ANNUALS | SEED FINISHING
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
For small containers, such as 306 packs, a Bonzi ® drench at 0.25 ppm about half way through the finishing cycle will provide excellent control of leaf and plant size, but will reduce flower size about 10% temporarily. Bonzi ® sprays are not recommended since flower size reduction is significant. 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.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
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 ™ .
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.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
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.
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.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
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.
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.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
In larger containers, PGRs are usually not needed. For smaller pots spray with Altercel ™ at 500–1,000 ppm 1–3 times depending on plant growth.
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.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG sprays at 2,500–3,500 ppm can be effective to prevent stretch under warmer conditions.
Growing cool, on the dry side, and under high light will produce the best quality finished plants. Do not grow too cold though; Costa stops growing when temperatures drop below around 46 °F (8 °C). Avoid using high ammonium fertilizers because they promote soft, leafy growth. A preventative spray program for Powdery Mildew is recommended.
GROWER SUCCESS GUIDE 2024–2025
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