A few weeks ago , I had the pleasure of see Coach ’s Cedar Creek Farm in Lucedale , where I was awestruck by the brightly blooming Amstel begonia growing in one of their greenhouse .
These begonias , also known as Rieger begonia , are a unique blend of tuberous and wax begonia .
As I strolled through the nursery , I marveled at the plants ’ classifiable mounding form that achieve a modest height of about 12 inches . Their prime , mostly double or semi - double , presented a frilly charm with multiple layers of petal .
The calendered , dark dark-green leaves , mate with their slightly waxy texture , lend to the overall temptingness of these begonia .
Among the standout variety , Amstel Blitz bedazzle with finespun , smart sensationalistic petals accent by easygoing pink highlights . My personal favorite in the Amstel serial is Amstel Carneval . Its bi - color orange flowers adorned with chickenhearted centers are a radiant fusillade of color that can lighten up up any indoor infinite .
What I love about these plants is the endurance of their bloom . These beauty embellish us with cluster of flush for several calendar month , inject color into indoor spaces during the often - dreary wintertime and early fountain .
In freeze - free mood falling under the U.S. Department of Agriculture ’s plant hardiness zone 10 through 11 , Amstel begonia can be grown as perennials outdoors . Here in Mississippi , you may handle them as annual or have them as houseplant since these begonia prefer temperatures above 60 degrees .
To farm healthy Amstel begonias , you must maintain consistent soil moisture while stave off waterlogged or oversaturated dirt .
check out the soil moisture on a regular basis . Be sure to water the plant when the ground is not completely juiceless but not too wet , either . When growing the begonias in commode or container , insure that they have adequate drainage holes and are not left standing in water .
Apply fertilizer once a month to secure that your Amstel begonias bloom profusely throughout the season .
For this , you could mix half a teaspoon of water - soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water and water the flora with this solution . When applying , check that to stream the mixture at the groundwork of the industrial plant and stave off receive it on the leaves and stanch .
Once in a while , throughout the year , the Amstel begonias may get an unkempt or tall-growing appearance . To cover this , prune or sneak the stems so they have just three to five increase leaf node . This drastic pruning will help the plant recover , and they should set off blooming again in a unforesightful stop of time .
I also recommend take out withered flowers promptly to encourage the plant to concenter its get-up-and-go on bring out new blooms . This will help your begonia continue to flower vivaciously .
Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or someone just starting to search the wonders of horticulture , take add together Amstel begonias to your collection . Their enduring blooms and vibrant colors might be just what you require to light up up your living distance during the colder months .
Source : msstate.edu
