Since most varieties of hiemalis (Spectrum) begonias flower naturally under short day regimes they are an ideal holiday crop. If you have the proper equipment to get them off to a healthy start, unrooted begonias will provide you with proven Oglevee quality at a lower initial cost compared to rooted cuttings. To get the best performance from unrooted cuttings you must be equipped to properly handle them: root zone heat, automatic misting and sterile benches, pots and soil are required.
Arrival:
Unpack cuttings immediately and place under mist in a shaded area.
Media:
Use a peat mix that is well drained. Wet soil thoroughly before cuttings are stuck.
Planting:
Gently stick cuttings ´" (1.25 cm) deep in the previously wetted media pressing only enough to hold them upright.
Mist:
Do not allow foliage to dry for the first three to four days. Decrease mist 5% each day on days four through eight. Decrease mist 10% daily on days nine through 14. By day 14 cuttings should be rooted, and will no longer require mist. For areas with low humidity or during hot weather, continue to mist rooted cuttings two to three times daily for three weeks to reduce stress.
Light:
Summer - 800 to 1200 foot candles
Winter - 1500 to 2000 foot candles
Nutrition:
Begin feeding anytime after day nine or when base of cutting is calloused. Use 150 ppm N and 75 ppm K; maintain pH between 4.6 and 5.8. Use constant feed program consisting of 15-5-15 at 150- 200 ppm.
Temperatures:
Night-68° F minimum Day - start venting at 75° F Maintain root zone temperature at 68° F.