| I am looking for germination information for Rex Begonias and Buddleia. Particularly, light requirements, germination time and temperature, seed preparation, and any information or problems during germination associated with these plants. |
| Seeds of buddleia have a pre-germination chill requirement. Mix the seed together with moistened growing medium, seal in a plastic bag, then refrigerate for 4 weeks. Or, sow the seeds in a tray, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. After the chill sow seeds just on the surface of moistened seed starting mix (seeds need light to germinate). Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap to help hold in moisture. Seedlings will appear in 20-30 days when kept at 70F-75F degrees. Remove plastic as soon as seeds sprout, and place pots or trays under a source of artificial light. Begonia seeds are erratic to germinate, but most will sprout in 15-60 days. Sow on the surface of moistened seed starting mix and barely press in with your finger (seeds need light to germinate). Place pots or trays in a warm area. Seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks when kept at 70F-80F degrees. Damping-off is a threat to new seedlings, so provide adequate air circulation around plants, water to keep the soil moist but not soggy wet, and provide 14-16 hours of light each day. If you use fluorescent tubes, keep them 2"-4" above the leaves of the plants. Good luck with your new seedlings! |
