Begonias

Help...I sowed some cascading begonia seeds about a month ago and so far not a thing!
I have kept the temperature up, given them plenty of light, as advised on the seed packet but all in vain. Am I being too impatient or should i just give up? I would apreciate any advice!!

 

A month sounds a bit long for begonias to me.
They are minute when they germinate, and can easily dry out. Are they in a propagator?
Did you surface sow?

 

Begonia seeds are like dust, I always sprinkle silver sand over them and cover the tray with cling foil,or a sheet of glass, so they not dry up. Usually germinate between 2-3 weeks. Don't give up, Pauline, but have another go. Or why not get the corms, instant flowers in a few weeks time. If you overwinter them frost free, you can use them again, next year. GOOD LUCK !

 

Thanks Pete and Ladybird,
I surface sowed them and did not cover, as per the instructions on the seed packet, and put them in a propagator. I think I can see some tiny hair like sproutings ... maybe things are beginning to happen. However I have sent aeay for some plug plants, but I hate to be beaten and will persevere for a bit longer with the seeds.

 

I've been over-wintering begonia corms. How soon should I start them growing again? I plan to start them in compost in a large polystyrene box in an unheated polytunnel prior to planting them in containers.

 

usually they start appearing in the garden centres about March - so I guess that's probably about as early as you could think about starting, Dave.

 

Thanks Dendi - sounds like logical advice. I was very late with them last year so want to get them started as soon as I reasonably can.

 

Obviously they would get a better start if you could provide some heat Dave. GC plants are produced at fairly high temperatures in order to get them in the GCs as early as possible.

 

I'm intending starting heat in the GH at the start of next month Strongy, so I'll maybe start them off there and then shift them into the tunnel. Thanks for the suggestion!

[ 10. February 2007, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Dave W ]

 

The corms start to show buds Dave when they are wanting to get going, even without compost or moisture, I think its temperature related.
If you just put the corms into a propagator for a couple of weeks it will get them started but I would wait a while yet, early April I find is good enough.

 

Thanks Pete!