Do begonias like sun or shade?
Varying in blossom color, begonias also differ in root type, from storage tubers to stretching fibrous extensions. These bushy plants commonly require partial shade, but specific varieties prefer full sunlight. Bronze-leaf wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) are one of the few cultivars that prefer full sunlight.
How to plant begonias in a pot?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Starting Begonias
- Purchase tubers (bulbs) by mid winter. Since begonias need to be planted in early spring, the best time to find a good selection is during the winter.
- Start the begonias indoors a month before the last frost. ...
- Plant them in small pots or flats. ...
- Place the trays or pots in a sunny windowsill and wait for them to sprout. ...
How to start tuberous begonias indoors?
How to Be Successful With Tuberous Begonias
- Get To Know Your Begonias. Most tuberous begonias have an upright growth habit, but there are also cascading types that are perfect for hanging baskets.
- Pre-Sprout The Tubers. A begonia tuber is shaped like a little brown bowl. ...
- Know When to Plant. ...
- Location. ...
- Care and Feeding. ...
- Watering. ...
- Aftercare in Growing Zones 4-7. ...
- Aftercare in Growing Zones 8-11. ...
How to dry out Begonia bulbs for storing?
Winter Storage of Tuberous Begonias
- Lifting. As the temperatures fall, the tuberous begonia will begin to show signs of stress. ...
- Curing. Allow the tuber, soil and root mass to dry completely and to cure for two to three weeks in a cool area.
- Cleaning. Remove any dried stalk or root material that is left on the tuber with a clean, sharp knife. ...
- Storing. ...
- Planting. ...
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Are begonias seeds or bulbs?
Begonias are amongst the most useful and the most spectacular of summer flowers but there's one problem that ends up defeating many gardeners: the seeds. They're tiny. An ounce contains about two million seeds (that's about 60,000 seeds per gram) and, weight for weight, they're worth more than gold.
Do begonia bulbs come back every year?
Most begonias are annuals (last only one season). You can save tubers from tuberous begonias to replant the next year or bring annual begonias in as houseplants in winter. Some rhizomatous and hardy begonias (B. grandis) are perennial, or come back year after year, in warmer regions.
How do you start a begonia bulb?
If you purchase begonia tubers in the spring, they may have only recently come out of refrigeration. To help them wake up, put the tubers in a 70°F room where they'll get bright indirect light. After a couple weeks, you should see the first sprouts, and that means it's time to plant.
When should I plant begonia bulbs?
springPlant them outdoors in late spring after the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. For earlier flowers, the tubers may be started indoors in pots, about 8 weeks before you expect to plant them outdoors. All you need is a pot, some moist growing mix and a warm, sunny location.
Can I save my begonias for next year?
There's no need to throw them away when cold weather hits and the tops die. The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color. Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: Remove plant from pot before hard frosts occur.
Can you leave begonias in the ground over winter?
Leaving Begonias In The Ground As long as the type of begonia you have is hardy in your climate, then you can overwinter them right in the ground. If they have tubers, then they'll survive as long it stays above 50°F. During the winter, the foliage on tuberous varieties may die back if the bulb goes dormant.
How long does it take for begonia bulbs to sprout?
The tubers need bright light, but it shouldn't be direct light or they will get overheated. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy for the next month or so. The tubers should sprout within two to four weeks, and they're ready to plant when the last frost has passed.
Are begonia bulbs easy to grow?
Not only are tuberous Begonias easy to grow, but they can exhibit an upright or trailing growth habit depending on the variety, making them perfect for a wide range of displays. Plus, they bloom in glorious shades of bright red, pink, coral, yellow, orange, and everything in between to suit all color preferences.
How long will begonias last?
No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care. Cane begonias such as angel wings go dormant if the temperature gets too cool.
Do begonias multiply?
Begonia tubers can be forced to propagate by dividing stem and tuber cuttings and will propagate on their own by seeding and by naturalization in the landscape. Even under the best circumstances, begonias can be finicky to propagate and the failure rate can be quite high.
Do begonias spread?
They grow best with rich, moist soils in partial shade. The hardy begonia reaches 2 to 3 feet in height. This begonia will form a large mass in the landscape; therefore, be sure to give it plenty of space as it will spread. Small, pink flowers bloom in drooping clusters above the leaves in late summer.
Should you 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.
How do you make begonias come back every year?
Keep the soil moist and remove faded flowers. At the end of the season, lift the tubers, cut the stems off just above the tubers and store in dry soil at 4 – 10°C. Then start the process again in March the following year and look forward to another summer of vibrant colour!
Will begonias come back after winter?
In warm climates where the winter frosts are rare to nonexistent, you can leave begonias to go dormant on their own and they will come back as annuals every year. The changing season will usually force dormancy, especially in tuberous varieties.
Are begonias annual or perennial?
They are grown as bedding plants in spring, similar to marigolds, impatiens and petunias. Although they are perennial in a warmer climate, most gardeners treat them as annual flowers. Tuberous begonias are probably the second-most popular outdoor begonia for gardeners.
Do begonias reseed themselves?
Even though most begonias are self-fertile, they require a mechanical means of pollination such as insects or wind. This is to be distinguished from plants that are self-pollinating, which means that they are capable of both selfing and creating seed without an external pollinator.
How tall do tuberous begonias grow?
Most begonias grow in the height range of 6-14" and come in many different varieties specific to the flower form: double, ruffled, picotee, roseform, and hanging basket.
Do tuberous begonias grow in shade?
Characterized by their bright, showy blooms and ability to grow and flower in the shade, begonias make wonderful additions to the garden border as well as containers and hanging baskets. Most begonias grow in the height range ...
Do begonias rot?
It is very important that the garden bed or container you choose has good drainage as begonia tubers are susceptible to rot if allowed to sit wet too long.
What is the best begonia to grow?
For beautiful foliage and a constant display of color throughout the season, grow begonias, such as this beautiful Angel Wing Begonia ( Begonia coccinea ).
How many species of begonias are there?
The Begonia genus is a large and varied group, with more than 1,000 different species. The most common begonias for growing in southern landscapes are the fibrous-rooted semperflorens begonias (or wax begonias) and tuberous begonias.
How to grow wax begonias from seed?
Wax begonias can be grown from seed. Sow the tiny, dust-like seed indoors, on top of the growing medium, without covering, at 68 to 75° F. Start seed about 12 weeks before planting outdoors. Since the seed is tiny, it is often offered in a pelleted form to make handling the seed easier.
Why does Dragon Wing Begonia rebloom?
Dragon Wing Begonia ( ( Begonia x hybrida ‘Bepared’) reliably reblooms because it is sterile and does not expend energy on producing seeds.
How big are tuberous begonias?
Tuberous begonias have 2- to 4-inch wide flowers in white, yellow, orange, rose, red, and pink. They are available either in upright varieties or with trailing stems 12 to 18 inches long. The trailing types are nice to plant in hanging baskets.
How to replant tuber begonias?
Dig tubers before the first frost. Cut tops back to within a couple of inches of the tubers. After dry ing, pack the tubers in cardboard boxes between layers of vermiculite, peat moss, or wood shavings and store at 45 to 55° F.
What are the problems with begonias?
The major pests of begonias are mealy bugs, spider mites, thrips, scales, snails, and slugs. Begonias may be sensitive to insecticidal soaps. For more information on how to test a small application area for sensitivity, see HGIC 2771, Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control. Begonias are also vulnerable to viruses transmitted by thrips like Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Viral infection can cause distorted leaves, black patches on the leaves, or light-colored rings or wavy lines to form on the leaves or blooms. Remove infected plants to mitigate the spread of viruses. For more information on insect and disease problems, see HGIC 2104, Flowering Bulb Insect Pests, HGIC 2049, Powdery Mildew, and HGIC 2100, Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight).
How to plant begonia bulbs?
To properly plant begonia bulbs, start the begonias indoors in small pots or flats about a month before the last frost . Once the danger of frost has passed, find a sha dy spot and dig holes about 2 inches deep, spaced 8 inches apart. Place the begonias into the holes lightly pat soil around the tubers.
What is the size of a begonia?
Begonia flowers range in size from half an inch to almost a foot across. They come in every color except for blue. Cascading begonia types, such as illumination begonias, are perfect for planting in hanging baskets, since they'll grow over the edge and trail toward the ground.
How to keep begonias from breaking?
Stake the begonias if necessary. Taller varieties may get so big that they tilt over, and staking can prevent them from breaking. Place a bamboo pole or another stake into the soil a few inches away from the main stem. Attach the stem to the stake using garden twine. As the plant grows, you may need to add more ties to keep it from leaning over.
How to grow begonias in a pot?
Place the soil in the pot or flat you're using to start the begonias, stopping 1/2 inch from the rim. Plant the begonia tubers hollow side-up, spaced three inches apart. Cover them with 1/2 inch of the soil mixture. Use a 6-inch (15.2 cm) pot for up to two small, 1 to 3-inch (2.5 to 7.6 cm)diameter bulbs or one larger bulb.
How to revive begonias?
Deadhead the begonias regularly. They will bloom throughout the growing season, so attend to them often and pinch off any dead or dying blossoms. This will allow the plant to redirect energy to producing new flowers.
When do begonias start growing again?
Trim the begonias back for the winter. They'll begin growing again in early spring.
Do tuberous begonias bloom in winter?
At the end of the outside growing season tuberous begonias need a rest and will not bloom all winter inside. Even plants in warm climates need a few months rest.
What are the different types of begonias?
20 Types of Begonias: Flowers, Leaves (With Pictures and Care Guide) Flowers. Begonia plants are famous for their spectacular colorful leaves and clusters of showy pink, red, yellow, orange, or white flowers. Species of begonia are grown as tropical tender perennials, bedding annuals, or houseplants. Popular types of begonia, such as wax begonias, ...
What color are begonia leaves?
A common characteristic of begonia leaves is that they may have red undersides. Leaves of rex begonia. Begonia flower colors tend to be various shades of pink and red. However, depending on the hybrid, you will find begonias flowers with yellow, orange, white, and peach colors.
Are There Cold-Hardy Begonias?
Begonia grandis is the only species of hardy begonias that survive outside in cold weather.
What are Strawberry Begonias?
Strawberry begonia ( Saxifraga stolonifera) is a plant that looks like a begonia but is from an unrelated family. The name strawberry begonia comes from the fact that it grows and spreads like strawberry plants. Due to its showy, broadly heart-shaped leaves, the plant is also referred to as a begonia.
How tall are cane begonias?
Many types of cane begonias are known for their wing-shaped leaves with polka dot pattern and wide array of colorful flowers. Angel wing begonias and dragon begonias are types of cane begonias. In pots indoors, they reach 12” tall, outdoors up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. Angel wing begonia is a type of cane begonia.
How big do begonias get?
Cold-hardy begonias grow up to 24” (60 cm) tall and wide. Some varieties of cold-hardy begonias include Begonia grandis ‘Alba’ with delicate white flowers and Begonia grandis ‘Torsa’ with large, broad leaves and clusters of pink flowers. Begonia grandis ‘Alba’.
What is wax begonia?
Wax begonias ( Begonia semperflorens) are the most common type of begonia varieties. Typically grown as annuals, the plants have dark green waxy leaves and white, pink, or red flowers. Wax begonias are popular for hanging baskets, bedding, or growing in planters.
Cultivation
The begonia is one of the most commonly grown flowers for gardeners for their ease of maintenance.
Propagation
There are many ways to obtain a begonia. They are easily and often propagated. Here is a run down on the various methods to propagate begonias.
Hardening Off
One of the most important steps in planting begonias is hardening off, or getting them acclimated to the outdoors.
Planting
Proper depth and spacing of begonias are important to ensure healthy plants.
How to Grow
There are so many types of begonias, there are a lot of different requirements. Some are universal to all begonias, others are variety dependent. Let’s break it down.
Maintenance
Begonias require very little maintenance from gardeners, making them an instant favorite.
Pests and Diseases
If you keep begonias growing in their ideal conditions, they have few problems with pests and disease. However, as they are part of the ecosystem, they can always be attacked by something. Here are a few of the more common pests and diseases associated with begonias.
How to lift begonia bulbs?
To lift begonia bulbs, dig up your begonias and their tubers after the first frost has killed off their tops and the leaves have yellowed. Cut back the foliage, leaving a little soil on the fibrous roots. Then, cure your tubers by allowing them to rest in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight.
How far apart should begonias be planted?
Begonias should be spaced about one foot apart in the garden, but can tolerate slightly closer quarters in a container. Once planted, keep your begonias fed and hydrated. Fertilize your begonia plants at the base monthly, using a balanced fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 mix.
Can begonias be planted in shade?
Begonia tubers can be planted in shade or partial shade: as long as they aren't placed in direct sunlight, begonias will be happy. Begonias love fertile, well drained, humus rich soil, so amend the partial-shade spots in your garden, or plant your begonias in your favorite planter or hanging basket!
Can begonias be kept indoors?
In the fall, simply bring your begonias inside -- they make happy houseplants. Make sure to water your begonias regularly, and consider adding a humidifier to your home. Begonias can suffer from crispy edges when not provided with a properly "tropical" humidity level, and household heat can dry out the air.
Do begonias need deadheading?
Water the soil around the base of your plants, but don't get the foliage wet. Begonias like their soil to be moist, but never waterlogged. Begonias do not require deadheading, however doing so every few days encourages new stems to grow.
Can begonias be overwintered?
In most zones, begonia tubers can be overwintered right in their pots. In the fall, simply bring your begonias inside -- they make happy houseplants. Make sure to water your begonias regularly, and consider adding a humidifier to your home. Begonias can suffer from crispy edges when not provided with a properly "tropical" humidity level, and household heat can dry out the air. You can also set a pebble tray near your begonias to allow water to evaporate into the air.
Height/Spread
Ornamental Features
- Begonias are grown for their foliage and or attractive flowers. Some begonias, such as wax begonias and newer hybrid begonias, will continually flower throughout the summer. They can be used as bedding plants and in window boxes, hanging baskets, and other containers. Another benefit of planting begonias is that they are deer and rabbit resistant.
Problems
- Disease problems associated with begonias include Botrytis blight and stem rot, powdery mildew, and Pythium root and stem rot. The major pests of begonias are mealy bugs, spider mites, thrips, scales, snails, and slugs. Begonias may be sensitive to insecticidal soaps. For more information on how to test a small application area for sensitivity, see HGIC 2771, Insecticidal Soaps for Gar…
How to Grow
- Most begonias grow well in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil containing plenty of organic matter. In general, begonias need bright light to flower well; however, some will burn if the light is too intense. Bronze-leaved wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) grow better with full sun exposure than other types, whereas green-leaved cultivars are best planted in morning sun …
Landscape Use
- Bedding varieties maintain a tidy and uniform habit and are ideal for small flowerbeds. Plants should be placed 12 inches apart for the best effect in the garden and somewhat closer in containers. Begonias look best when used in mass.
Species & Cultivars
- The Begonia genus is a large and varied group, with more than 1,000 different species. The most common begonias for growing in southern landscapes are the fibrous-rooted semperflorens begonias (or wax begonias) and tuberous begonias. Most begonia species are tender in South Carolina, but the beautiful and perennial hardy begonia will grow throughout the state. Wax Beg…
Wax Cultivars
- ‘Ambassador’ series has large flowers on compact, green-leafed plants.
- ‘Cocktail’ series is 6 to 8 inches tall with bronze foliage. The flower colors are ‘Brandy’ (pink), ‘Gin’ (rose-pink), ‘Rum’ (white with a rose-red edge), ‘Vodka’ (red), and ‘Whiskey’ (white).
- ‘Prelude Series’ hold up well through rain and heat. The compact plants have bright green foliage.
- ‘Ambassador’ series has large flowers on compact, green-leafed plants.
- ‘Cocktail’ series is 6 to 8 inches tall with bronze foliage. The flower colors are ‘Brandy’ (pink), ‘Gin’ (rose-pink), ‘Rum’ (white with a rose-red edge), ‘Vodka’ (red), and ‘Whiskey’ (white).
- ‘Prelude Series’ hold up well through rain and heat. The compact plants have bright green foliage.
- ‘Pizzazz Series’ includes white, red, and pink cultivars. They are heavy blooming and grow 8 to 10 inches tall.
Hybrid Cultivars
- ‘Dragon Wing’ series is known for its long blooming period and will consistently flower from spring until frost without pause. It reliably reblooms because it is sterile and does not expend energy...
- ‘BabyWing’ series is a more compact, tidier version of ‘Dragon Wing’, reaching only 12 to 15 inches in height.
- ‘Dragon Wing’ series is known for its long blooming period and will consistently flower from spring until frost without pause. It reliably reblooms because it is sterile and does not expend energy...
- ‘BabyWing’ series is a more compact, tidier version of ‘Dragon Wing’, reaching only 12 to 15 inches in height.
- ‘BIG’ series lives up to its name with plants reaching 36 inches tall. These begonias have either green or bronze foliage with red or rose-colored flowers.
Tuberous Cultivars
- ‘Illumination’ series is popular for hanging baskets and has double blooms in a variety of colors.
- ‘Non-stop Series’ are compact and small-flowered multiflora types. They are more heat-tolerant than other tuberous begonias and will flower longer. This type is best suited to growing in the South.
Rex Cultivars
- ‘Merry Christmas’ grows 10 to 12 inches tall with smooth red and green leaves shaped like lopsided hearts.
- ‘Fireworks’ grows 6 to 14 inches tall with a margin and center burst of maroon on silver wing-shaped leaves.
- ‘Helen Teupel’ grows to 12 inches tall with pointed, sharply lobed leaves that are purplish-re…
- ‘Merry Christmas’ grows 10 to 12 inches tall with smooth red and green leaves shaped like lopsided hearts.
- ‘Fireworks’ grows 6 to 14 inches tall with a margin and center burst of maroon on silver wing-shaped leaves.
- ‘Helen Teupel’ grows to 12 inches tall with pointed, sharply lobed leaves that are purplish-red brushed with pink and silver.