Begonia, Fibrous (A)
Annual. Start indoors 10-12 weeks before transplanting after last frost. Sow seed on the soil surface and maintain bottom heat (22-26ºC) to improve germination. Keep soil wet and maintain high humidity until seed germinates (around 11 days). Use clear plastic dome over seeding tray to hold humidity. Once seed has germinated, allow soil to dry to 'moist', but not wet conditions. Remove plastic dome to improve airflow. Maintain temperatures of 20-21ºC through day and night. Apply water-soluble fertilizer at half strength on a weekly basis. When plants are large enough, transplant into flats or larger pots and continue fertilizing with full strength fertilizer once per week until plants bulk up. Provide 14-18 hours of light per day to increase growth.
