Growing ampelous begonia from seeds at home. Tuberous begonia from germination of the tuber to the beginning of flowering How begonia sprouts from seeds
Begonias are considered mid-December - early January. For planting you will need shallow boxes filled with nutritious and loose substrate, consisting of:
- 2 parts humus;
- 1 part leaf soil;
- 1 part sand.
Begonia seeds are very small, so there is no need to plant them in the soil. Lightly compact the surface of the substrate and sow the seeds.
To disinfect, the soil must be moistened with a solution of foundationazole.
For the convenience of gardeners, manufacturers often make seeds in, sowing them is much easier. Use for planting. Place them in a container and wet them. After the tablets have swollen, place one seed at a time on the surface and press down a little.
Cover the box with glass and place it in a bright and warm place at home. For begonia to germinate, a temperature of 20-22°C is required. Water every day in the morning with warm water using a spray bottle, and ventilate for an hour. Periodically wipe off condensation from the glass, since drops falling on crops can cause begonia seedlings to rot. After 2 weeks, when all the seeds have sprouted, the glass can be completely removed.
Place the container with the seedlings in a sunny but cooler place with a temperature of 17-19 ° C, water as the top layer in the box dries. About a month after planting, when 3-4 true leaves appear, plant the begonia in small peat pots. Dig up and plant plants very carefully so as not to damage the fragile root system.
When growing begonia seedlings in peat tablets, water the plants through a tray.
At the beginning of May, take the boxes with begonia seedlings into the greenhouse. On warm sunny days they need to be opened, gradually accustoming the seedlings to external conditions. Already at the end of May, the shelter can be completely removed to harden young plants.
How to plant seedlings in open ground
Plant begonia seedlings in open ground after the threat of return frosts has passed in early June. A week before planting in open ground, feed the plants with potassium phosphate at the rate of 5 g per 10 liters of water and reduce the watering dose.
When planting begonia seedlings in a flowerbed, the soil surface must be thoroughly leveled and moistened. Make small holes and place plants in them. Place the roots freely, leaving the root collar on the surface of the soil. The distance between seedlings is usually 10 cm, and between rows - 13-15 cm.
If the plant varieties are low-growing, then the distance between flowers can be reduced to 7-8 cm. Ampelous begonia is best grown in hanging pots and flowerpots.
Begonia is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant of the Begoniaceae family.. The genus includes about 1,500 species, which are represented by shrubs, subshrubs and “creeping” herbs. In the wild it grows in places with a subtropical climate characterized by high humidity, but can also be found on mountain slopes at an altitude of about 4000 meters.
Begonia was named after the Frenchman Michel Begon in the 17th century. He was the organizer of scientific research on the vegetation of the Antilles. Thanks to him, the expedition of Charles Plumier took place, in which this bright plant was discovered.
Begonia leaves are asymmetrical, with smooth or serrated edges. In many species, the undersides of the leaves tend to be red, brown, or purple. The upper part is usually green, but with various patterns and beautiful inclusions.
The plant boasts abundant flowering. Begonia flowers come in either one color: white, red, pink, orange, or with edging in various shades.
Reproduction methods
Home care
Begonia is a shade-tolerant plant, but with sufficient lighting its flowering will be more gorgeous. The optimal location of begonia is southwest or southeast windows.
In general, begonia is an unpretentious plant, but it can behave capriciously regarding watering.
Basic rules of watering
Begonia loves well-humidified air, but at the same time does not tolerate excess moisture in the soil. Proper watering consists of following these rules::
- Begonia should not be sprayed, as water getting on the leaves can cause yellow spots to appear. Humidify the air using a regular humidifier.
- In summer, it is recommended to place pots with begonias in a tray filled with wet gravel.
- In winter, it is best to place a bowl of water next to the plant. Its evaporation will provide optimal air humidity.
- Begonia is usually watered once every 2-3 days. In hot weather, it is permissible to increase the frequency of watering, and in winter - reduce it to once every 5-7 days.
- It is necessary to water the begonia with settled tap water. If the water is too hard, it is recommended to pass it through a filter or use cooled boiled water.
During the period when the seeds have just hatched and the first sprouts have appeared, preference should be given to watering with a sprayer.
At this time, you can also use a bottom watering system. It consists in placing boxes with seedlings in a tray with water. Such watering will ensure that the soil is saturated with moisture and will not damage fragile young plants.
Conclusion
Thus, by following some rules, even a novice gardener can try to grow beautiful begonias from seeds. Of course, this activity is quite troublesome, but worth it. After all, only by growing begonia from seeds can you preserve the purity of the variety and admire the wonderful flowering for a long time.
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Currently, there are about four hundred different species of begonia, and the variety of varieties is simply amazing. This wonderful plant is unique in that it can display gorgeous blooms, in no way inferior to roses, or it can bloom with modest flowers, but at the same time have such beautiful foliage that you will not find in other plants. With its species differences, begonia causes controversy even among botanists. Every year its popularity increases, gardeners resort to various methods of propagating this favorite, but begonia grown from seeds is of the greatest interest.
In private collections and for growing in greenhouses, two types of begonia are most often grown: tuberous and evergreen.
Begonia propagation
Begonia is very popular among flower growers, and each of them dreams of getting their favorite specimens. In addition to its popularity, begonia is also a very mobile plant, constantly moving to new owners. Fortunately, propagating begonias is not difficult even for inexperienced gardeners, and once you get the coveted leaf, you can later become the owner of a gorgeous flowering specimen. The most accessible ways to propagate this plant:
- propagation by seeds;
- growing from cuttings;
- propagation using tubers.
Begonia propagation by seeds 
Growing begonia from cuttings
Reproduction of begonia by dividing tubers
For proper propagation using this method, the tubers must be prepared and germinated. When preparing material for planting, it is necessary to divide the tubers so that each part has a bud with a sprout. The cut areas may rot after dividing, so it is recommended to sprinkle them with crushed activated carbon tablets from the first aid kit. After this, the treated incisions are dried for 24 hours in the open air. Then you should properly plant the tubers in containers with soil, without deepening them, but only pressing the lower part into the soil. It will be possible to finally cover the plantings with soil only after the shoots have grown to five centimeters.
A similar method is used to rejuvenate plants. With age, tuberous begonia loses its decorative qualities, flowering becomes less lush, and the foliage is not so bright. To avoid natural aging and return the original varietal characteristics, the tuber is divided, thereby returning the plant to its previous appearance.
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Propagation by cuttings
The cutting method of propagating begonias has its own subtleties. Before using this method, the tubers must be at rest from the beginning of September, and in January, having rested and gained strength, they will be ready for planting. To preserve the tuber and prevent its complete depletion, shoots are grown on it for no more than a month, otherwise the mother plant can be lost. Overgrown shoots are carefully separated from the tubers, and the sections are treated to prevent rot with crushed coal. It is recommended to plant cuttings in boxes filled with a soil mixture of two parts of leaf soil and one part each of sand and peat.
Propagation of begonias by cuttings 
Rooting of plants will occur faster in warmth and light. It is necessary to spray the plants periodically and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. If you have little planting material, you value it and are afraid of losing the only cutting that came to you “by chance,” you can do it differently. Having prepared the cutting in the above way, it is important to plant it correctly in the soil and then create a small greenhouse for it. To do this, place the planted plant along with the pot in a plastic bag, tie it and leave it in the light.
You can use the “grandmother’s method”: after planting the cutting in the soil, cover it with a glass jar, in this case a half-liter one will do, and place it on a warm windowsill. Soon droplets of moisture appear on the glass, which means everything is going well and your pet begins to “breathe.” The jar is not removed until the cutting begins to grow, and after the leaves appear, the plant is gradually accustomed to free air, removing the jar first for a short time and gradually increasing it. By the way, this method is also good if the cutting is taken from an adult plant, in which case the established specimen will give you flowering earlier.
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Propagation by seeds
Sowing time
Propagation by seed is an interesting process, and growing begonia from seeds is also exciting. Flower growers always look forward to spring to begin sowing. Our summer is short and spring is late, so if you sow seeds in the soil after the end of return frosts, you can expect flowering plants by the end of summer, or you may not wait at all. In order for your flower garden to delight you from May until late autumn, you need to grow plants in seedlings, sowing seeds at home in prepared containers with soil. It’s better not to rush into sowing, especially if you don’t have additional lighting. But you shouldn’t be late either, so this important stage begins at the end of January and continues until April. When to start sowing depends on the individual plant development cycle. So that begonia from seeds can bloom earlier, this period begins in January.
Begonia seeds 
Growing begonia from seeds
Ever-flowering begonia is sown from seeds as seedlings in February, then by the time it is planted in open ground it reaches optimal size and has a developed root system and a compact bush. With earlier sowings, by the time of planting in the flower garden, the seedlings will be overgrown and elongated. This spectacular plant can delight with its flowering all year round, it is not for nothing that this species received such a name. But, unfortunately, it does not overwinter in open ground and is used as an annual plant. Therefore, evergreen begonia is grown from seeds by lovers of indoor floriculture. At home, with proper care, begonia pleases with its flowering constantly as a perennial.
Can be sown from late December to early February.
Necessary equipment
Begonia from seeds, when grown, retains all maternal characteristics, unless pollination by other species has previously occurred. If the plant from which the seeds were collected stood next to the same one, but of a different color, then a surprise may await you as a result. But this makes the process even more interesting, since you can become the owner of a completely new variety. However, if you want to preserve your favorite plant, keep it away from such pollinators during flowering. For sowing, you will need to stock up on shallow containers and soil for sowing. The soil does not have to be fertile, since at the beginning of its development the seed has enough of its own nutrients contained in it in reserve. Containers for sowing should also not be bulky, since the seedlings will remain in them for a short time before transplanting, the so-called diving.
When the seedlings grow up, they will need to be transplanted into separate pots and special soil, purchased in specialized stores. Begonia is a capricious plant, so it is better not to save money and splurge on ready-made soil mixtures for begonias.
How to sow begonia seeds
Often, flower gardeners do not know how to grow begonia from seeds. This question also arises for those wishing to obtain new varieties of this plant, cuttings and tubers of which cannot always be purchased. It’s much easier to get seeds, since online stores are replete with similar offers. Having become the owner of the coveted bag, you need to plant the seeds correctly. Since the seeds are small, before sowing they can be mixed with sand for better distribution over the surface. Some people prefer to simply press the seeds into moist soil, considering this option more convenient.
Important! Begonia seeds cannot be sprinkled on top, as they need light to germinate.
Then everything is covered with glass or film is stretched and placed in a warm place with a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees (for example, near a radiator). At lower temperatures, the seeds may freeze and not hatch. Throughout the entire period, it is necessary to keep the soil moist, but also not to allow it to become waterlogged.
The emergence of seedlings can be expected in two weeks, but these dates may shift slightly in one direction or another due to the quality of the seed material. After the sprouts appear, the plants need to be provided with a sufficient amount of light, otherwise the seedlings will look for it themselves and at the same time become very stretched, and may even lie down. To do this, they are moved closer to the window and the temperature is lowered to 12-16 degrees. The sprouts are gradually accustomed to the open air, and in the first stages they are protected from direct sunlight. When two or three true leaves appear on the plants, they are picked into separate containers with fertile soil. Sometimes you come across advice with a double pick; it’s up to you to decide whether to do it or not. But is it worth disturbing the fragile root system once again?
Remember! When carrying out picking, this must be done very carefully, carefully replanting the plant and trying not to injure delicate tissues.
Watering and fertilizing
During the growth process, seedlings need to be cared for, which will not require much effort if planting and picking are done correctly. All this time, you need to prevent the earthen clod from drying out and water it as it dries. Over time, you will learn to determine this by the weight of the container when you pick it up. Try not to overwater the plant, as if the root system is undeveloped, it can easily rot from excess water and lack of air. If your seedlings are lagging behind in development, it is recommended to feed them with a solution of complex fertilizer two weeks after transplantation. The rate indicated on the packaging must be halved so as not to harm the root system.
Methods for preserving seedlings
By using the right growing methods and creating favorable conditions for growth, you can achieve healthy, strong plants. If you properly care for begonias, following all the necessary recommendations, diseases and pests for this plant will not be terrible. Most often, plants suffer from diseases in greenhouses or in open ground during unfavorable weather. During the seedling period, begonia may suffer from root rot and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can move from neighboring adult plants to begonia. To combat them, appropriate insecticides and fungicides are used. To prevent rot, reduce watering and ventilate plants.
Begonias can decorate any corner of the site with their appearance. These ornamental plants, no worse than roses or peonies, can be grown by anyone.
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Currently, there are more than four hundred different types of begonia, and its varietal diversity goes beyond imagination. Some are distinguished by graceful flowering, not inferior in beauty to roses, while other varieties, blooming more modestly, are distinguished by very decorative foliage. The most popular among gardeners are ever-flowering and tuberous begonias. They are capricious, but at the same time very effective.
Features of the view
Tuberous begonia is a perennial, one of the most beautiful species among these flowers. Every year its popularity only grows, and the number of varieties increases. The difference between tuberous begonia and rhizomatous begonia is that it forms tubers up to 6 cm. It can be grown as a houseplant and as a garden plant.
Begonia has branching stems and shoots And. Depending on the shape of the bush and the size of the flower itself, tuberous begonia is divided into the following types:
- hanging - plants that form on a long vine;
- large-flowered with a total size of 9 to 21 centimeters (for example, begonia Multiflora Maxima);
- medium-flowered - flower size reaches 8 centimeters;
- small-flowered crops.
Begonia flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes - from simple to double, reminiscent of camellia, rose or peony.
The difficulty with how to grow tuberous begonia is that each species and variety reacts differently to the same conditions. For example, large-flowered species grow and bloom best in partial shade, while small-sized hybrids prefer bright sunny color. However, almost all varieties react negatively to sudden changes in temperature and even mild frosts outside. Flowering under conditions of insufficient watering noticeably deteriorates. In this case, the root system of the flower cannot fully develop, and the begonia soon dies.
Begonia propagation
The culture can be propagated in several ways: by seeds, leaf cuttings, by growing from a tuberous rhizome (division).
Planting and care are difficult because the seeds of the crop are very small. To make planting easier, the manufacturer sprays each seed with a special soluble coating. Sowing seeds into a pre-prepared substrate can be done using two methods. In the first case, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil, after which the soil must be moistened to stimulate the growth of the crop. In the second case, granulated begonia seeds are laid out on a thin layer of snow. After the snow melts, the seeds will fall into the moist soil on their own.
After sowing the seeds, the planting container should be covered with a special plastic film. When growing begonia from seeds at home, you need to regularly check the room temperature. Shoots appear most quickly at temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the soil must remain moist at all times, otherwise the seed coat may become hard, which will prevent young seedlings from hatching.
Growing from a tuber
Growing a plant from a tuber is the easiest and most reliable way. Material for further planting should be collected immediately after the last flowers of the donor bush have faded. To do this, begonia tubers are dug out of the ground, leaving a little soil on them. Are waiting until the soil is completely dry and place the tuber in a special container filled with peat and sand. The planting remains in the container for the winter. To preserve the plant in winter, the container with soil needs to be watered from time to time. After the cold weather has passed, the tuber must be cleared of soil and planted in a permanent growing location.
Another common method is dividing an adult tuber. This planting method is also used after the winter season.
Plant cuttings
The cutting method is not as popular as the first few. For this planting method, you need to choose a cutting that will have two buds at once. The leaves growing on it are cut off in half. To quickly root seedlings, you can use a substrate that includes a mixture of peat and sand. A special hole should be created in the soil and the previously prepared cutting should be carefully placed in it.
Afterwards, the container can be covered with a transparent bag or a cut part of a plastic bottle can be placed on top. While the cutting is actively rooting, you need to regularly collect condensation from the lid. If everything is done correctly, the roots will form after three weeks from the moment of planting.
Plant care
Uncomfortable living conditions lead to the fact that the plant stops growing and develops poorly. Incorrect lighting, to which tuberous begonia is very sensitive, leads especially quickly to plant diseases.
Growing and caring for this species cannot be called simple. Before purchasing it, you need to clarify what kind of lighting the selected variety prefers. In any case, place the pot in a place that will be well lit, but protected from direct sunlight. It is not recommended to place the plant in a place with unstable lighting, as this can lead to the buds falling off. It has been noticed that begonias practically do not bloom on northern windowsills. Moving the plant often causes the condition to worsen. If the begonia grew on the western side, on the southern side it may get leaf burns.
Flowers also need to be provided with an even, warm, but not hot air temperature..
Watering and spraying
The flowers and leaves of begonia do not tolerate strong humidity, so it is not recommended to spray the plant itself, otherwise obligate pests will appear on it, which will cause the plant buds to rot and large spots to appear on the leaves. Sometimes you need to spray in the room itself, but not get it on the begonia.
In hot weather, the flower requires a lot of water. The soil should be given time to dry between waterings. Water the young plant carefully so as not to damage the tubers.
Feeding and fertilizer
Begonia is highly sensitive to various fertilizers, so during the growing season the crop should be fertilized at least two to three times. It is better not to use only one type of fertilizer, but to add organic and mineral fertilizers. The first time you need to add fertilizer is after the formation of buds, 10-14 days after transplantation. From a large number organic fertilizers Mullein is best suited for the plant. Before using fertilizer, you need to calculate a special proportion. For efficiency per 1 sq. m. 10 liters of fertilizer are used, to which 2 g of boric acid is added.
As soon as the first flowers appear, you need to refill the fertilizer. The plant needs complex nutrition containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. At least 80 grams of each component is taken. The third fertilizing should be included in the soil no earlier than two weeks later. Fertilizer should consist of 20 parts of mullein and one part of magnesium sulfate. For the fourth time, potassium fertilizer must be added to the soil, and for the fifth time, potassium-phosphorus fertilizer with the addition of 15 g of magnesium sulfate.
Winter storage
At the end of summer, watering is gradually reduced; at the end of the autumn season, the tubers of the plant are removed for the winter. To do this, all above-ground parts are removed from them and placed in a cool place. The cellar is not suitable - it is too cold there, this can provoke the development of diseases. In your apartment, you can store tubers near the balcony door directly in the pots in which the begonia grew, or in a box or box with sawdust, sand, peat, or vermiculite. In winter, the tubers are periodically moistened. In spring, new shoots appear from the tubers.
Diseases and treatment for them
From uncomfortable conditions content, begonia weakens and is easily infected with various diseases.
In addition, begonia is often affected by fungal diseases. You can fight them with copper sulfate, and for prevention, the room where the plant is located must be regularly ventilated. Another common disease is bacterial blight, which causes watery spots to form on the bottom of the plant leaf. After some time, the spots will begin to change color and the shoots will turn black. This disease is incurable the plant needs to be thrown away, and neighboring specimens should be quarantined.
However, with proper care, your begonia will produce magnificent flowers that will appear almost continuously for several months.
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