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The Editor's Tutorial |
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.Final
Potting |
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The begonias are now nearing maturity in their annual cycle, they are
"teenagers".
Some fourteen weeks have elapsed since starting, the plants are growing
strongly, the roots have reached the sides again and they are now ready to
be moved on into the pots that they will flower in. All buds will
continue to be removed for at least another three weeks after which
feeding will begin. |
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Judy Langdon |
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Roots have reached the sides of the pot, do
not wait until the plant is pot bound.
Ensure that the plant is well watered prior to re-potting.
The compost to be used is Levington M3. |
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The compost is pre-mixed in a bucket adding sufficient water to
make it cling together. Using tepid water will bring the compost up
to temperature. Here on the South Coast tap water contains an
element of lime, this suits begonias. |
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Ease
the plant out and use this existing pot as a former.
Compact the compost reasonably firmly.
Leave room for a top dressing.
Place the plant into it's new surroundings and tap the pot on
floor/staging to settle the compost. No further watering
will be required for two or three days. (Unless there is a heatwave). |
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Insert a stake as close as possible to the
stem and tilted back about parallel to the side of the pot, then when
the blooms open they will be above the centre of the pot. Draw the
stem back gently using a tie that will not cut into the
stem.
Take care not to damage the root system when inserting the stake. |
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MAXIMUM VENTILATION whenever possible.
CHECK SHADING.
DAMP DOWN warm
mornings only.
STAKE PLANT.
CONTINUE TO REMOVE BUDS FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 3 WEEKS.
COMMENCE FEEDING AFTER 3 WEEKS. ¼ strength alternate waterings. |
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THE
NEXT STAGE |
