Keep these beauties cool, and they will show off their blooms all summer long.
The popular tuberous and angel wing begonias are just two of more than 2,000 varieties.
Begonias asannuals or perennials, shrubs, and climbers, ranging from 8 inches to over 5 feet tall.
Credit: Vaitekune/Getty Images
Be aware that begonias are toxic to pets.They are also potentially invasive in warm climates.
Begonias are planted after the last spring frost.
They are moderate to fast growers and prosper in flower beds,container gardens, orwindow boxes.
Credit:sasimoto / Getty Images
Whichever way you grow them, here is how to take care of these popular plants.
Plant them after the last spring frost when the soil is warm.
Seeds take a few weeks to months to germinate, and some begonia varieties grow quickly.
Credit:Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images
Light
Depending on the variety, begonias need full or partial sunlight.
Most begonias do best when planted in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade.
The soil should be damp but well-drained and not oversaturated because excessive moisture causes rot.
Water
Keep the soil continuously damp but do not saturate it.
Wet or soggy ground causes root rot.
They do best in temperatures above 60F and suffer cold damage at 45F.
One exception is the hardy begonia (B. grandis), which survive temperatures as low as 23F.
Fertilizer
Begonias are heavy feeders, but should only be fertilized during the growing season.
Dilute water-soluble fertilizers to half-strength.
Using clean, sharp pruners, cut back leggy stems to encourage new and bushier growth.
In addition, remove dead or diseased leaves as well as spent flowers.
Propagating begonias from stems or leaf blades is an easy, economical way to produce new, strong plants.
Cut a healthy, mature leaf with a sharp knife where it meets the stem.
Insert the leaf stem in the soil and follow the directions for stem cuttings.
Propagating the plant from cuttings produces more predictable results.
Potted begonias live for two to three years.
Choose a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with potting soil mixed with compost.
Place the container in full sun or shade, depending on what the specific variety needs.
Overwintering
Winter care depends on the variety of begonias, tuberous or fibrous.
Tuberous begonias need little watering to maintain growth.
Frequent watering will encourage new growth or rot the bulbs.
Continue pruning weak sprouts if the growth continues, and suspend watering until the spring.
Remove moldy or rotten tubers.
Fibrous or root-bound begonias need indirect sunlight, healthy and moist soil, and infrequent watering.
Do not scorch the plants with too much direct light or heat.
Wait until you are sure the final frost of the season has passed before moving plants outside.
Similar to hardening off seedlings, slowly introduce begonias to the outdoor conditions.
Tuberous begonias that are planted in a flower bed die back yearly.
Dig up and store the tubers indoors for replanting the following year.
you’re free to also bring potted tuberous begonias indoors once the plants become dormant.
Place them in a cool (above 45F), dry, and dark spot until spring.
You might findmealybugs, spider mites, scales, and thrips on your plants.
Begonias as sensitive to insecticidal soap, so prevention and early detection are critical.
Use insecticidal soaps sparingly to verify no leaf scorch occurs.
Fertilize regularly with a high-phosphorus plant food to ensure blooming.
Deadheading also encourages more blooms.
If not watered sufficiently, the foliage dries out and turns brown.
If growing begonias indoors or in a dry climate, lack of humidity is often an issue.
Indoors, do not place indoor begonias near air vents.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves are a classic sign of overwatering.
If yellowing persists, white spots might appear, signifying powdery mildew is present.
Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
For potted plants, use a container with large drainage holes and amend the potting soil with peat.
Remove them by hand or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the plants.
Pair trailing begonia with petunias or verbena for colorful hanging baskets.
Begonias bloom continuously from their first flowering until the first frost.
Give them adequate water, some shade, and regular fertilizer to keep them blooming.
Deadhead the blooms to encourage more flowers.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Begonia.
University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.Begonia cucullata.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Begonia grandis.
