There are a huge number of begonias and the gardener has a lot to choose from, as this flower is amazingly beautiful. Many compare its flowering to a rose.
But attempts to grow begonia from seeds often end in failure - the seeds germinate poorly or do not germinate at all, the seedlings get sick, die or develop poorly.
This plant requires a special approach to sowing, so you should adopt the experience of experienced gardeners who have learned to indulge all the whims of a capricious beauty.
Priming
The composition of the soil mixture is of paramount importance.
Take 1 part of the loosest soil you can find, add to it 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite and peat, mixed in equal quantities.
Like all plants with small seeds, the small begonia is very sensitive to soil conditions.
It should be as loose and permeable to air and moisture as possible.
While you can allow some liberties with other plants in this regard, begonias will not be able to grow if the soil becomes even slightly compacted.
Correct sowing
The seeds are very small, so they need to be sown on top of the soil, without covering it with earth. Before sowing, compact the soil a little so that the seeds do not fall into its cracks, otherwise they will not get out.
It is best to cover the soil with a thin napkin, moisten it with water and spread the seeds on top.
Disease prevention
Black leg and all kinds of rot are a real scourge of begonias. Therefore, overwatering is unacceptable.
During the germination period, open the mini-greenhouse once a day, ventilate the interior space and remove condensation from the lid and walls.
Be sure to disinfect the soil. It is best to pour it with Fitosporin and leave it in a warm place for a week.
Then, when planting, use water with "Fitosporin" diluted in it. When the seeds sprout, it is also recommended to water the plants from time to time with water with this or another similar preparation. The first few weeks after sprouting, the mini-greenhouse should not be opened, but it is necessary to ventilate regularly.
Lighting
This is a light-loving plant. If there is insufficient light, the shoots stretch out, grow weak, and often die. Since it is best to sow the flower in December or January so that it has time to grow a good tuber before autumn, you will have to use additional lighting to provide the seedlings with a full daylight (16 hours).
There is also a subtlety that even experienced gardeners often do not know about. Seeds also need to be germinated under full illumination. Many plants can be kept in the shade until shoots appear. But with begonias, everything is different. Seeds need bright light for friendly shoots, so you cannot do without lamps.
There are many subtleties when growing begonias from seeds. Only the main ones are mentioned above. Do not be upset if it does not work the first time. Floriculture requires patience and experience.
