Providing the Right Conditions
- 1 Force blooming by letting young begonias mature indoors. If you’re growing new begonias, you can “force” them to bloom as soon as you plant them outside by starting them indoors. ...
- 2 Plant your begonias in partial shade. ...
- 3 Provide your plants with well-drained soil. ...
- 4 Feed your begonias with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks. ...
- 5 Deadhead old flowers to promote new blooms. ...
How to grow begonias organically?
Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Begonias
- Gorgeous shade plant in vibrant colors
- Grows from tubers; should be planted in spring after all danger of frost is gone
- Tubers are not winter-hardy in colder climates
- Provide rich soil, regular water and protection from wind
- Pests and diseases include whitefly and various types of fungus
How to start begonias indoors?
WHAT TO DO:
- Fill the seed trays or small pots with soil.
- In late February or March, plant the tubers (hollow side up) just below the soil level. ...
- Cover with paper or plastic wrap and place on a window sill or other location with indirect maximum light. ...
How to start Begonia seeds?
Seed starting materials
- Soil. I start my seeds in Pro-mix seed start & vermiculite. ...
- Trays, cells & domes. I use 72 cell trays for my begonias. ...
- 6-inch Pots. You will also need containers to transplant into on when your seedlings outgrow their tiny cells. ...
- Watering Trays & Domes. You will also need a waterproof tray to insert your seed cells. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
- Lights. ...
- Heat Source. ...
How to care Begonias in a pot outdoors easily?
- Place begonias where they get early morning or late afternoon sun to ensure that you get the best bloom. ...
- Avoid sitting begonias in containers on hot surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
- Start tuberous begonias inside 3 months before your last frost in the spring for best blooming results. See notes on how to start them.
See more
Why are my begonias not flowering?
Common Reasons Why Begonias Aren't Blooming They may be receiving too much or too little sunshine. Move them to another location and see if they begin producing new buds in a couple of weeks. If you haven't been regularly fertilizing your begonias, it's time to start. If they have become leggy, prune them back.
How do I get my begonias to bloom?
A balanced liquid fertilizer will help encourage your begonias to bloom. Dilute the fertilizer with water at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part fertilizer, then pour the solution around the base of the plant. Fertilize the begonias when you first plant them and then once every 3 weeks after that.
What month do begonias flower?
Bloom Time: Varies, with the most common types, wax and tuberous begonias, blooming from early summer until frost. Bloom times may also vary if grown indoors and some types bloom all year.
How long does it take for begonias to bloom?
Plant tuberous begonia tubers indoors eight to 10 weeks before the average last spring frost in your area. (Flowering typically begins 12 to 14 weeks after planting.)
Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?
Miracle-Gro is a great fertilizer to use on begonias. The brand also has several different formulas that you can use for these plants. It can be applied to both young and older plants.
Should begonias be watered every day?
A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it's hot and dry you'll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.
Should I deadhead begonias?
Pruning and deadheading begonia is recommended to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Also, prune if your plant becomes leggy. This will help the plant have healthier looking growth and helps encourage the plants to put energy towards producing more flowers.
Do you cut begonias back?
You should cut them back up to 1/3 of the plant after flowering. Throughout the year, prune your begonias to shape their growth. If you have winter-flowering begonias, cut them back in the spring after they have finished flowering.
Do begonias like sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
How do I make my begonias happy?
Generally native to humid regions of the world, begonias do not fare well where atmospheric humidity is low. Solutions include hosting your begonias in a humid spot in the house, such as a bathroom. You could also run a humidifier or use a pebble tray.
How often do begonias flower?
Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.
Do begonias like their leaves misted?
Begonias are prone to powdery mildew that can occur if their leaves are kept wet. It is okay to mist the area around your plant to increase humidity, but do not mist directly on the leaves and avoid getting the leaves wet while watering.
How do you perk up begonias?
Place your plant in bright, indirect light, provide high humidity, and keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid saturating the soil or letting it dry out completely. If your begonia is drooping badly, carefully check the roots for signs of rot.
How often does a begonia bloom?
Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.
Do coffee grounds help begonias?
Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.
How do you keep indoor begonias blooming?
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.
How to grow begonias in a garden?
Rather, don’t prepare soil at all, as begonias grow better in soil-free garden mix than then do in typical ‘dirt’. Prepare a mixture of ⅔ peat moss and ⅓ soil-free potting mixture (available at gardening supply stores and nurseries).
How to root begonia?
If you pinch back pieces of the begonia, you can put these in water in your house to root. Once the roots develop well, set the cutting out in a pot to grow a new begonia.
How to save begonia bulbs?
Save the bulbs. At the end of the year when your plants are all preparing for the winter, you can save the bulbs from your begonias to replant the following spring. Wait until the plant has completely browned, and then pull all the major stems/leaves from the bulb.
How tall do begonias grow?
Begonias typically grow 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) tall and equally as wide. Although they are annuals that require yearly replanting, they are well worth the effort.
Why won't my begonia grow?
If the shade is too dense , your begonias won’t grow properly. Choose an area with indirect sunlight and partial shade.
What are the different types of begonias?
There are two general types of begonias: those grown from seeds, and those grown from tubers/bulbs. The seed-started begonias tend to be a bit smaller and difficult to grow, while bulb begonias are sturdier and larger plants.
What side do bulbs grow on?
The bulbs are normally roundish with a convex and a concave side. Plant with the concave side up. If it’s ready to sprout, then you may even see some small red ‘dots’ or ‘bumps’ in this side: these are the buds which will form into stems.
How to get begonias to bloom?
ProFlowers has some suggestions for indoor care; to begin with, keep your begonia in a spot with full to partial morning sunlight, with a temperature of about 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to encourage begonias to bloom?
The best way to encourage begonias to produce more flowers is to care for them regularly. ProFlowers has some suggestions for indoor care; to begin with, keep your begonia in a spot with full to partial morning sunlight, with a temperature of about 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Regular watering is important, but water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. You can add houseplant fertilizer once a month, and prune off any faded or dead blooms to encourage new flower growth.
What are tuberous begonias?
Tuberous begonias are known for their showy flowers, and are either upright or trailing. Their flowers can be single, double, toothed or ruffled, in shades of pink, salmon, yellow, orange, red and white. Cane begonias have straight stems, interesting leaves and clusters of flowers; dragon wing and angel wing begonias are cane types.
What are the different types of begonias?
Types of Begonias. The common wax begonia, or semperflorens, is one of the best-known varieties of the plant. Its leaves have a waxy appearance and flowers that are red, white or pink. Shrub begonias can grow very large, and they are not as common.
Where do begonias grow?
Begonias are native to different tropical regions around the globe, including Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. These plants reproduce from stems that grow under the soil (rhizomes) or from leaf cuttings. Plant begonias in mid-spring, after the threat of frost has passed.
Can you coax begonias out?
Begonias are prized for their wide variety of flower types and foliage colors, but if your begonia is not blooming to its full potential, you can coax out the flowers with a little effort.
Do begonias have flowers?
Popular for hanging baskets, trailing begonias can have year-round flowers in some climates. Rhizomatous begonias are another variety and can develop into large plants. Fans are drawn to their eye-catching leaf colors and shapes.
When do begonias bloom?
Flowers are usually single but may be semi-double or double. Flowering occurs from late autumn to early spring. Stems are usually weak and require support.
What are the leaves of a begonia?
These begonias have handsome foliage as well as attractive flowers. Most leaf surfaces are glossy, but some have a dull surface. Leaf color ranges from pale to dark green to mahogany. Often the leaves are shaped like angel wings. One of the species, B. coccinea, is named “angel wing” begonia, although many varieties in this group are commonly called angel wing begonia.
How to repot indoor plants in spring?
Maintain temperature at 66 to 73 °F. Temperature at night should not drop below 55 °F. Repot in spring. Divide at repotting when plants are pot-bound (roots surrounding the root ball). More information on repotting is available in HGIC 1458, Indoor Plants – Transplanting & Repotting.
How to revive Lorraine and Elatior begonias?
Lorraine and Elatior begonias are usually discarded after flowering but can be restarted by cutting them back to within 3 inches of the crown. Reduce water and keep in a cool location. Increase water in spring. New shoots can be used as cuttings.
What color are Elatior begnoia flowers?
The Elatior begnoia ( Begonia x hiemalis) flowers come in many colors including yellow, white, red, pink, and orange.
How tall do begonias grow?
Cane-stemmed Type: When not pruned, cane-stemmed begonias may reach 10 feet in height. It is a good idea to cut back overly-long stems in the spring or early summer to encourage new growth at the base. The tall, bamboo-like stems may require staking. Cane begonias are among the easiest to grow.
What are begonias used for?
Flowering Pot Begonias: These begonias are used primarily to provide temporary floral color to the home . They flower during different times of the year, depending on the type.
What is the best way to grow begonias?
providing good soil that drains well. selecting a suitable location. providing adequate water. supplying plenty of nutrients for blooms and flowers . With good soil, adequate water and plenty of nutrients, begonias will thrive. They are perfect for adding big color to patios and porches, or directly in flowerbeds too.
Why do begonias not bloom?
As with nearly all annual flowers, if given too much fertilizer too quickly, begonias will use the energy to grow more foliage and roots, and not produce blooms. In addition to leading to less blooms, large doses of fertilizer also cause container plants to outgrow their space long before summer comes to an end.
How to keep begonias blooming all summer long?
How To Keep Begonias Blooming Big & Strong, All Summer Long! Begonias are the perfect choice for adding big color to your flowerbeds, pots and containers, especially when you can keep them blooming strong from late spring to late fall. With their beautiful canopy of leaves, and a wide array of colorful bloom and foliage options, ...
Why do begonias need water?
Begonias rely on moisture in the soil to keep their tuberous roots healthy and active. However, as noted earlier, too much water can cause their roots to rot and decay.
What to use to drain water from flower pots?
For pots and containers, use a high quality potting mix that has plenty of vermiculite or perlite to help drain excess water away. When planting directly into flowerbeds, work in generous amounts of compost to build in nutrients and better drainage.
Why do begonias struggle?
In fact, when and if begonias struggle, it’s almost always due to poor soil conditions. Because of this, it’s important to provide them with loose, fertile and well-draining soil when you plant.
How much space between plants in a flower bed?
Be sure when purchasing to read the planting label carefully to know which variety you have. As for spacing, in beds, allow about 6″ to 8″ between each plants. In a flowerbed setting, this allows enough room for plants to grow together.
How to keep begonias from burning?
According to gardening expert Lindsey Hyland of Urban Organic Yield, The next step is to make sure that your plant has enough light and fresh air. Too much light will cause the leaves on the begonia plant to burn, but it still needs plenty of light or else it will not survive for many weeks under artificial lighting.
Can begonias overwinter?
It’s easy to overwinter begonias to provide color next summer. All it takes is a little space, a bit of care and some good advice from garden experts, who share their tips on how to overwinter begonias below.
Can begonias survive outside?
In milder climates you can overwinter hardy begonias grown as bedding plants in situ outside in the ground, provided they are growing in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil. They will need to be covered with a thick mulch as they won’t survive outside without adequate protection from frosts. A variety well worth growing is Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, above, which is hardy down to 0°C ( 3 2°F).
Can begonias be grown in pots?
Hardy begonias can be grown in pots as well as in flower borders. As the name suggests, hardy begonias are more resilient to cold weather than tuberous begonias but they still require some protection. The process for overwintering hardy begonias is very simple.
Can you overwinter tuberous begonias?
As part of your job list when planning a winter garden is overwintering tender plants. Learn how to overwinter tuberous begonias correctly and they will reward you with just as good a show of flowers next summer. Tuberous begonias are the larger-flowered more showy, often double-flowered varieties most often grown for container planting, but grown in flowerbeds too. This is the type of begonia that most people prize for their spectacular flowers, and it is well worth the minimal effort involved to overwinter tuberous begonias.
Do you cut back begonias in the winter?
Cut back begonia stems to three or four inches above the tuber in fall as you prepare to overwinter them. Do this for tuberous begonias when you bring them into a frost-free space for winter. The stems of hardy begonias, will die back naturally if you’re leaving them outside for winter under a mulch. If you’re bringing hardy begonias inside to overwinter, cut the stems back to three or four inches above the tuber before bringing them into a frost-free space.
Where Do Begonias Grow?
With the exception of one or two species, begonias are tropical or subtropical plants and can be grown as perennials (dying back in fall and regrowing in spring) in zones 9 and 10 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
What are the conditions for a begonia?
Favorite begonia conditions vary by cultivar, as do their bloom and leaf traits. Still, most have similar cultural requirements, including light, soil, water, and fertilizing. Here are a few tips on care of begonias.
How to keep a tuber from dying?
Keep the soil only slightly moist and, when the stems die back, allow the soil to dry out. Remove the dormant tuber from the soil and treat it with a garden fungicide powder before storing it in a dry indoor location between 55 and 65 degrees until late winter.
What is wax begonia?
This popular wax begonia is a compact bedding plant growing to less than a foot, with variegated leaves and pink flowers. ‘Wax’ Begonia (Begonia semperflorens). Use wax begonia, with its deep green leaves, as a shade-loving annual or a tender perennial in warm zones. ‘Dusty Rose’ Begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida).
How hot does a begonia plant get?
They prefer daily temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the mid-60s, but they can often tolerate higher temperatures with protection from harsh sun rays.
What color are begonia leaves?
The leaves on this type of begonia can be quite colorful, ranging from nearly white and soft yellow to deep purple, green, and red, often in exotic combinations and patterns.
How many species of begonias are there?
With more than 1,200 known species, the Begoniaceae family is one of the largest flowering plant groups. Even so, it’s relatively simple to identify begonias because all of its species fall into three main types, sorted by their root systems.
