Tuberous Begonias From Seed

Sown in January to Bloom the Same Year

As Begonia seed is very fine, almost dust like to look at, it should be mixed with twice it's volume of very fine, dry, silver sand. The compost can be John Innes Seed or any of the readily available soil-less types. After, firming gently, a small amount of finely riddled compost is placed on top. The tray is then immersed in a shallow trough of clean water. When the compost appears wet on the surface it is removed and allowed to drain overnight. Your seed may now be sown. Immediately after sowing the surface should be sprayed with a mist sprayer to settle the seed. Now cover the tray with a sheet of glass and place in a propagator with the thermostat set at 20 degrees C.

The compost should be sprayed every two or three days and never allowed to dry out. Wipe the glass and turn once a day. Germination usually occurs in 7/10 days.

These tiny plants are very susceptible to cold and draughts so will be kept in the closed propagator for a week or two when a little air may be gradually introduced. At this time lights are necessary to prevent the tiny plantlets from forming miniature tubers, as these that do so, are very difficult to restart into growth. The most readily available lights are fluorescent which should be hung six inches above the plants and be on for 14/16 hours per day. The temperature can be reduced to 15 degrees C. when the first true leaves have formed and transplanting can take place a week to ten days later into the same compost as used for sowing.

Further potting on is required when the roots have developed sufficiently with moves into 4 inch pots by early May

Begonias may also be sown later in the year when lights are not required. These plants will not flower the first year but will make useful tubers for the following season.

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