Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 12

BEGONIA (TUBEROUS) Funky ,
®

Illumination®, Nonstop®, Bossa Nova®
NUTRITION
pH: 5.5 - 6.0
EC: (2:1 extraction method) .6 - .9
Constant feeding at 75ppm - 100ppm nitrogen with a
fertilizer selected for grower's water quality and soil mix is
recommended. Or, feed 200ppm once per week if preferred.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 68 - 72 F
Growing on: 68 - 72 F
Holding: 66 - 70 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Allow the soil to cycle from
moist to moderate levels. Avoid both dry downs and long periods
of wet soil, especially in poor weather conditions. Also, avoid
excessive soil moisture levels with freshly transplanted plants.
Long periods of extremely wet soil can restrict rooting and stunt
the plants.
To prevent water spotting or burning on sunny days, it is best to
water earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 6 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 8 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
8": 7 - 9 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 weeks with three to five
72 cell plants.
PLANTING
The 72 Liner plants should be planted into a well-drained soil
mix selected to match individual water quality and fertilizer
blends. Care should be taken when removing plants from
the 72 tray. Begonias can root very firmly into the cell
and can "snap off" at the soil line if not dislodged from
the cell. When planting baskets or upright containers using
multiple 72 cell plants, be certain to plant each plant with its
leaf tips/growing shoot facing outward. This will produce a
fuller and more attractive container.

Water in thoroughly without saturating the mix and maintain a
constant moderate soil moisture level for the first seven to 10
days to establish new rooting. Pinching should not be needed
except in the case of taller material at time of planting.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
Tuberous Begonias require long days of 12 hours or more for
proper growth. If exposed to short days (less than 12 hours)
tubers can form and plants will go dormant. If crops are
planted before April 1st, 14-hour daylength extension or
night interruption lighting should be provided. These plants
should be grown in a moderate light area of the greenhouse for
optimal flowering and plant development. If desired, continued
supplemental lighting throughout the crop will shorten crop time,
produce more uniform flowering and improve quality, even after
the onset of long days.
GROWTH REGULATORS
If required, a spray application of Cycocel® (chlormequat) at
150ppm - 250ppm is effective to control growth. Desired
plant habit and quality can also be achieved by controlling soil
moisture levels, greenhouse temperatures and humidity levels,
and by supplying proper light levels to the plant.
Illumination® Salmon Pink, Nonstop® Joy Yellow, and Nonstop
Yellow are more vigorous than others and are good indicator
plants for planning PGR applications.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
There should be little instance of disease if basic cultural
guidelines are followed. Over-watering can lead to Botrytis,
Powdery Mildew, Stem Rot, or Fungus Gnat issues. Control
humidity levels and provide adequate air movement.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Tuberous Begonias finish best in a controlled greenhouse
environment but can be moved outdoors after all threat of frost
has passed and weather is consistently warm (approximately
late May to early June in Michigan). This recommendation is
based on average spring weather and should be adjusted for
unseasonably severe or unseasonably mild conditions.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
12

The rates and chemicals listed are based on our southeast Michigan growing conditions, and are not recommended for nationwide application.
Please adjust the rates and spray applications to your location and facility.

http://www.pwfourstar.com

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

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