to start begonia from seed .
Why Start Begonias From Seed
Annual flower are by all odds not the most expensive plants at your local nursery , but if you grow ( or betray ) a batch of them , bulge out your own from seed can save you a ton of money . While startingmarigolds , cosmos and salvias from seed is as simple as can be , when you start begonia from cum , it require a turn more time and movement .
As with many other plant life , start begonias from seed , rather than buying transplants from a grower , means you ’ll have a better varietal excerption to choose from and you ’ll get a fortune more bang for your sawhorse . Most commercial-grade agriculturalist focalise on growing just three or four popular types of begonia , but there are dozens of selections you’re able to choose from when growing begonia from ejaculate .
How to Grow Begonias From Seed: Four Steps
Begonia seeds are extremely lilliputian . In fact , each seed is n’t much large than a speck of dust . cover these miniscule seeds can be difficult , though you may purchasepelleted seedsto make the job a bit easier . total that to the fact that begonias take a very longsighted clock time to germinate , and that ’s probably why most ethnic music shy away from starting them from seed . However , once you get the hang of originate begonias from seed , you ’ll discover your efforts are well worth it .
Use new seedling trays or flat to plant begonia from seed . The plants are prone to developing fungal diseases , includingdamping offand botrytis , so new or disinfected cum tray are a must . You ’ll also ask new unfertile potting soil that ’s word specifically for seed begin .
Once your seed trays are fill with sterile potting premix , it ’s metre to plant your begonia seeds . Begonias need luminance to develop , so merely broadcast the germ across the Earth’s surface of the potting mix and press them against the surface of the soil with your fingertips or a flat piece of cardboard . Do not cover the seeds . endeavor to distribute them evenly across the dirt , but it ’s okay to have them spaced fairly closely . Begonias always postulate to be transplanted when they ’re untried , so if the seedling stop up too close , it ’s no big plenty ; you ’ll be split up them later anyway .
When I set out begonia from seed , I irrigate the new planted semen in with a mister , rather than a hose snout , to check that they stay in seat and do n’t float forth .
Cover the seeding tray with a sheet of clear credit card or a humidity attic , and place the tray under grow light that run for about 14 - 18 hours per day and stand about 2 - 3″ above the tops of the tray . Put heating plant matting under the trays to improve and speed germination . Some varieties of begonias can take hebdomad , if not months , to germinate , so do n’t give up on them even if it seems to be select forever . Make certain the come flats do n’t dry out ; irrigate them with a Mr or spray bottle whenever necessary . Remove the charge plate or humidness dome as soon as the seed start to pullulate . Raise the lights as the plants turn .
When Is the Best Time to Transplant Begonias Started From Seed?
As soon as your begonia seedlings produce their first true leaf , it ’s time to transplant them . Use a spoon or spatula to swipe a section of young plant up out of the tray and then use your fingers to softly taunt them aside . Once separated , replant the begonia seedlings into nursery 4 packs or little plastic bay window of Modern sterile potting soil .
Keep the dope or nursery pack well water and proceed to keep them under the grow spark for 14 - 18 hours per day . Once the risk of hoar has passed , it ’s time to begin to move your begonias outdoors for a few hours per 24-hour interval . Gradually increase the amount of time they spend alfresco over the course of two to three week until they are outdoors full fourth dimension . This outgrowth of hardening off intend a reduced chance of transplantation cushion and sunburn once your begonia are planted alfresco for good .
Which Begonias Should You Start From Seed?
There are many type of begonias you’re able to start from seed . Some type , like rex begonia , are easier to grow from tooth root or foliage cut , but the experience of come out other type from semen is lots of fun . When trying to take off begonia from seed for the first time , I recommend start with wax begonia , Dragon wing begonias , Angel wing begonias , cascade down begonia or tuberous begonia .
