Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Usually not needed in the plug. If needed spray with B-Nine ® WSG at 1,500 ppm or Cycocel ® at 300 ppm. Plug grow time: 7–8 weeks in a 288-cell tray Comments: Tuberous Begonias will form tubers and single flowers under short days so providing night interruption lighting for a total of at least 14 hours is necessary, even in the plug stage. During the early stages of growth, irrigate very gently since Begonia seedlings are very small and heavy watering will disturb the roots. This is a relatively long plug crop so keeping the media too wet can lead to excessive algae growth.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 2 and 4. 2 - MEDIUM: Soil is light brown in color, no water can be extracted from soil, and soil will crumble apart. 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle. Common pests: Aphids, Thrips Common diseases: Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Botrytis, Powdery mildew, Tospoviruses (INSV and TSWV)
Finishing
Scheduling
Temperature Day: 62–64 °F (17–18 °C) Night: 60–62 °F (16–17 °C) Average daily temperature: 62 °F (17 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Beneficial to 14 hours Light intensity: 4,000–6,000 foot candles (800–1,200 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 )
SIZE
CROP TIME PLANTS PER POT
Large Packs
8–10 weeks 1 ppp
1.0 pint ( 4 inch )
8–10 weeks 1 ppp
1.0 quart (4.5 to 5 inch)
10–12 weeks 1 ppp
1.25 to 2.5 quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon) 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) 1.5 gallon hanging basket (10 inch basket) 2.0 gallon hanging basket (12 inch basket)
10–12 weeks 1–2 ppp
Day length response: Obligate long day Daily light integral (DLI): 12–14 mol·m -2 ·d -1
11–12 weeks 3–5 ppp
11–12 weeks 3–5 ppp
Transplanting: Transplant directly into the finished container. Place the rooting media slightly below the level of media in the container. Make sure that the root ball is covered and that the plug is situated in the center of the pot. Media pH: 5.5–5.9 Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm Fertilizer: 75–125 ppm N Pinching: No. Pinching is not recommended or needed. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): In larger containers PGRs are usually not needed. For smaller pots spray with Cycocel ® at 500–1,000 ppm 1–3 times depending on plant growth. Tech tip: Tuberous Begonias are extremely sensitive to Tospoviruses; controlling thrips is imperative to avoid this disease. If planting more than one plug in a container, point the tips of the leaves to the outside of the pot for better flower presentation at retail. Provide excellent air flow during flowering to help control Botrytis and Powdery Mildew.
11–12 weeks 4–5 ppp
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 288-cell tray and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 62 °F (17 °C).
Example crop schedule for a large pack
WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT
DESCRIPTION
Make sure leaves are pointing to outside of basket. Check to see that long days are being provided. Ensure that a great Thrips scouting/control program is in place Apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) if necessary Apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) if necessary Apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) if necessary Start scouting for Powdery Mildew since if it does show up it is usually at the start of flower bud formation
1 week
4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks
Try Chrysal Alesco ® , a postharvest foliar spray, to protect ethylene sensitive crops during shipping and retail.
9 weeks
10 weeks
Finish
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