from seed: Wax Begonias (Fibrous)

Are there any recommendations of a specific variety to start Wax Begonias from seed? Looks like there is quite a selection in the catalogs. Also, any tips on seed starting them? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joanne

All of the main series do well. I have used Pizazz from Park the past 10 yrs or so, but I imagine that others would do as well for the green leaf varieties.

For germination, I use plug sheets (with a seeder to get the seeds into the individual holes). That way I can leave them in the plug sheets for a good 4-5 wks to get bigger. They are extremely small when they germinate-like the size of pinheads. I don't cover the seeds, but I do cover the plug sheets with clear plastic and mist the seeds and underneath the plastic once a day in the am. Use pelleted sds if you can get them-they are larger, easier to work with-esp with a seeding machine. They usually germinate in about 7 days.

Tigerlily, thank you for the tips. I have ordered some seeds from Stoke Seeds. A mix of Bada Bing & Bada Boom, as well as Big Red.

Well, I sowed them on Jan 12th & yesterday there were a few that have germinated. They are iddy biddy, almost need a magnifying glass to see the little seedling. I had domes on the trays & decided to cover with plastic wrap to bring the tray even closer to the light.

joanna, once I have 50% or so germination with them, then I remove the plastic and mist twice a day. But I don't have them under the lights, just in a grhouse with natural lights. I don't like leaving any germinated seeds under plastic-too much chance of a fungus. They are small aren't they? lol

yes, usually remove domes/plastic at that time too. I have a greenhouse, but do not start it up until March 1st. There isn't enough daylight hours until then. We are at 8 hours 39 minutes now. So I start most annuals indoors & then move stuff out to the GH in March. Gets a little tricky for space toward the end of Feb and into March. I just got electricity ran to the GH last Oct, so now I can have my main propane heat, electric back-up heat and also a circulating ceiling fan. I do start some cool temp germinators in the GH too. So now with the air circulating, it should be better.

edit to add: by March 1st we have about 11 hours of Daylight

This message was edited Jan 21, 2010 11:03 AM

Way to go, Joanne!