Cultivar
B. Begonia x benariensis - The BIG Begonia series of semperflorens begonia
Photos
5 photos
Identity
- Genus
- Begonia
- Name
- B. Begonia x benariensis - The BIG Begonia series of semperflorens begonia
- Originator
- Ernst Benary
- Place
- Muenden
- Country
- Germany
- Region
- Europe
- Plant Type
- Semperflorens-cultorum
- Synonyms and Comments
- Bedding Begonia, Surefire Begonia; landscape begonia
- Publication Reference
- http://www.benary.com/en/product/C4130
- Article References
- http://www.benary.com/en/product/C4130
Plant
- Description
- The BIG Begonia series from Benary seed is the the reemergence of the old gigantea strains of Begonia semperflorens from the late 1800's. These hybrids reach nearly a meter in height, but bloom and perform as well as their smaller semperflorens counterparts. Also sold in the United States as 'Surefire' Begonias and the 'Whopper' series is a sister line from the same crossings. Great for landscapes and large containers. Current colors in the series include: Pink, Red and Rose with green leaf and Red with Bronze leaf.
- Growth Type
- semperflorens
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Plant Habit
- Big and bushy
- Plant Spread
- Medium
- Plant Height
- Low to Medium <1m
- Stem Type
- Erect and succulent
- Stem Habit
- Well Branched
- Other Features
- Landscape plant
- Internodal Distance
- 2 cm
- Sun Tolerance
- sun to bright shade
- Plant Hardiness
- tender
- Pests Diseases
- stem, leaf, and root rots, powdery mildew
Lineage
Parents
No parentage recorded.
Bedding Begonia, Surefire Begonia; landscape begonia
Descendants
No recorded descendants.
Culture
- Propagation Method
- seed either raw or pelleted
- Cultural Requirements
- Germination*:Light is required for germination. 5-10 days at temperatures of 75-80 °F (24-26 °C), and relative humidity levels of 95% or higher. For pelleted seed, slightly higher temperatures and 100% relative humidity aid in uniformity of germination. pH levels of 5.5-6.5 are optimum. Growing On:Transplant plugs after 7-9 weeks and grow on at 62-68 °F (16-20 °C). Fertilize weekly with 150 ppm nitrogen watching to avoid excessive salt buildups. Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate, pH 5.5-6.2. Temperature:Grow at 17-19 °C. For selling harden the plants at 7-10 °C and UV light. Begonia semperflorens does not tolerate frost. Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen, using a complete balanced fertilizer. High ammonium and high nitrogen levels cause big foliage. Avoid pH above 6.5, as high pH causes iron deficiency. Apply Fe-chelate if chlorosis becomes a problem. Avoid high salt levels in substrate.
- Comments
- As with all commercial series the individual colors change or are improved on a continual basis. An entire series may disappear if sufficient improvements are made in a new line of genetics and when the company removes a series from the market they also clear as much old information about the series from any web based sources. They do this to avoid confusing their customer, nothing nefarious, but it makes it difficult to see changes in series over time, so this entry is merely a place marker showing the series at this point in time 2015.
- Known In Cultivation
- Yes, worldwide distribution
- Original Botanical Description or Link to
- http://www.benary.com/en/product/C4130