Spring 2022 was the 10th anniversary of Young’s Plant Farm’s trial garden. Our trial garden was started as a way for us to make informed decisions on which products would go into our programs based on success in the landscape, for the homeowner.

Over the years, our garden has made it possible for us to experiment with different combinations and use varieties in a new and unique ways. The garden also allows us to discover which varieties of begonia will be an easy winner for the southern gardener.

XL hybrid Begonias, such as BIG, TopHat, Bowler, MegaWatt, Viking, and Viking Explorer, are a very versatile group of begonias for the south. They can be produced in large packs and pots, planters, hanging baskets, and in combinations. One of the best characteristics of this class of begonias is their garden performance. They perform equally well in the sun or shade and they thrive in the unforgiving southern heat. Their large growth habit and bright colors that combine well with other plants make a great show in the consumer’s landscape. Their heat tolerance mean they are always among the winning plants still surving and thriving at the end of the summer here in Alabama.

Tips on the Early Stages of Wax Begonias

• Tiny seeds, even when pelleted. Don’t wash away the seeds when you saturate media
• Slow crop, radical may not emerge for eight to 12 days
• 100% humidity for the first three to six days is critical
• Light of 20-100 fc in the chamber is necessary for germination
• Only mist through stage 2
• Pseudomonas can be a problem
• Prefers < 2500 fc in late stages
• Seed should not be covered
• PGR should not be necessary
• Avoid ammonium-based fertilizers. They may actually inhibit root growth.