| Recommended Containers: |
| 4?, 6? and 8? pots, Hanging Baskets and Combination Planters |
| Consumer Uses: |
| Hanging Baskets, Mixed Containers and landscape/bedding use |
| Temperature Requirement: |
| 65? to 72?F initially to start growth process. 60? to 65?F nights for finish. Plant growth is very much dependent on temperatures. Cooler temperatures will slow growth and hold blooms on plant longer. |
|
Crop planning from cell packs:
|
| Pot Size |
PPP |
Finish Time |
| 4" pot (10cm) |
1 |
5-7 |
| 6" pot (15cm) |
1 |
7-9 |
| 6" pot (15cm) |
3 |
5-7 |
| 8" pot (20cm) |
3 |
8-10 |
| 10" to 12" pot (25-30cm) |
3-4 |
9-11 |
|
| Media and pH Requirement: |
Use a balanced feed at 100 to 150 -PPM Nitrogen with a continuous feed program. Clean water irrigation may be necessary to maintain lower salt levels for controlled growth and maximum flower production. 5.5 to 6.2 pH
Water thoroughly and let soil dry between irrigation. Grow Begonia Gumdrops on drier side for control of water mold diseases. |
| Pinching Requirement: |
| Gumdrops are self-branching and should not require a pinch. |
| Growth Regulators: |
| The best growth regulator for Begonias is monitoring watering. Excessive water stress will reduce flowering. Cycocel at 750 to 1,500 PPM will control height. |
| Disease and Insect Pests: |
| Aphids and Thrip |
| Light: |
Medium light. Extremely low light conditions will cause weak, spindly growth. Excessive light during propagation will cause leaf cupping and dark bronzing (caused by dehydration of leaf margins).
|
| Pythium/Phytophthora: |
| Drench regularly with preventative fungicides to control root disease problems. Allow soil to dry between irrigations. |
| Botrytis: |
| Good air circulation and dry foliage is key to reducing the pressures of Botrytis. Extremely high light conditions and excessive drying will damage leaves during propagation opening the plant system for Botrytis. |
| Comments: |
| Large flowers on a very full plant accompanied by a rounded growth habit. |