East-, west-, or south-facing windows are best. Set the plants at the same depth they were growing in the small pots. Water and feed the begonias after transplanting. Start decreasing water in late summer to early fall and trim back foliage when it starts to yellow. As mentioned, begonias like to be root bound. If you purchase a product via those links through Amazon, Amazon will pay us a referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. Scarlet-orange flowers, medium green leaves. Plant in a location where they will have good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Another popular type, tuberous begonias have spectacular colorful flowers, and are particularly showy in hanging baskets or containers. Begonias are some of the easiest plants to grow in containers. Keep in mind that all types of begonias can be grown from seed. Pegasus® — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegonia hybrid, 12 to 18 inches tall, 16 to 18 inches wide. Tubers can be started indoors by placing the tubers, hollow side up, 1 inch apart in a shallow tray with moist potting mix. Water regularly and feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser like tomato feed. The Begonias need the space to spread their roots. There are two general types of begonias: those grown from seeds, and those grown from tubers/bulbs. On most varieties, the males come out first in the flower cluster. Place the tray in a dark room and water just enough to keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy. Begonias are toxic to pets, with the tubers being the most poisonous part. Photo by Proven Winners. How to Plant Place the rounded side of the begonia tuber facing down in well-drained potting soil. When the plant’s roots hold all of the soil, it’s time for a transplant. Varieties differ, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants 5 feet tall or more. Take a few stem cuttings about 4 inches long each from your favorite plant, dip each in rooting hormone, and plant them in moist peat moss. It usually takes about 3 months for the tubers to wake up, leaf out and begin flowering. Begonias grow well in USDA Zones 9 to 11, while the hardy varieties can grow in zones 6-9. Whichever way you choose to grow begonias, the instructions below will be the same! A smaller begonia, that is big on color. Provide it with light shade, rich well-drained soil, ample water, and plenty of fertilizer—and you’ll be rewarded with stunning flowers and foliage. Now, that's one versatile plant! Once they develop roots, they can be … Deadhead and pinch back regularly to make sure more flowers grow. Grows well indoors or out, in containers, hanging baskets or flower beds. All Rights Reserved. Discover unique garden products curated by the Garden Design editors, plus items you can use to solve problems in your garden right now, and best sellers from around the web. Begonias can be planted right in the garden for a summer full of flowers or even in a pot. Easiest Roses To Grow: Foolproof Rose Growing Guide, 8 Rules for Healthy Houseplants That Everyone Should Know, 15 Low Maintenance & Pet Friendly Houseplants. This will be clearly obvious if you gently remove the plant from its pot. Trailing and mounding varieties look great in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. For earlier blooms, start your begonias indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date. Care is simple, leaves will be prettiest when given good light and moderate humidity. If any burning occurs when grown in a south-facing window, move the plant farther from the window. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent leaf spot and fungal diseases. Plant each begonia tuber in the vermiculite, setting the tuber so the side with the depression is facing upward. Cover the bulb with 1/2 inch of soil. In warmer climates, this is best done in spring. Although typically on the smaller side, begonia plants pack a big punch of color and interest. Plant in a sheltered spot as begonias are fragile and easily damaged by wind or trampling by people or pets. Their distinct foliage makes them a popular houseplant, but they can be finicky. Fill the pot with a moist potting soil, leaving a 1 inch space between the top of the pot and the top of the soil. Surefire® Rose begonia (Begonia benariensis). Once warmer temperatures return, reverse the process and move them back outside. Get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter. Sturdy bloomers available in a range of colors including shades of yellow, red, orange, apricot, pink, and white. Plant wax begonia transplants 6 to 8 inches apart and others according to their mature size. Discover the right plants for your garden. There are hundreds of cultivars of B. rex to choose among, usually classified by leaf size—small (three inches or less), medium (three to six inches), or large (more than six inches). For a softer flower shade, this series also includes pink and white selections. Choose a good quality potting soil and a spot with full sun or shade. Stem rot and rhizome rot can be caused by overwatering and soggy soil. Save your plastic containers, like yogurt or sour cream and reuse them over and over. Although there can be some challenges, many will do quite well indoors. Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-shaped leaves, also belong to this group. Dragon Wing® Red — Buy now from Proven WinnersAngel wing hybrid. Tuberous begonias are perfect for growing in pots, while fibrous rooted types are best for bedding displays and hanging begonias are best suited to hanging basket displays. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats. This cane type can be brought inside over winter as a houseplant. The 5-IN-1 (shown right) with its’ adapter plates, can quickly dig planting holes for bulbs and annuals 2″, 4″ and even 6″ deep…all from a comfortable, standing position. Wax begonias make a colorful, compact edging for flower beds. Planting Begonias: Choose a good quality potting soil and a spot with full sun or shade. Wait to repot until the container is filled with roots. The hollow side of the bulb should face up. It is one of America's favorite flowers. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. They grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide and thrive in part shade to full shade locations. Let them dry out slightly between waterings. Sizes vary from just a few inches to large plants up to 3 feet tall and wide. Purchase tubers (bulbs) by mid winter. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Keep soil moist at all times, especially during hot summer months. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but all tuberous begonias require the same care. Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats. These shade-loving plants bring mounds of color when planted under trees or tucked in planters, hanging baskets, or window boxes. Use upright varieties with unique foliage for a container centerpiece. To plant non-stop begonias in a container, fill a clean planting container with humus rich potting soil. Preferably replanting happens around 2 inches, but sometimes life happens and the sprouts will be taller. Begonia grandis varieties are cold-hardy plants suitable for Zones 6 to 9. Plant wax begonia transplants 6 to 8 inches apart and others according to their mature size. Learn how to grow begonias with this easy to follow gardening guide and be on your way to having a beautiful, flower-filled garden! Surefire ® Rose — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegonia benariensis, 12 to 24 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide, Pink flowers over dark green to bronze leaves. Only repot when necessary, and preferably in spring before plants are moved outside and start actively growing. These are tropical begonias, meaning they should be grown as houseplants (unless you live in a tropical climate!). The largest class, rhizomatous begonias are distinguished by relatively thick stems, or rhizomes, that grow horizontally near the soil surface and sprout new roots and leaves. For general growing purposes, apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer once a month in the growing season. See below for information on growing as houseplants. Transplant after all threat of frost has passed, as they are extremely frost tender and even temperatures below 50 degrees can cause damage. var theDate=new Date() Planting, growing and caring for these shade garden and houseplant superstars, Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips. The Summerwings® series is also available in shades of red, coral, pale yellow and white. They also have a larger growth habit than wax begonias, growing 12 to 18 inches tall as houseplants and up to 3 feet or more in outdoor containers. The begonia season runs summer and late autumn before winter frosts and all year round as houseplants. They're wonderful in summer flower beds or containers, especially when combined with ferns and other semi-shade companions. Morning and afternoon sun is best. In cooler climates, you can do this in fall as a clean-up before bringing them inside for the winter. Whichever way you choose to grow begonias, the instructions below will be the same! Select a location that gets partial shade or filtered sunlight; with morning sun and afternoon shade being the best, especially where it is exceptionally hot. In addition to cutting them back, check for signs of pests or disease before moving them indoors. Rhizomatous and wax types don’t die back and are usually pinched or lightly pruned each year to keep them healthy and encourage full, but compact growth. They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. For all types, deadheading spent begonia flowers keeps plants clean and healthy, as well as promotes more blooms. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. All begonias like evenly moist, well-draining soil with some added organic matter. First, always plant begonia corms concave side up (depression on top) either slightly above or level with the compost/soil surface. Begonias make for some beautiful garden decor and they're relatively easy to grow and care for! These days most begonia seed packs contain pelleted seed. Though begonias like an environment similar to that for African violets and other houseplants, their thinner leaves means they are less tolerant of extremes than other, thicker-leaved plants. Begonia plants are typically under 1 foot tall, with loads of colorful flowers up to 4 inches wide. I then take a pencil or pen and use the point to make little holes 1/4 inch deep or so, at regular spacing, about 1/2 inch apart for the seedlings to go into. Pale pink flowers; small, chocolate to bronze-red leaves with bright green markings resembling paws. A vigorous and heat-tolerant variety that flowers all summer. They can handle being a little on the dry side and prefer semi-shade. With an upright growth habit and segmented stems, cane types have beautiful foliage and bloom in a wide array of colors. They are not toxic to humans, although may cause allergic reactions. For plants grown strictly for their foliage, like angel wings, use a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen. They also have some of the most interesting leaves and stems and are often grown as houseplants. Annual begonias can be cut back and grown inside in the winter months. Dig up the tubers at the first threat of frost. The seed-started begonias tend to be a bit smaller and difficult to grow, while bulb begonias are sturdier and larger plants. Regular watering is important for healthy plants. Water often and make sure soil is always moist. Tubers can be started indoors by placing the tubers, hollow side up, 1 inch apart in a shallow tray with moist potting mix. For optimal growth, plant the begonias 8 inches apart or 8 inches from the nearest plant. Select darker-leaved varieties or types with improved heat and sun tolerance for sunnier spots. Typically used as houseplants and in shaded summer beds, begonias have tropical and subtropical origins. 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