Topspin Begonia series

Published August 24, 2016

Topspin Rose
Photo courtesy of Syngenta Flowers

The new Topspin begonia from Syngenta Flowers is a green leaf series ideal for early spring through summer production. Increased plant vigor and cold tolerance allows the flexibility of growing Topspin at lower finished temperatures, providing cost savings and greenhouse efficiency. Topspin begonias are well-matched for early flowering and uniformity across the series. They are available in four colors (Scarlet, White, Pink and Rose) as well as a mix. Featuring outstanding field performance in a wide range of climates, Topspin begonias also thrive in the garden with strong vigor, large flower size and well-branched habits.

For more, syngentaflowers.com

Production

Young plant production

Sow two seeds per cell and germinate at 72-78°F. Expect radicle emergence in 6-8 days. Once cotyledons have expanded, temperatures should be reduced to 68-72°F.
Provide supplemental HID lighting if daily light integral (DLI) is less than 12 mols/day. For early spring production, extending day lengths to greater than 14 hours per day will speed up germination and enhance shoot growth.
Provide 50-100 ppm nitrogen constant fertilization, targeting a media EC of 1.25-1.5 mS/cm² throughout plug production cycle.
Plant growth regulators (PGR) are generally not required in the plug stage. If needed, spray B-Nine at 2,500 ppm or A-Rest at 3 ppm to tone.
Plug crop time is approximately 6-7 weeks in a 288-cell plug tray.

Finished production

Once transplanted* in final container, Topspin can be grown at lower production temperatures with a slight increase in grow weeks (see chart).
Increase fertilization to 100-150 ppm nitrogen, targeting a media EC of 1.5-1.75 mS/cm².
Allow for adequate dry downs in between irrigations. Let media dry down to a moisture level 2 (medium) before irrigating up to a level 4 (wet).
PGRs may be required when growing at warmer temperatures. B-Nine at 2,500-5,000 ppm or A-Rest at 2-6 ppm are effective to tone plants.
Monitor for aphids and thrips.
Maintain good air movement and low humidity, (especially at the end of the crop), to minimize Botrytis infections.

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