Double Begonias

Double Begonias

(Fibrous)
Doublet

The Doublets are a double flowered series of begonias. They offer outstanding greenhouse and garden performance. Their habit is mounded and well suited for production in 4”-8” containers and hanging baskets. They are also an excellent choice for mixed containers. Typical crop timing is 10-19 weeks including time in propagation.

Double Begonias are available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Double Begonias can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84, and 105’s.

Media

Choose a well-drained aerated propagation media

Avoid media containing peat moss which will hold too much water

Choose a blended media with other components or inorganic media such as Oasis® or Rockwool®

Bottom Heat

Bottom heat will promote healthy root development.
Maintain bottom heat at 70-75°F/21-24°C.
Mist will cool the media temperature. Monitor media temperature closely and frequently.

Rooting Hormones

Doudble Begonias roots easily without the use of rooting hormone. However, time to root and uniformity in rooting may be improved with use of a hormone.
Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

Average days with mist vary from 6-9 days depending on environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
Mist cuttings so they remain turgid but avoid over misting that results in saturated media.
Over misting will result in slow rooting and possible problems with root rot and botrytis.

Pinching

Cuttings should not be pinched in propagation

Growth Regulating

Growth regulating shouldn’t be necessary in propagation.

Propagation Cycle: 5 weeks

Growing ON……….

Media
Choose a media with the following traits:

Good aeration
Porosity between 5-15%
Sterile

Irrigation/Fertilization

Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development. Once plants have established do not allow to dry excessively which will result in damage to foliage and flowers.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
Apply 200 ppm constant liquid feed.
Avoid fertilizers high in ammoniacal nitrogen.
A slow release product may also be used to supplement a constant liquid feed program and may provide improved performance for the consumer.

Maintain pH between 5.5-6.2
Optimum EC is 1.5 to 2.0 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Diascia can be grown successfully at a wide range of temperatures but for best results the crop should be established warm. As root growth and top growth begins temperatures can be reduced.
Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65F/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 68-72F/18-22C day and 62-64F/16-18C night temperatures.

Relative Humidity:

Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Provide:

2000 candles/22,100 lux minimum
4000 foot candles/43,1000 lux maximum

Spacing
Establish plants pot tight than space to:

4” pots – 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq. ft.)
6” pots/1 gallon – 14” centers
8” pots – 18” centers

Pinching
1st Pinch- pinch out growing tips 1-2 weeks after transplant

Plant Growth Regulators
Cultural management offers the most effective methods of preventing stretch. Adequate spacing, controlled temperatures and DIF, soil moisture management and good light all promote compact, quality growth.

If needed Cycoce®l as a spray at 750-1500 ppm is effective at controlling stretch.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Thrips

Diseases

Botrytis
Root and stem rots

For recommended chemical controls for disease and insects please consult The Flower Fields Federal Disease Control Chart (463K) and The Flower Fields Federal Insect & Mite Control Chart (541K) at www.ecke.com. Always consult the chemical’s label for rates, mixing instructions and restrictions.

CROP SCHEDULING

Container Size	# of cuttings per pot	Total Crop Time (Weeks)
4”	1 (no pinch)	6
6” / 1 gallon	3	6-8
10” Hanging Basket	3-4	10-14

If you have questions about Double Begonias in production please post your question on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com or call 760-753-1134 and choose option#3 for Technical Support.

We hope the information provided will be helpful. It is based upon data and knowledge (including information provided by the recipient) considered to be true and accurate, but without independent investigation and is offered for the recipient's consideration, investigation and verification, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statement, recommendations, or suggestions in conjunction with any conditions of sale or use which apply to any products, or systems recommended by us. No statement, recommendation, or suggestion is intended for any use which would infringe any patent/copyright.