Begonia Dragon Wing and Baby Wing Seed germination and cultural information

Plant type: Glasshouse Perennial

Uses: Hanging baskets, large containers and garden beds

Plant height: 30 - 40 cm

Sowing: December - March, for main May/June sales

Sowing to transplanting 7 - 8 weeks

Sowing to flowering 20 - 22 weeks

14 cm pot with 2 – 3 plants per pot 7 – 9 weeks

20 cm pot with 3 – 4 plants per pot 8 – 10 weeks

25 cm pot or hanging basket with 4 plants 9 - 11 weeks

Note: Baby Wing™ is approximately 2 weeks earlier than Dragon Wing™

Temperature 18 ºC

pH 5.4 – 6.0

Feeding Begonias are heavy feeders. A high nitrogen feeding program starting as soon as

the plugs have rooted out should promote a good plant foliage structure.

Keep an EC level of around 1.0.

If the leaf edges turn reddish more water and feed is needed. After bud initiation

a high Potash 1:1:3 feed will help flowers to develop.

Watering Produce on the dry side to help prevent any fungal diseases.

Growth regulation Chemical growth regulators are not required in most situations. If a compact

plant is required the variety responds to Daminozide (Dazide, B-Nine) at 2.5

g/litre, 2 – 3 weeks after transplanting

Pot size 14 cm – 25 cm. Also in hanging baskets

Advice It is important to position plugs properly when transplanting them into baskets

and containers. The growing shoot must point outwards to the outside edge of the

container to form an attractive display as the plant matures.

Due to directional stem arching, it is very important to position Dragon Wing™  plugs properly when placing more than one plug into baskets and containers for finishing.

Plugs must be placed with the growing shoot facing outward, toward the outside of the container. This is the side of the plant the flower is on. The directional growth remains consistent as the plant matures ensuring flowers on the outside of the finished container.

These are light loving plants. Generally long days and high light levels will give good quality plant

growth. High intensity direct sun however may cause scorching. Daylength does

not affect flowering time

Common diseases Damping off of seedlings (Pythium or Rhizoctonia). Botrytis - Grey mould on

mature plants in high humidity, poor ventilated conditions.

Any chemicals referred to should be used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.