September 2020 - 36

CULTURE REPORT
Begonia
SILVER and T-REX Series
Bred for hardiness and consumer appeal, these new begonias will
excite growers and consumers alike with their exciting colors and
ease of growth.
Begonia 'SILVER Lace'
BY CHUCK PAVLICH
A
bout 10 years ago, Terra Nova Nurseries
embarked on a breeding program that
would effectively end its propagation of
open market varieties and switch to proprietary,
protectable, cutting-edge breeding. The
company examined what was lacking in the
current offerings and what could be done to
improve them. The Terra Nova breeders then
came up with a few goals, made a plan and
started sourcing the best species they could find
to accomplish their stated goals. The company's
close association with begonia enthusiasts and
the Begonia Society helped achieve its target.
SILVER SERIES
The begonia SILVER Series came out of the
Begonia 'SILVER Treasure'
Begonia 'T-REX Peacock'
desire to make the best, most hardy group of
perennial begonias possible. Terra Nova sourced
the hardiest begonia known from a USDA Zone
5 garden in Western New York. Seed was sent
from a population that lived for 20 years or more
without care or winter mulching, and thrived
during the hot, sticky summers. Crosses were
made with a newly discovered, high-elevation
tropical species known to be cold tolerant and
highly ornamental. Several generations later
and, after extensive trialing, 'SILVER Treasure'
and 'SILVER Lace' were released to the public.
Both varieties are remarkably easy to grow, with
very good consumer appeal.
Propagation. Terra Nova offers liners grown
from lab stock free of both Xanthomonas and
viruses. Cutting grown material can be a risky
venture, and with a tightening of biosecurity,
the company feels this is the best choice in
propagation. The price of tissue culture (TC)
has dropped in recent years, which makes it an
affordable alternative to cutting propagation.
Finish Times. From a finished plug, both
varieties will finish a 4-inch pot in four to six
weeks and a gallon in eight to 10 weeks. It
is recommended that liner not be placed
directly into gallon containers, but rather
36 SEPTEMBER 2020 GPNMAG.COM
Begonia 'T-REX Painter's Palette'
be transferred to a 4-inch pot, then a gallon to
finish. The SILVER series can be grown cooler
than typical begonias, but has also taken heat
extremely well, as witnessed at the University
of Georgia trials in hanging baskets. Optimal
temperatures are between 55 and 75° F with
typical begonia shade.
Media and Fertilization. A well-drained potting
mix consisting of peat or cocoa fiber, perlite or
pumice, and finely ground bark works well for
these types of begonias. Fertigate at 150 to
200 ppm of typical bedding plant fertilizer. Once
established, they benefit from a small amount
of slow-release fertilizer. The EC has a moderate
range of 1.2 to 2.4.
Pinching and Growth Regulators. None
required. The SILVER series branches well from
the base and is compact growing.
Pests and Diseases. Fungus gnats can be
a problem in sodden soils, so watch watering
and let dry slightly to avoid infestations. Slugs
and snails can mar foliage if not attended to.
Growers usually see very little problem with
mites and aphids. Pythium and Phytophthora are
possible but easily controlled. Xanthomonas is
fatal to all begonias, so always start with tested
lab stock.
T-REX SERIES
The begonia T-REX Series
is comprised of six
exciting
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
September 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2020
