Hello, gardener. I am a begonia seed, a marvel of potential packed into a dust-like speck. My needs are simple but non-negotiable. I require light to awaken; do not bury me in darkness. I crave consistent warmth, a cozy bed of around 72-75°F (22-24°C) to coax me from my slumber. My home must be a sterile, fine-textured starting mix, for I am terribly vulnerable to the damp-off disease that lurks in common garden soil. Gently press me onto the surface of the moistened mix, but do not cover me. A clear plastic dome or a sheet of plastic wrap over my tray will create the humid, still air I need to begin my journey.
With the perfect balance of warmth and light from a sunny window or a gentle grow lamp, I will begin to stir. In 14 to 21 days, you will witness my first act: the emergence of my seed leaves, or cotyledons. These are not my true leaves, but they are my first factories, designed to absorb light and fuel my initial growth. During this tender stage, the humidity dome is my best friend, but it must be occasionally lifted to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent mold from threatening my existence. Keep my growing medium consistently moist but never soggy; think of a well-wrung sponge. Water me from below by placing my tray in a shallow dish of water, allowing the mix to drink what it needs, keeping my delicate form dry and safe.
Soon, you will see the glorious arrival of my first true leaves. These will look like tiny, perfect versions of the leaves I am destined to have. This is a sign of my growing strength and independence. Now is the time to remove the humidity dome permanently, allowing me to acclimate to the drier air of your home. My roots are beginning to explore my small confines, and I am developing my own unique begonia identity, whether it be the wing-shaped leaves of an angel wing or the intricate patterns of a rex.
Once I have developed two to three sets of true leaves and my roots have formed a gentle web through the starting mix, I am ready for more space. This process, called pricking out, must be done with the utmost care. Handle me only by my leaves, never by my fragile stem. Gently lift me from my first home and settle me into a new, individual cell or small pot filled with a slightly richer, but still well-draining, potting mix. This gives my roots the room they need to expand and gather more nutrients, building a stronger foundation for my future.
If your plan is for me to eventually grace your outdoor garden, I must be prepared. The protected life indoors has made me soft, vulnerable to the direct sun, wind, and fluctuating temperatures of the outside world. You must harden me off. For 7-10 days, gradually introduce me to the outdoors. Start with just an hour or two in a shaded, sheltered spot, slowly increasing my time outside and my exposure to gentle morning sun. This process toughens my foliage and prepares me for the final transition, ensuring I don't suffer shock when I am planted in my permanent summer home.
