Begonia F1 Lorraine Love Me

Seed of this species is extremely fine

'Love Me' was the first Lorraine Begonia to be offered from seed, and produces a profusion of soft pink single flowers during the winter months. Raising the plants from seed has two main advantages over vegetatively propagated types.

1. No disease transmission
2. No stock plants to house and attend to

The variety 'Love Me' is a triploid which, like other triploids, has a very low germination average. Recommended that for every 10 plants required 50 seeds are sown. Sow mid-January to mid-March on the surface of a well structured, open compost. A peat/sans mix is ideal. Sow thinly, do not cover the seed but cover the trays in polythene to maintain a high humidity. Higher temperatures are essential for successful germination 20-25°C and it is advisable to check the temperature at seed level. temperatures below 20°C and above 25°C will delay germination.

germination will be complete after 3 weeks and when the plants are large enough to handle transplant into small pots using a well structured peat compost. It is imperative that the compost is not compacted by the transplanting operation or the watering in, as the plant will not grow unless the medium is loose and well aerated. failure to comply with this cultural necessity will result in crop losses.

Light shading is necessary throughout the production cycle as the crop can suffer damage from sun scorch.

grow on in a temperature of 22°C. Lower temperatures cause bud initiation on immature plants so it is essential to keep the temperatures high.

Feed at regular intervals with a balanced feed throughout the life of the crop.

As a guide the following schedules will give good quality plants from the end of October from three separate sowings.

1. Sow January, transplant February and pot during may into 7-9cm pots. Pinch the plants in June and repot during July into 10-12.5cm pots giving a second pinch if required.
2. Sow February, transplant March and pot 3 plants per 10-12.5cm pot in May. Pinch the plants in June.
3. Sow March, transplant in April and transfer one plant to a 9cm pot in June with a pinch in July.

The Technical and cultural details are written for gardeners and growers, they are not cut and dried and are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a blue print for growing. A guide for you to use and adjust the data to suit your growing conditions. All information is based on UK conditions and should be used for guidance only. No guarantee is given for the resultant crop, or liability accepted for using the information used on this website in any article web page or cd rom.