Grow tuberous begonias from seeds. Begonia from seeds at home is a task for the brave and patient

Blooming profusely in the house and in the garden, begonias cause universal delight, so many plant lovers dream of learning how to grow begonias from seeds on their own. Unfortunately, these attempts often end in failure, and not only for beginner growers. There are many reasons for this (the main one is the poor quality of the purchased seeds).
First, begonia seeds are very small. Enclosing seeds in granules simplifies sowing, which must necessarily be superficial. At the same time, the granules must be destroyed during the sowing process after they are sprayed, which does not always happen - sometimes you have to resort to the help of needles or sharp toothpicks.
Secondly, the germination of begonia seeds is uneven, and the smallest seedlings of begonias develop for a very long time before flowering. Therefore, it is necessary to illuminate the seedlings, providing the seedlings.
Thirdly, begonia seedlings are very delicate: you need to use a sterile substrate and maintain optimal conditions for their development in order to avoid.

In order for begonia crops to be successful, it is important to study the nuances of crops and the requirements of begonia seedlings, strictly follow the recommendations of specialists and experienced amateur flower growers on the conditions for keeping begonias and growing them in the house and garden.

Expert advice: sowing dates, flowering and productivity of begonias

At the first (December) sowing date, flowering of ever-flowering begonias occurs in 110-130 days, and tuberous begonias in 150-155 days, that is, after 3.5-5 months.
At the second and third terms of sowing (January, February), ever-flowering begonia blooms 5-15 days earlier, and tuberous 10-15 days earlier.
At the latest sowing date, flowering of begonias occurs, respectively, after 125-130 and after 175 days.

The duration of the flowering period of begonias sown at different times also turned out to be different.
At the first and second terms of sowing: ever-flowering begonia bloomed 100-115 days, tuberous 98-112 days. At the fourth sowing term, respectively, 83 and 67 days.

Seed productivity of begonias also varies significantly depending on the timing of sowing.

At the December and January sowing dates: the weight of seeds from one plant of ever-flowering begonia is 0.01-0.05 g, and tuberous 0.03-0.04 g.
With the February sowing period, the seed productivity of both types of begonias is somewhat reduced.
Begonias of the March sowing date in the open field practically do not produce seeds. And when grown in a greenhouse, with the use of additional pollination, you can get a good crop of seeds.

The timing of sowing has a great influence on the formation of begonia tubers.
The most complete tubers (2-2.5 cm in diameter) are formed during the December and January sowing dates for begonias. In winter, such tubers are well preserved.
Begonia tubers of February sowing grow much smaller. Their diameter reaches only 0.5 cm. During winter storage, they fall out by a third.
At the March sowing date for begonias, if the plants are grown in a greenhouse and the tubers are formed in pots, then by the end of the growing season they reach a diameter of 1-1.5 cm.

With a very early sowing of seeds of ever flowering begonia, by the time of planting in open ground, our plants turned out to be overgrown. This leads to poor survival of seedlings and loss of decorative effect. On the elongated shoots of begonias, fewer flowers form, and flowering begins in the greenhouse in early April. Therefore, the first two sowing periods are unsuitable for landscaping. The most optimal sowing time is February. In this case, by the beginning of June, when planting in the ground, begonia seedlings will have a well-developed root system and a compact bush.
With the March sowing date, ever-flowering begonia blooms 1.5 months later, after July 20. This period is used in cases where seedlings are planted on landscaping objects after early flowers.
In closed ground, where additional pollination is carried out, the first two terms for sowing begonias are most favorable - December and January.

For tuberous begonias, the best sowing time is January, so that by the time they are planted in the ground, the plants have time to form well-developed leaves and buds.
With the February sowing period, the flowering of tuberous begonia occurs around June 25th.

For seed production in closed and open ground, the best dates for sowing begonias will be December 15 and January 15.
A sufficient amount of begonia seeds can also be obtained from plants of the March sowing period, if the mother plants are brought into the greenhouse in the fall and artificially pollinated.

In the photo: tuberous ampelous begonia of the Chanson variety series: pink-white, orange-yellow, dark red

Sowing tuberous begonias

I have been growing tuberous begonias for many years. These beautiful plants adorn my garden in summer, creating lovely corners in it. And at home, tuberous begonias grow - on the windowsills, on the veranda. Wherever there is a suitable place for them, I have begonias arranged and hung.

With enthusiasm, I am also engaged in the selection of tuberous begonias. I select the most decorative, the best specimens of begonias and artificially pollinate the flowers. However, this is only half the story. A lot of worries come with sowing begonia seeds and raising viable seedlings.

The high quality of seeds is the first indispensable condition for successful sowing and breeding of tuberous begonias, obtaining new original forms.

Begonia seeds are very small, so it is difficult to determine their usefulness with the naked eye. Therefore, I use a 5x magnifying glass: I select round-ovoid begonia seeds that resemble millet grains in shape. Flat and feeble seeds of begonias are unsuitable for sowing.

Tuberous begonias can be sown at any time of the year. But it is better to sow in November-January. With later sowing dates, it is almost impossible to obtain flowering specimens of tuberous begonias this year, as well as to obtain full-fledged tubers that can endure winter storage. In addition, with the onset of autumn, such plants must be grown indoors, preferably and. Frosts, even slight ones, tuberous begonias cannot stand.

For sowing seeds of begonias, I prepare the substrate in advance. I usually take loose fertile soil and add chopped high-moor peat to it, which helps to retain moisture in the soil. If the substrate contains large particles (pebbles, roots, peat fibers), then it must be sifted through a sieve. I mix clay soil with sand until it becomes loose, crumbly.
I disinfect the prepared substrate with a strong hot (up to 100 degrees) solution of potassium permanganate. I also wash the box or bowls intended for sowing begonias with it.

I put the slightly cooled substrate in a box, level and loosen the surface layer (this is convenient to do with a hair brush). Then I immediately scatter the begonia seeds without planting them in the soil.
I cover the box with begonia crops with glass and put it obliquely (at an angle of 30-45 degrees) in a warm place (20-25 degrees Celsius). The water that accumulates as a result of condensation inside on the glass flows to one of the edges of the box, without falling on the begonia seedlings.

After 7-8 days, the seeds of tuberous begonia germinate. Starting from this moment, I periodically remove the glass to ventilate the crops. Otherwise, tender begonia shoots may rot.

I install a box with begonia seedlings in a bright place or illuminate them with DS lamps, adjusting the distance between the lamps and plants as they develop. The distance should be about 7-15 cm.
Without artificial lighting and with a lack of natural light, begonia seedlings stretch, lie down and can wither.

It must be borne in mind that the root system in young begonias develops very slowly. They should be watered regularly, but the substrate should not be too damp. Otherwise, the thin short roots of begonia seedlings will rot, and only a memory will remain from the crops ...

I spend the first picking of begonias when the seedlings have a second or third true leaf. I plant them in the same soil at a distance of 2 cm from each other. In the future, the grown seedlings of begonias are placed when picking according to the 4x4 cm scheme.

With the onset of spring days, I shade young begonias from direct sunlight. By the time the begonia seedlings are planted in the ground (late May or early June), the compact bushes look stronger. In the middle of summer, seedlings of young tuberous begonias bloom.

Makarov A.S. (Gus-Khrustalny)

Plant propagation is a question that is always of interest to any grower. To properly grow flowers at home, you need to clearly know the main rules and principles of transplantation and reproduction. In this article, we will talk about how to grow from seeds such an interesting and popular flower in horticultural circles as begonia.

Peculiarities

Begonia is an annual or perennial flower native to the Begonia family. To grow begonias from seeds on your own, you will need a lot of work and constant monitoring. With the help of seeds, you can get an ever-flowering and decorative variety. It is also quite possible to grow tuberous begonias, but it will take a lot of time. For the result to be successful, it is necessary to select reliable planting material, know exactly when to plant seeds, and follow agrotechnical rules.

There are several types of begonias, for example, tuberous large-flowered "Camellia"(red).

It can bloom all summer and autumn. From the seeds it is able to appear and strong, healthy flower "Chanson". This begonia can be used to decorate rooms and landscaping balconies, windows, terraces. Begonia "Purple Variation" can bloom almost all season and endure adverse weather. I must say that absolutely all begonia flowers look beautiful.

When is the best time to plant?

In order for the reproduction of the flower to continue throughout the season, you can use the seedling method. With it, at home, seeds are sown in the soil and wait until sprouts appear.

Usually sowing lasts from the end of January and can continue until April. The correct time is calculated depending on the characteristics of the begonia development cycle. In order for the flower to bloom early, it is recommended to plant seeds in the winter. At this point, the roots will actively develop in the plant, and it will be able to adapt to new conditions.

If you sow the ever-flowering begonia early, then by the time of transplanting, the seedlings will become overgrown. Such plants will be difficult to take root, and will lose their decorative qualities. If the flowering time comes very early, then the number of flowers will become smaller. Therefore, it is better to sow such begonia in February.

Tuberous flower seeds should be planted even earlier, until mid-January. Then the plant will form leaves and buds.

If all sowing dates are observed, the tubers will develop normally and reach a diameter of about 3.2 centimeters.

How to choose seeds?

Before planting seeds at home, it is important to understand what kind of seed is needed. In order for begonia to grow beautiful and healthy, you need to select reliable and good specimens for sowing. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing.

• Best before date. It is necessary to choose fresh planting material collected this year.
• Size. Granular seeds are more comfortable to plant in peat tablets. They may have a hard shell of nutrients, and this contributes to their larger size. Simple grains have small volumes, so they need to be sown in special containers or seedling boxes.

Preparation

To get healthy begonias from seeds, you need to prepare all the necessary materials. First you need to choose the right container for sowing. The main requirements are that it must not be too deep, and must also have compact dimensions. As pots for seeds, you can purchase:

• dishes for sowing seedlings, which are sold in a garden store;
• wooden boxes with low sides;
• peat tray;
• silicone molds for cakes.

Now you need to pick up the soil. Choose soil that will have a good effect on the development of begonias. For this flower, it is better to purchase slightly acidic or neutral soil.

Such soil can be bought at the store or you can make it yourself. To do this, mix the following components:

• leaf land obtained as a result of rotting a large number of leaves - ½ part;
• peat - ¼ part;
• sand - also ¼.

The prepared soil mass must be sifted using an ordinary sieve - it will help remove excess lumps. Now you can pour the prepared mixture into pots for planting.

If you don’t want to make soil for begonias, or you don’t have enough time to make it, then you can use peat tablets equipped with a grid to grow flowers. The nutrients that are contained in the tablets are well suited to ensure that the flowers grow healthy. But such soil should always be watered, as the soil can dry out quickly. If the soil is not moistened, then the flower seeds will not be able to survive.

Florists highlight one more requirement for the preparation of growing begonias, and this is the disinfection and disinfection of planting material. To disinfect future flowers, begonia seeds must be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Many also recommend pouring the solution over the soil or calcining it. Thus, you will be able to take care of the prevention of pests and diseases in advance.

Landing

It is quite possible to grow begonia using a seedling method. Before planting granular flower seeds, you need to know all the features of this process.

1. You should take peat tablets, put them in a tray with liquid, and leave them to soak.
2. Next, the seeds must be spread on the surface of the tablet and sprinkled with liquid.
3. A film or glass must be attached to the top of the container. If you need to water or ventilate the seeds, then the shelter is temporarily removed.
4. You need to water the seeds through the pan so that the peat tablets cannot dry out.

This option for planting begonias has a certain minus - usually flower seeds germinate for a long time.

In addition, it should be remembered that not all seeds will germinate, and therefore, for insurance, purchase additional planting material and peat tablets.

If you plant not granular, but simple grains, then they should be placed in a pot with light soil. The day before planting, the soil should be thoroughly watered. To facilitate the process, the grains will need to be mixed with sand and spread in a small layer on the soil. Then you need to cover this pot with glass or film, and put it in a warm and not too dark place where the temperature can be maintained at least 25 degrees Celsius. Using this method, the seeds will germinate after 11-26 days.

The emerging begonia sprouts are small, thin and hard to see. To properly develop new "pets", you need constant watering. But this process should be carried out carefully, experts advise using a syringe or moistening the bottom of the pan. The container in which the flower grows must be constantly opened to ventilate it and remove condensate. It is necessary to illuminate the future flower well, but be sure to ensure that the direct rays of the sun do not fall on the sprouts (at noon, the seedlings should be slightly shaded). If the daylight hours are short, then you will have to use artificial light for seedlings.

As soon as the seedlings sprout, you will need to add an admixture to the soil for decorative leafy flowers. After studying the instructions for preparing the fertilizer, make a solution with a dose 3 or 4 times less than the recommended one. As soon as the seedlings get a little stronger, the soil will need to be loosened from time to time. The shelter is gradually removed so that the begonia can grow indoors. The main thing is to monitor the leaves during this period. If the leaves drop, then the pot with seedlings must be covered. The soil should always be moist, but not soaked. If there is too much water, then a white coating will appear on the seedlings, and the root system will begin to rot.

If you need to transplant seedlings, then it is better to do this at the end of May, when the flowers have already become well formed. In order not to damage the fragile root system and soft shoots, it is necessary to transplant flowers by transshipment.

The soil for flowers should be light and loose, it should contain good nutrients. As soon as the transplant process is completed, the begonia immediately begins to be properly watered and top dressing is added regularly. For irrigation, you need to use warm water that has been infused or filtered. In the summer, the flowers are watered abundantly, but they should not be poured too much either. Plants should be watered every 4 days. If the weather is too hot and the soil dries out quickly, the flowers need to be moistened even more often. Excess water that accumulates in the pan must be drained after half an hour or an hour.

In autumn, flowers should be watered rarely, and when winter comes, the liquid supply is completely limited. Top dressing should be added to the flowers at the moment when the buds are laid. Liquid complex fertilizers must be provided once every 15 days. As soon as flowering is over, top dressing will need to be stopped. In winter, you can not apply fertilizer at all. However, in winter, do not forget to spray the plant - dry air from heating does not affect his well-being too well.

When does a flower sprout appear?

If begonias were planted from December to March, then the first shoots begin to appear 14 days after sowing. As soon as fresh shoots get a little stronger, they must be swooped down. Remember that begonias will not always be able to bloom in the first year of life. It also happens that sprouts can appear faster - on 6-8 days, but most often you have to wait three weeks for sprouts. As soon as the sprouts appear, you need to make sure that the temperature is about 21-23 degrees.

Important: even if the sprouts appeared very quickly, the seedlings may freeze in their development for a while. This is a normal condition, you just need to wait a little while the plants adapt to the new conditions and will actively grow again.

Transfer to a permanent place

If seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place, then transplantation should be carried out from the beginning of June. The following general rules will help in this process.

• The upper side of the tuber should not be deepened; it should peek out of the ground a little.
• Before the plant is planted, it is necessary to pour fertilizers, which include potassium and phosphorus, and thoroughly water the begonia with water.
• Remove the plant from the pot carefully so as not to damage the root system or stems.
• The distance between tall plants should be 36 centimeters. If the begonia is ampelous, then a distance of 11 centimeters is enough. For a hybrid variety, for example, Griffin, you need a distance of 26 centimeters.
• Begonia should be transplanted to bright and open areas. Where there is a lot of shade, flowers will not bloom.
• Transplant flowers in light, slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil. Before you start planting, the soil will need to be dug up well.
• The begonia root should be developed by the time of transplanting, and can be 21 centimeters long.

Begonia from seeds is a laborious but rewarding job. You can propagate these flowers from cuttings, but with the right support, home seedlings will turn out stronger, stockier and with lush, large buds.

Begonia variety selection

At home, two types of begonia seedlings can be grown from seeds - decorative flowering and ever flowering. Popular varieties with double flowers.

Important! It is also possible to grow tuberous, if you do not mind the time.

If you plant it in early March, then the tuber will grow only by December - wait almost a year. All this time you need to monitor the temperature and humidity. The occupation is quite troublesome, but for enthusiastic people it is interesting.

Experience in growing ever-flowering begonia in peat tablets:

How to choose seeds

There are two types of seeds: ordinary and in granules (they are also called coated). Ordinary untreated ones look like dust. 1 g of such dust contains 60,000 seeds - it is difficult to evenly distribute them on the ground. Granular ones are another matter, they are covered with a nutrient solution, due to which the seeds become large, and it is more convenient to sow them in peat tablets.

Important! Seeds must be "fresh": experienced gardeners say that every year their germination decreases. Therefore, it is worth buying only the seeds of the current year, even if the packaging indicates germination for 3-4 years.

Below in the photo - begonia seeds in granules.

How to grow begonia from seeds

It is important to remember that begonias are very delicate and easily damaged. Therefore, the method of growing in "pills" is less traumatic, it does not require a dive with disturbing the roots. They are simply lifted and transferred to a pot of soil.

When to plant begonia seedlings

Sowing begonia seeds falls on the period from February 20 to March 10, at this time the daylight hours increase, there will be more sun and heat, and growing, respectively, becomes easier. Some flower growers recommend sowing begonias on March 15-20, the flowers will be later, but more magnificent due to the abundance of natural light and heat. Begonia blooms about 5 months after sowing: that is, in late June or early July.

Some grow begonias in January to admire the flowers in May. But this is true only in the southern regions. Everyone else will have to light up (as an option - with a regular table lamp). The winter sun is definitely not enough. Of course, at the germination stage, light is not of great importance, but it takes a lot of it for the growth of begonias that have already sprouted.

Important! Ever-flowering begonia cannot be planted with seeds at all before the end of February: it will simply outgrow by the time it is transplanted into the ground, it will be difficult to take root and bloom poorly.

Seedling containers

Growing begonias from seeds is most successfully carried out in peat or low trays - it is easier to maintain optimal humidity in them without stagnation and souring.

Soil and seed preparation

For cultivation, slightly acidic light loose soil with peat is selected. It and the seeds are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. You can buy ready-made soil for begonias, or you can cook it yourself: mix leafy soil, fine sand and peat in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. And then sift through a sieve.

How to plant begonia seeds

Planting begonia seeds for seedlings is in two versions.

Option 1 - grow into peat tablets:

1. They are placed on a pallet and soaked in water with zirconium.
2. 3-5 pieces of seed granules are placed in each. It is important that the seed does not fall into the recess in the center - then it will not germinate.
3. Humidify with water from a spray bottle.
4. Cover with polyethylene or a plastic cup - for the effect of a "greenhouse", to maintain humidity and heat.

Water begonia seeds through a pallet or from a spray bottle. You can not fill in the growth point.

Important! Sprouts do not tolerate even light drying - you need to moisturize on time.

The required temperature is from 22 °C to 25 °C. Germination - within 2 weeks.

Option 2 - grow in seedling boxes. For this, ordinary untreated seeds are also suitable.

The technique is as follows:

1. Drainage is arranged from pebbles or expanded clay, since the main condition for the development of begonias is the absence of stagnant moisture, aeration.
2. The earth in a pot or box is moistened and covered with a layer of snow.
3. The seeds are evenly distributed over the snow - the snow will begin to melt and smoothly draw them into the ground.
4. The box is covered with foil or glass. Ordinary seeds can be mixed with sand to make it easier to sow.
5. The box is placed in a bright place, but without direct sunlight falling on it - they will easily burn out the sprouts.

Important! It happens that the soil in the container after planting is covered with a thin cobweb or pollen. This means that the soil was of poor quality or poorly cultivated before sowing. In this case, it must be sprinkled with a solution of phytosporin.

After sowing, every morning it is necessary to spray with a spray bottle and protect from direct sunlight. The hatched sprouts are tender as threads. Even if they dry out a little, they will die - at the germination stage they constantly need moisture. When planting granular seeds, make sure that the shell dissolves with water - it can also dry out and “crush” the sprouts.

seedling care

Begonia sprouts quickly, but grows slowly. Immediately after germination, she freezes a little. At this time, it is important not to harm her, water only with a sprayer.

Care involves:

• drainage and timely watering;
• keep away from the hot sun and batteries, so as not to burn the sprouts;
• cover with a film, heat not less than 22-24 °С at the stage of germination, after germination, reduce to 20-21 °С;
• It needs 12 hours of light to grow. That is why gardeners recommend sowing begonias at the end of March, when the day has become longer. If there is no sun in your 12 o'clock band yet, then additional lighting will be required.

Begonia shoots from seeds must be hardened off. To do this, 12 days after germination, they begin to lift the film and leave the box half-open for 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing this time to 1.5 hours a day. So the sprouts will "get used" to the usual environment and acquire resistance to diseases.

How to do a pick

Important! The pick is made 1 cm deeper than in the general container. Then the begonia will give additional roots and get stronger. If planted above ground level, then it will dry out, it is difficult to take root. Drainage is still important - expanded clay, pebbles, shards, vermiculite.

The pick is done three times:

Warning: Look at the ratio of potassium to nitrogen in the fertilizer. If there is a lot of nitrogen, then begonia will grow at the expense of flowers. It is better if the components are 50/50 or with a predominance of potassium. Dilute by dividing the recommended dose by 3.

Begonias are planted in open ground when frosts have passed, that is, in early June (with a distance of 20-25 cm between each other). And a flower garden on a closed balcony can be organized already in May, immediately after the third (final) pick in decorative pots, hanging baskets and trays.

Possible problems and pests

After picking, begonia seedlings also need care. Here it is important to avoid several growing problems:

1. Leaf scorch - do not water on a hot day, preferably in the evening or in the morning.
2. Stretching - Begonia stretches when there is a lack of light, combined with an excess of moisture and heat.
3. Lack of flowering and darkening of the leaves - due to overdrying.
4. The pallor of the flowers is from the strong sun.

To be short and stocky with large flowers, the begonia needs full sun and little moisture. Therefore, the best place for growing is a bright window, but not in the south, where the sun is. And water as the soil dries.

Begonia can also be affected by pests: root rot and powdery mildew - it is necessary to ventilate the balcony from it and not overmoisten the soil, as well as aphids and spider mites - they must be treated with a fungicide in time.

What affects germination

Lack or excess of moisture and heat is the main reason why begonia seeds do not germinate. Usually the seeds germinate within 14 days, but sometimes they are delayed up to 20 days. If after 20 days shoots did not appear, then you need to repeat the sowing. According to the experience of flower growers, the average germination rate is 40-50% due to the complexity of planting.

Conclusion

Begonia from seed is a great option for growing large quantities of strong seedlings with lush blooms. For example, to decorate a closed balcony or garden. Cuttings, as opposed to domestic begonia, are often capricious and difficult to take root. For growing from seeds, it is better to take evergreen or decorative flowering varieties. Plant in slightly acidic soil, water with a spray bottle, protect from the open sun. And then - dive into cups from 50 to 100 ml three times and feed four times with fertilizer with a predominance of potassium.

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A beautiful, bright flower in the garden or on the window of an apartment is the dream of all gardeners. However, growing begonias from seeds takes time, experience and certain knowledge. It is also very important to choose a good planting material and the time to sow the seeds. At home, begonia grows well, but requires more attention than after planting in the open field. Next, some secrets of growing a flower will be revealed.

If you have to grow begonias from seeds at home step by step, then the seeds of the tuberous flower must be planted as early as December. When you need to plant a flower in a garden or vegetable garden, the planting is transferred to early spring. If the seedlings are intended for the southern regions, then they are sown at the end of March or in April so that the young plants are not overgrown. Since in this form they lose their decorative appearance and may die.

Begonia propagation: basic methods

Begonia propagates in several ways, by tubers, vegetatively, stem cuttings, leaves or seeds. Most people choose to grow begonia seedlings from seeds, which is not difficult. In appearance, the seeds of this plant are very small and do not differ in good germination. However, if you follow all the features of growing begonias from seeds, you can get excellent planting material.

There are many varieties of this flower. Where there are semi-shrubs and shrubs, annuals and perennials, terry and empty varieties, one-color and two-color. Therefore, each grower chooses for himself what to plant on his site. Of course, you can buy a ready-made bush in a store or on the market, but there is no certainty that a person will buy what he needs. Therefore, the reproduction of begonias can be mastered independently.

Planting and dividing a begonia tuber

With the onset of the end of summer, begonia reduces flowering and is going to rest, so you need to decide: dig up the tubers or leave the flower to bloom further at room conditions. To propagate and plant begonias with tubers, efforts will have to be made. First, the bush must be dug out along with the ground and placed in a dry place without cutting off its leaves and stems. The best option for storing it is a ventilated place where there is no moisture. Since the leaves of the plant dry in autumn, all the nutrients are collected in the tuber. As a result of such features, a large tuber is formed in a month. In order for this root not to dry out during the winter, it is placed in a box with dry peat or sand for storage.

It is very important to know that the tubers can dry out during the winter. To prevent this, you need to occasionally moisten the substrate in which they are stored. And if everything is done correctly, then in the spring the flower tubers can be planted in the ground. The question immediately arises: how to plant begonias in order to get abundant flowering and a healthy bush? During planting, the tubers are arranged in such a way that the smooth lower part is at the bottom, and the more concave, with buds, is at the top. You can determine these differences with the naked eye, so even an inexperienced amateur grower can handle it. The place where the kidneys are located is more bumpy, uneven, so it is easy to determine.

If there is a good, large begonia tuber, then if desired, it can be divided into several parts, which will allow you to get several young plants at once.

Many flower lovers are interested in how to grow begonia from a tuber and what to do for this? If there is a healthy, strong tuber, it is divided into parts, each of which is about 5-8 cm in size. It is very important that each such piece has a kidney. After dividing, the cut site is sprinkled with ash, and parts of the tubers are placed in separate pots with moist soil. The divisions are arranged vertically.

After planting, the pots should be covered with a film and placed on a well-lit windowsill so that the plant gives new roots. After a while, a few leaves will appear on the seedling, after which the film is removed. During the reproduction of the tuber, and when the young bush develops in a pot, it needs to be fed periodically so that the begonia becomes a strong, healthy and beautiful plant. Only under good growing conditions will it please its owners with lush greenery and abundant flowering.

The division of begonia cuttings

Ampelous begonia usually propagates by stem method. To do this, a strong stalk is selected that has at least two buds, it is cut at the bottom at an acute angle, leaving 5 mm from the bud. All large leaves that are present on the branch are cut off by half. Now part of the stem is ready for planting. Next, you need to make a sufficient hole in the substrate and place a branch there. For this, pots or open ground are used, but in any case, the cutting must be covered with a bag or a jar to create the effect of a greenhouse. Twice a day, the container must be removed to ventilate the soil and the young seedling.

Sometimes gardeners use an ordinary plastic bottle instead of a jar or bag, the bottom of which is cut off. If condensation appears on its walls, then the cap is removed from the neck, and after it disappears, it is twisted again. If the propagation of begonia by cuttings was correct, then after 15-20 days the branch forms roots. When propagating a flower in this way, each cutting behaves differently. For example, some develop very quickly, while others may stop growing for a while.

For planting cuttings, a special substrate is used, for the preparation of which they take a mixture of sand and peat with a ratio of 3: 1. The most suitable temperature for growing should be at least +22 degrees. Even cuttings from the stem of begonias take root perfectly in water, but for this the water temperature should be from +22 degrees. For planting rooted stems, a soil mixture is prepared, for which they take equal amounts of greenhouse soil, manure, high-moor peat, algae and a little river sand. The most suitable container for planting is a pot with a diameter of 14 cm, which has good drainage.

Varieties of begonia

Today, the tuberous begonia flower has more than 1000 species, as well as more than 2000 hybrid forms, so it is very difficult for each plant to give a specific botanical group. In addition, according to different classifications, begonia can be decorative-flowering, decorative-deciduous, rhizome and tuberous, deciduous and evergreen, creeping and tall, perennial and annual. At home, the cultivation of tuberous begonia from seeds and its reproduction is perfectly carried out. Indeed, in room conditions, many varieties and types of flowers grow, each of which requires a special approach. Below are varieties of begonias that are very common in the homes of flower lovers.

Begonia ampelnaya Chanson

Beautiful, decorative ampelous begonia, which has semi-double and double flowers with a camellia shape, their diameter is about 6-8 cm. The bush has 5-8 main shoots that reach up to 40 cm in length. Large-flowered begonia blooms for a long time and abundantly, the flowers themselves are bright, very large, sometimes they have two colors. The curved stems hanging from flowerpots, hanging baskets or planters look very beautiful, which makes the ampelous form of the flower the most in demand. Chanson ampelous begonia does not lose its decorative effect throughout the year, therefore it is often grown as an original, perennial indoor flower.

Begonias have large tubers that can be stored until spring, so if desired, they can be planted in open ground. For a flower, semi-shady or light places are chosen, where the soil is rich in organic matter, and constant soil moisture is provided. If you need to get seedlings, the cultivation of ampelous begonia from seeds begins from the end of May to April. Seeds are scattered on the surface of the earth, tamped a little and sprayed. Next, the planting container is covered with a film or glass to create suitable conditions for seed germination. When planting is carried out in February, the crops need to be provided with additional illumination. After 5-6 days, the first shoots appear, which dive after the appearance of a pair of true leaves. At the end of May, seedlings are planted in open ground.

To get abundant and long flowering, plants must receive timely watering, loosening, regular weeding and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.

Begonia Odorata

Popularly, this begonia is called Angelica - it is a herbaceous, hybrid variety that reaches a height of 20 cm. This flower is known to many for its delicate aroma. In appearance, begonia Odorata is a sprawling bush with hanging shoots, dark green leaves with jagged edges. Its inflorescence is terry, large and corrugated, the buds are about 8-9 cm in diameter.

The petals of the flowers are white, and the outermost ones are pink. Flowering begins in June and lasts until October. For planting, it is desirable to choose sunny places or partial shade, the soil should be nutritious and loose, neutral. The tubers are planted in separate containers in February and through April, and then they are placed in a permanent place. Such a white begonia will be a wonderful decoration for every garden, room or balcony. It is advisable to dig up its tubers and store in the sand to provide the flower with a dormant period. The plant loves moisture and heat, waterlogging is unacceptable for it. With good care, the flower will give the owner abundant flowering, due to which the leaves are not visible. This variety is propagated by tubers, seeds and cuttings.

Gardeners also prefer such begonias: Go-go, Griffin, Alcor, Non-stop, Fire Cascade, Bella, Rainbow and Accord.

Begonia diseases and their prevention

If good care is provided, then begonia in the country or at room conditions is very rarely sick. However, infections and pests can penetrate everywhere, even into the house, especially if the flower is kept on the balcony, where pests have access. Therefore, when growing this plant, a very important role is assigned to prevention. Also, in order not to develop begonia diseases, it is necessary to observe the cultivation standards, choose the right variety, remove diseased plants in a timely manner, disinfect the soil, and ensure good watering.

Growing ampelous begonia with seeds is quite troublesome, because the procedure requires constant monitoring. But subject to a number of agrotechnical nuances, the result of the work will bring exceptionally positive emotions. As a rule, decorative leafy or ever-flowering varieties of begonias are grown from seeds, but tuber crops can also be grown in the same way (although the process is quite slow, so remarkable patience is required).

The ampelous form of begonias is very popular among those flower growers who love unpretentious crops with beautiful asymmetric leaves and semi-double / double flowers. Characteristically, lush flowering, excellent decorative characteristics and extreme ease of care allow growing ampelous begonia even for novice growers.

On a note! Representatives of the family reproduce mainly by cuttings and tubers, but in some cases the use of seeds is the only available way to obtain begonias with the right number of leaves and the necessary flowers.

In order for the plants to be strong and healthy, they need to provide suitable conditions, which should be known about even before starting work.

Ampel begonia - photo

Table. Conditions for normal development

Name	Short description
Lighting	In view of the light-loving nature of the ampelous begonia, it should be placed in a lit place, but the direct rays of the sun should not fall (this can lead to burns). The light should be bright, but at the same time diffused.
top dressing	The first feeding should be carried out when the shoots grow. As a rule, nitrogen fertilizer is used for this, which stimulates development. For subsequent top dressing, it is recommended to use a fertilizer that is intended specifically for begonias. From the beginning of budding and during the entire growing season, top dressing should be applied once every two weeks - so flowering will be more abundant and long-lasting.
Temperature	The optimum temperature for the culture - in particular, for flower stalks - is considered to be 20-25 ° C.
Humidity level	Low humidity is detrimental to begonias. To achieve the optimum level of humidity, the plant should be placed next to a peat tray that is constantly moistened. And the air around the culture (especially on hot days) should be sprayed regularly, but so that the water does not fall on the flower itself.
Watering	The plant needs to be watered regularly. If the soil dries out, then the root system will simply die. Water used for irrigation should be softened and settled.

Now, having dealt with the features of care, we will directly consider the cultivation procedure.

You should start with the fact that it is recommended to grow this plant from seeds at the end of February or at the beginning of March - it is then that the duration of daylight hours actively increases, and the activity of the sun increases markedly. Thanks to all this, maintaining the required temperature will be much easier.

Stage one. We prepare planting material

Begonia ampelnaya "Alcor F1" Begonia ampelnaya "Carmen F1"
Begonia ampelnaya "Venus" Seeds. Begonia "non-stop f1", orange

Start work with the selection of high-quality and most convenient seed material for yourself. In special stores, you can buy begonia seeds, which can be of two types.

1. Granular - such seeds are more convenient to sow, because they are large due to the special coating of nutrients. Ideal for spot sowing using peat or coco tablets.
2. Non-granulated (regular) - do not have a nutrient shell, which means they are smaller in size and are most suitable for sowing in special seedling containers.

Stage two. Sowing seeds

The sowing procedure depends on which seeds you use. Let's take a closer look at each of the two possible options.

Option number 1. We use granulated seeds

Such seeds, as noted earlier, are more convenient to sow, and they are more suitable for sowing in peat tablets (or in coconut ones, but the procedure will look the same). This method is convenient in that it allows you to do without picking, which is so dangerous for developing young plants.

For sowing, first take the tablets themselves, place them on a tray and soak thoroughly with water. After that, put a granular seed on top of each tablet, lightly sprinkle with water (the temperature of the latter should be at room temperature), which is more convenient to do with a spray bottle, and put something on top to maintain the required humidity level (it can be a plastic cup, PET bag, etc.). In the future, pour the tablets through the pan. Watch the humidity level with special care, because the sprouts that appear can easily dry out.

You can also plant such seeds in cassette-type containers: place two granules in each cell filled with earth and press them a little (this will speed up the dissolution of the shell), and then cover the container with something. It is also important that you take about one and a half to two times as many seeds as the plants required for the output. For example, if you need 20 seedlings, then buy 40 seeds.

Video - How to use peat tablets

Option number 2. We use regular seeds

In this case, use seedling boxes for sowing. The soil should be slightly acidic, as close to neutral as possible.

To prepare the soil mixture, use:

• sheet soil;
• sand;
• soddy soil.

On a note! Due to the fact that begonia seeds can be affected by mold, it is advisable to wash all the ingredients that will be used for the mixture with water and heat-treat in an oven for half an hour.

After that, mix sand, turf and sheet soil in a ratio of 1: 1: 4. Try to prepare the soil before the frost hits. Or, alternatively, buy ready-made soil.

It is not easy to sow ordinary seeds, because they are very small (there are about 60,000 seeds in a gram). For this reason, start by moistening the soil in the boxes, preferably 24 hours before planting. Also, do not forget about the drainage (“pillow” of small stones), which must be laid on the bottom of the boxes before backfilling with soil. Next, take the seeds and evenly distribute them over the surface, then cover with glass or plastic. Immediately after sowing, it is not worth watering, because the seeds will be drawn into the water deep into the ground, which is why seedlings may not appear.

The temperature in the room where the seedling box will be located should be approximately 24-25 ° C - so the seedlings will appear more “friendly”. As for the germination time, it ranges from 9-25 days.

Seedlings of ampelous begonia in a container - photo

Video - Sowing begonia seeds

Stage three. Taking care of seedlings

When the first sprouts begin to appear, try to protect them from exposure to direct sunlight, and do not allow the soil to dry out. The seedlings will then be very tender, so give preference to the bottom watering (place the boxes in a pan filled with water). You can also lower the temperature somewhat - somewhere up to 21 ° C.

If seedlings appeared in January, then they will suffer from a lack of natural light (the days are still quite short this month). Plants will be underdeveloped and weak, most of them will die altogether. In this case, first think about providing piece lighting. Ideally, seedlings should be under constant light for at least 12-13 hours a day. At first, additional lighting will work even after midnight, but as the length of the day begins to increase and the seedlings develop, this time will gradually decrease.

On a note! You will also have to gradually harden the seedlings - slightly open the film and keep the boxes in this position for 15 minutes. Increase both the degree of opening of the film and the hardening period daily so that the begonia becomes accustomed to its natural environment.

Thanks to this, you will prevent the development of fungi, which inevitably appear with excessive watering and non-compliance with the temperature regime.

Stage three. picking

If you use peat tablets for growing, then picking is not required. If the above temperature regime was observed, then the first shoots will appear in two weeks. Later, when each plant has three true leaves, transplant the seedlings along with the peat mass and cover with a layer of soil. Top with a little water. Actually, that's all.

In the case of ordinary seeds, everything is somewhat more complicated - about 50 days after sowing, the seedlings need to dive. If you plan to sell seedlings, then transplant them into separate cups: take the same soil that was used when sowing, arrange drainage at the bottom and fill each of them (cups) with soil so that about 1 cm remains to the edge. It is important that the cups are at least 10 cm in height. If you are designing hanging baskets, then take wide flat pots and dive four or five plants at a time.

Arrange the cups so that the seedlings are well lit and do not need to be rearranged / turned over from time to time. In parallel, lower the temperature a couple more degrees. The stems will stretch naturally, so there is no need to use growth promoters. However, two weeks after picking, complex fertilizer must be applied; in the future, the plants should be fed at the same intervals. During the growing season, use nitrogen fertilizers, and during budding and flowering - only phosphorus-potassium.

After about 20-22 weeks, the seedlings will grow to a size at which it can be transplanted to a permanent place. Often, ampelous begonias are planted in hanging baskets and pots, placed on balconies, terraces or verandas. At the beginning of summer, the first flowers will open. The flowering period itself is quite long (lasts until the first frost), but if the pots are brought into the room, the begonia will bloom a little longer.

On a note! Flowers on this plant are of two types - male (large) and female (small). In case of insufficient care, large flowers can fall off, because of which the begonia will lose its decorative effect. That is why it is necessary to strictly observe the agrotechnical requirements described in the article.

Video - We accelerate the development of begonias

As a conclusion. Diseases, pests

If you break the rules of care, then the leaves and buds may well fall off. This will indicate that you have not watered it often enough, and the air humidity is too low. If a whitish coating has formed on the surface of the plants, then powdery mildew has appeared. In this case, the leaves damaged by the disease will have to be removed, and the plants themselves should be treated with a fungicide.

Another ampelous begonia can be damaged by a red spider mite, which often happens in closed rooms with dry air. This may be indicated by the appearance of yellowish spots on the leaves. And if you find such spots on a begonia, then immediately treat it with a systemic insecticide.