Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/2/2005

Question
I reside in SE PA.
I planted Pizzazz white, green foliage begonias
in April. Shortly after we had a cold spell but
not at or below freezing. Some leaf burning resulted along with some blossom damage. I pruned
the damaged leaves and have fed them miracle grow
plant food every 2 weeks since. They are holding on but don't seem vigorous. What are the chances that I've lost them?
Thank you for your help.  

Answer
Nicholas,
I think that they will be fine.  The key for you is if they now have any new growth....if it's small, that's OK, but you should at this point see some new growth even if it's tiny.

Give them another two or three weeks to regroup, and continue with a MILD feed of whatever you have every two or three weeks.  Be sure that the plants are fed only after they are watered - never fertilize a thirsty plant!  Also be sure to water deeply less often (deep soaking every four or six days is better than a little every day - you want these plants to grow deep root systems!)

I work at a garden center and often plants come in and get zapped by the cold - once the weather consistantly warms up, they usually recover just fine.