Series: Begonia Rex Dibs™ & Bewitched®
Recommended Containers: 6” to 12” pots and mixed patio containers
Begonia Rex Dibs™ boast high vigor and quick crops times compared to all other Begonia Rex lines. This aggression proves itself in garden performance.
Crop planning from cell packs:
Pot size: Plants per pot (pp) Crop Time (weeks)
6” pot (10cm) 1 pp 7 to 9 weeks
8” pot (15cm) 1 pp 10 to 11 weeks
10” to12” pot (20-25cm) – 3 pp 10 to 12 weeks
Temperature Requirement: 63° to 65° F (17 to 18° C) night temperatures with a minimum of 68°F (20°C) days. These varieties will grow quickly at the above temperature regime but be cautious not to grow too cool.
Media and pH Requirement: Water thoroughly and allow soil to dry between irrigations. Plants should not wilt but do not keep consistently wet or root rot problems may develop. The first signal of damp conditions would be yellowing of foliage and weak growth. The pH of the soil should be maintained at 5.8 to 6.2.
Fertilizer Requirements: Feed with a balanced fertilizer at 100 to 150-PPM Nitrogen. Soil EC should be maintained between 0.8 to 1.2 in a soil-less mix. A clear water irrigation may be necessary to keep salts lower to insure quality plant growth.
Light Level/Shade Level: Grow in lowered light levels. Be sure that the first 2 weeks of growth are in low light situation. 800 to 1000 foot-candles is ideal. After 2 weeks, grow on at 1200 to 1500 foot-candles. Light levels higher than this will stunt the plant, even if you see no burn.
Growth Regulators: PGR’s should not be necessary. Proper soil moisture is the best way to control growth. B-Nine at a rate of 2500ppm is effective if warm temperatures push excessive growth.
Disease and Insect Pests: Aphid, Mites and Mealybug
Pythium and Phytophthora: Provide air movement around plants. Do not transplant rooted cells to deep so to cover stem of plants. Allow soil to dry between irrigations and drench with preventative fungicides.
Preventative sprays for Botrytis and Powdery Mildew is suggested during damp/low light conditions.