Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 9

BEGONIA Dragon Wing ,
®

San Francisco™, Santa Cruz®, Surefire®

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: 65 - 70 F
Holding: 60 - 65 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Allow the soil to cycle from
moist to moderately dry levels. Avoid both severe dry downs
and long periods of wet soil, especially in poor weather
conditions. Also avoid excessive soil moisture levels with
freshly transplanted 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™: 6 - 7 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 8 - 9 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
8": 9 - 10 weeks with one 72 cell plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 9 - 11 weeks with three to four 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
These Begonias do not require long days to avoid tuber
formation or dormancy. No daylength lighting is required. These
plants should be grown in a high light area of the greenhouse
for optimal flowering and plant development. Reduced light
levels will delay flowering time, flower coverage, and plant
habit.
GROWTH REGULATORS
Growing these Begonias "on the drier side" will produce a
plant that requires fewer PGR treatments. If required, a light
spray application of Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) at 3ppm - 5ppm
is effective to control Dragon Wing®. It is best to spray San
Francisco™ and Santa Cruz® with Cycocel® (chlormequat) at
250ppm as needed. 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.
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
Dragon Wing, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Surefire®
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.

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.

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

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