Among indoor plants, begonia differs in leaf size and attractive appearance during flowering. It reproduces simply and does not require complex manipulations when leaving. Many gardeners grow begonia from seeds at home and get a healthy plant that acts as a decoration for the home.
Begonia variety selection
The begonia culture is characterized by attractive inflorescences, is divided into a large number of varieties and subspecies. When choosing a variety for propagation by seed method, attention should be paid to the following:
- Deciduous begonia - rarely used for seed propagation. Acquired in a specialized store and used for further germination.
- Tuberous varieties are most often used for seed propagation. A distinctive feature is large buds. A plant can bloom for a long time.
- Bush begonia - can be propagated by various methods, including seeds.
. Propagation of begonias by seeds.
Begonia grown from seeds does not lose its characteristics and quickly sprouts for further transplantation to a permanent place.
Dates of begonia sowing
Begonia from seeds at home requires compliance with the timing of planting. Depending on the type of seed, the timing may vary. If seeds are purchased in a specialized store, they are planted a little later, since planting material has already passed preliminary preparation. If homemade seeds are used, begonias are planted in mid-January.
Selection of seeds for planting in the ground
Important!To facilitate the sowing process, the seeds are mixed with fine sand and evenly distributed over the surface of the soil.
When does a flower sprout appear?
Everblooming begonia, whose seedlings appear 15 days after planting, requires careful care. After germination, small shoots reduce the growth rate and freeze for a while. It is important to ensure that thin sprouts are not damaged during watering.
Begonia sprouts after planting
Choice of capacity for sowing
Evergreen begonia is a popular plant, growing from seeds at home which requires a properly selected pot. For landing use small containers. Subsequently, the plant is transplanted to a permanent place. As a container for planting seed can be used:
- a container for growing seedlings;
- silicone molds;
- special peat tablets;
- shallow trays.
Capacity selection
Note! The pot should be wide, but not deep. This will speed up the seedling process and facilitate the care of the plant.
Soil preparation
Growing tuber begonia at home from seeds requires preliminary soil preparation. Soil for planting is purchased in a specialized store or prepared independently. To make a nutrient mixture yourself you need:
- mix part of the sheet soil and half of the peat and sand;
- sift the resulting mixture so that there are no lumps, and fill the container.
Additional Information! Begonia seeds are small, so they are not planted too deep, otherwise the sprouts will appear for a very long time.
Sowing seeds
In order to get fast shoots, it is important to follow the features during sowing. Planting seeds is necessary in the ground to a shallow depth. Top the seed should not be covered with soil, this can lead to the death of the seed. For landing, the following step-by-step instructions are provided:
- fill the container for planting with a nutrient mixture;
- carefully water the soil and leave for several minutes so that all the water is absorbed;
- carefully plant the seeds in small holes;
- top cover with a film or glass.
Using a film allows you to create a greenhouse effect and accelerate seed germination. If the seeds germinate in the summer, you should regularly remove the film and let in fresh air so that the seeds do not suffocate.
It's important to know! Sow the seeds should be an even layer. This will increase the number of shoots. After the appearance of sprouts, you need to carefully thin out leaving the strongest specimens.
Sowing in peat tablets
To make the plant germinate quickly, it is recommended to use special pressed peat tablets. Perform the following algorithm of actions:
- tablets are placed in a container that does not leak moisture;
- hot water is poured into the container so that the compressed peat begins to gradually swell;
- monitor the condition of the tablet, if necessary, water is added;
- the seed is placed in the center of the swollen peat;
- After the seeds have been planted, the container should be covered with foil and placed in a sunny place.
The use of peat tablets for growing begonias
In order to accelerate the process of germination, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the nutrient mixture, regularly moisten.
What affects germination?
In some cases, the seed germinates poorly, and flower growers cannot wait for the sprouts. The following factors can affect seed germination:
- Incorrect storage of planting material. In a cold and wet place, the sprouts may not appear.
- Not enough moisture. If there is no regular watering, the soil will dry out and sprouts will not appear.
- Incorrect temperature conditions. In order for the seeds to germinate, it is necessary to place a container with a sprout on the windowsill. The temperature for germination should be at least +25 ℃.
You should know! The growth of the sprouts can be affected by the long storage period of the seed. Seeds can be used for planting for three years.
Transfer to a permanent place
Tuberous begonia is grown from seed planting and care of planting material does not differ from other varieties. After the plant sprouts, it is transplanted to a constant place of growth. Before planting, you should choose the right pot. Capacity should be medium in size. The roots of the plant have an average degree of development. Root processes should not be very constrained by the walls of the pot. Actions when transplanting a plant to a constant place of growth are as follows:
- In the prepared container, it is necessary to place small pebbles as drainage.
- Mix in equal proportions leafy mixture, peat, sand and humus. The resulting nutrient mixture fits tightly into the pot.
- Moisten the soil thoroughly.
- Make a small excavation in the soil.
- Take out the seedlings with the soil and place in a new place.
- Tamp the soil.
Transplanting seedlings to a constant place of growth
If peat cups are used, it is possible to plant begonia in a pot together with a peat tank. Subsequently, the peat cup will fall apart.
Important!It is not recommended to use deciduous soil in places where oak or willow grows. Such soil may contain tannins that adversely affect plant growth.
What if the begonia seeds do not germinate?
If sprouts do not appear, the container with seedlings is placed in a warmer place and the irrigation regimen is regularly monitored. In some cases, the sprouts may not appear due to poor seed. In this case, it is recommended to plant new seeds and cover with plastic wrap. Even if not all seeds germinate, you can pick and leave the strongest seedlings.
Basic watering rules
When growing begonias, it is important to follow the rules of watering. Features:
- after planting, watering must be carried out by spraying with a spray gun;
- sprouts are not recommended for spraying, as this can lead to the appearance of burns and yellow spots;
- water the plant once every three days;
- in summer, a pot with a plant is placed in a tray with water; the roots themselves will absorb the required amount of fluid.
Before use, water is pre-settled and only then used for irrigation.
Begonia is grown by various methods. Seed allows you to get a large number of seedlings without compromising performance. It is important to choose the right planting material and follow all the rules of planting in the ground.
