Begonias - waste of time?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014.

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  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    I have both seed grown begonias and plug plant begonias this year, and neither is really 'doing', and I cannot work out why. The seed grown are boliviensis, which have grown a bit, but latterly appear to have just stalled (I was kinda hoping that they would be beginning to trail over the sides of the trough planter they are in, but they remain about the size of plug plants.

    The ones I got as plug plants (Apricot shades) are a bit better, but still not exactly vigorous, and again not trailing anywhere yet.

    Sadly, almost my entire display at the front of the house has been based on these performing, so I am increasingly worried that I will have little or no display, especially now that it is getting too late to purchase anything like trailing petunias to solve the problem.

    What am I doing wrong with begonias?
     
    Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014
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  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Not sure FC.
    Could it be the compost??
    I bought some last year and nothing grew in it, mind you, it was my fault, it was going cheap.
     
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      pete, Jun 23, 2014
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      I suppose it could be, but to be fair most other things are romping away with the same compost, watering and feeding. :dunno:
       
      Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Oh well, its not that then

      Were they hardened off well before planting out?
       
      pete, Jun 23, 2014
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      The only thing I can think of is heat and sunlight - are they getting too much? There aren't really any shady places in my garden at the moment, but the begonias are getting full sun nearly all afternoon.
       
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        Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Pull one out and see if its made any new roots, my guess is they have stalled.
        It happens, mostly due to planting out when the roots are not active.
        Can take a while to get going again.
         
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          pete, Jun 23, 2014
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          Is there any way to get them started again - fish, blood and bone maybe?
           
          Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          Would possibly make matters worse.
          Overwatering is easy as well, so if they are not growing only keep them just damp.
           
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          • mowgley

            mowgley Total Gardener

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            I too find begonias fussy boogers sometimes.
            I tried apricot shades last year.
            They like lots of heat.
            Not bothered with them this year.
             
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              mowgley, Jun 23, 2014
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              I found Begonia's hit and miss as well, temperamental to say the least so I don't bother with them now.

              Basket Fuschias are still available FC and they would still have time to get under way.
               
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                Sheal, Jun 23, 2014
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              • Fat Controller

                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                Thanks @Sheal - I might end up going for fuchsias then; right royal pain in the bum though.
                 
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                  Fat Controller, Jun 23, 2014
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                • Jenny namaste

                  Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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                  IMHO Begonias prefer to be away from sunlight most of the time but like to feel warm and sheltered. As you say, fussy little boogers,
                  Jenny
                   
                  Jenny namaste, Jun 23, 2014
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                • al n

                  al n Total Gardener

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                  i planted 2 in pots last year, and they did really well. i left the tubers in and they are growing this year, but quite a bit slower than last year.
                   
                  al n, Jun 24, 2014
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                • Val..

                  Val.. Confessed snail lover

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                  Begonias - waste of time? YES!!! Never bother with them now.

                  Val
                   
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                    Val.., Jun 24, 2014
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                  • Sirius

                    Sirius Total Gardener

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                    I find it depends on where you get them.
                    There is a cheap nursery in Crews Hill where I have gotten mine from the past, that really struggle.
                    This year I got mine from a regular nursery, more expensive, but they are doing better.
                     
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                      Sirius, Jun 24, 2014
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