SEED FINISHING
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
Do not use growing containers that have been used previously and had a crop treated with paclobutrazol grown in them. Most Begonia semperflorens will stop growing if exposed to any level of paclobutrazol. Do not irrigate with recycled water for this reason. It is best to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these types of fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
Altercel ® at 500–1,000 ppm, or B-Nine spray at 2,500–5,000 ppm, or B-Nine ® WSG/Altercel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Altercel ® .
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG (1,500–2,500 ppm) alone or in combination with Altercel ® (750–1,000 ppm) are usually sufficient to control growth. A Bonzi ® drench (0.25–1 ppm) can also be used to control growth or to hold plants for sale.
Day length is critical to achieving the best quality–maintain a minimum of 14-hour days for more showy plants. Do not bury the plug when transplanting to avoid crown rot. Irrigate early in the day to avoid leaf scorch when high light levels are present. Avoid using high ammonium fertilizers since they will promote larger, softer leaves. If planting multiple plugs per container, make sure the leaves are pointed to the rim of the container so that flowers will be more visible.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
Do not use growing containers that have been used previously and had a crop treated with paclobutrazol grown in them. Most Begonia semperflorens will stop growing if exposed to any level of paclobutrazol. Do not irrigate with recycled water for this reason. It is best to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
Usually not required. Altercel ® at 500–1,000 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG/Altercel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Altercel ® are effective if needed.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
Topspin Begonia can be finished at cooler temperatures than other series of fibrous Begonia. Dropping the average daily temperature (ADT) by 6 °F (4 °C) will add 1–2 weeks grow time. Minimum night temperature should be 60 °F (16 °C). Do not use growing containers that have been used previously and had a crop treated with paclobutrazol grown in them. Most Begonia semperflorens will stop growing if exposed to any level of paclobutrazol. Do not irrigate with recycled water for this reason. It is best to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
Usually not required. If needed due to environmental conditions sprays of Altercel ® at 500–1,000 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG/Altercel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Altercel ® are effective.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
For pint or quart production, a Bonzi ® drench at 0.1–0.25 ppm about half way through the finishing cycle will provide excellent control of leaf and plant size. Bonzi ® sprays are not recommended as they will reduce flower size. For pints to 10” hanging baskets, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG/ Altercel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Altercel ® are effective in reducing leaf size and stem elongation. Plant growth regulator (PGRs) are usually not required for containers larger than 10” hanging baskets. Plant growth can be best controlled through proper moisture, feed, and temperature management.
It is recommended to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
For small containers, such as 306 packs, B-Nine ® foliar sprays are recommended. Do not apply Bonzi ® foliar sprays since flower size reduction is significant, nor Bonzi ® drenches to Bowler as this will stunt growth and negatively impact garden performance. For gallons to 10” hanging baskets, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG/Altercel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Altercel ® are effective in reducing leaf size and stem elongation and will not significantly reduce flower size. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are usually not required for containers larger than 10” hanging baskets. Plant growth can be best controlled through proper moisture, feed, and temperature management.
It is recommended to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
GROWER SUCCESS GUIDE 2023-2024 | ANNUALS
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