The Tophat Rose variety is a standout with its super-sized flowers in vibrant rose hues. Known for incredible versatility and a fast finish, this variety thrives in a range of garden settings. The green-leaf series presents extra-large blooms on a mound, making it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. The compact growth habit and impressive blooms make Tophat Rose a beautiful and reliable addition to your garden.
Fibrous Begonia Growing Guide
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start fibrous begonia seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last expected frost date. For Christmas blooming, sow seeds in July. For spring blooming, sow seeds in December.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a sterilized, light, well-draining growing medium such as Premier potting soil.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the surface of the growing medium. Do not cover with soil, as begonia seeds require light for germination.
- Cover the seed trays with a humidity dome, plastic, or glass to retain moisture and protect the seeds from drying out.
- Germination:
- Maintain a constant temperature of 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination.
- Expect germination to occur within 2-3 weeks under these conditions.
- To maintain constant humidity and protect seeds from direct sunlight, lightly cover the growing medium with coarse sand or light gravel while ensuring the seeds remain visible.
- Watering: Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a fine mist to avoid disturbing the seeds.
General Care Tips for Fibrous Begonias
- Sunlight: Provide bright, indirect light during indoor germination. After transplanting, choose a location with partial sun to partial shade. Fibrous begonias perform well in shaded areas with dappled sunlight.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to leaf spotting or fungal issues.
- Fertilizing: Begin feeding plants with a diluted liquid fertilizer once seedlings have their first set of true leaves. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season for robust blooms.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have at least 2-3 true leaves. Harden off plants before moving them outdoors by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
- Pest and Disease Control: Fibrous begonias are relatively pest-resistant but may attract aphids or spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap if necessary. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
Additional Tips
- Christmas Blooming: For holiday blooming, sow seeds in July and provide a steady temperature of 70°F during the germination and growth process.
- Container Gardening: Fibrous begonias thrive in pots, hanging baskets, and garden beds, making them versatile for any garden style.
