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How far apart should you plant begonias?
Spacing: Begonia tubers should be spaced about 1 foot apart in the garden, but can be planted closer together in hanging baskets and window boxes. For one begonia plant, a 6 inch pot is the smallest recommended size.
Do begonias expand?
Another popular type, tuberous begonias have spectacular colorful flowers, and are particularly showy in hanging baskets or containers. 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.
How do you make begonias bushy?
1:484:16How to make Begonia Maculata Bushy tips and tricks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i did was every single time i saw a leaf growing at the top i would remove that leaf pinchMoreSo what i did was every single time i saw a leaf growing at the top i would remove that leaf pinch that leaf off so it forces the plant to grow more leaves at the bottom.
How 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.
How wide do begonias get?
6-12 inchesBegoniagenus nameBegoniaplant typeAnnualheight6 to 12 inches 1 to 3 feetwidth6-12 inchesflower colorOrange White Pink Yellow5 more rows
How many begonias are in a hanging basket?
A guideline for planting quantities: 3 tubers for a 12″ basket / pot. 5 tubers for a 14″ basket / pot. 7 tubers for a 16″ basket / pot.
How do you stop begonias from getting leggy?
Pinching back your begonias is the first step to correct legginess. For small plants on windowsills, or seedlings for the garden, pinching out the tiny new leaves on the growing tips of the begonias will force new growth along the stem and encourage dense, compact plants.
Why do begonias get leggy?
Age. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth.
Do begonias do well in hanging baskets?
Begonias Most varieties of begonias grow great in sun or shade, making them a great, easy-care choice for a hanging basket. Begonias are great for providing a full, spilling effect to your hanging basket.
Do begonias grow 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.
Can begonias be divided?
Unlike potato tubers, you can't cut begonia tubers into pieces to produce more plants. Although some growers divide begonia tubers, they must make the divisions when the plant is actively growing, and the tuber pieces often become diseased and rotten.
Do you deadhead begonias?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.
How to keep begonias from dying back?
Start decreasing water in late summer to early fall and trim back foliage when it starts to yellow. Dig up the tubers at the first threat of frost. Clean any remaining dirt from the tubers and dry them on newspaper in a sunny location for about a week. To prevent powdery mildew, lightly dust them with sulfur powder and store individually in paper bags or wrapped in newspaper.
What is a begonia?
Typically used as houseplants and in shaded summer beds, begonias have tropical and subtropical origins. Some are grown for their asymmetrical, patterned and variegated foliage, and others to add color to shady garden areas with their bright blooms.
How big do Rex begonias get?
A subgroup of rhizomatous, Rex begonias ( Begonia rex ), are widely available, sold by florists and garden centers year-round, and generally reach 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Their distinct foliage makes them a popular houseplant, but they can be finicky.
How tall do wax begonias grow?
Wax begonias are typically grown as annuals, reaching 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.
What is the largest class of begonias?
Rhizomatous begonias: 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. They also have some of the most interesting leaves and stems and are often grown as houseplants.
How big do angel wing begonias get?
They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. Their size varies with growing conditions, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants up to 5 feet.
How tall do Begonia grandis grow?
Begonia grandis varieties are cold-hardy plants suitable for Zones 6 to 9. They grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide and thrive in part shade to full shade locations. They’ll bloom from early summer until frost with clusters of slightly fragrant, light pink flowers, and they have large heart-shaped medium green leaves.
What causes a begonia to die?
Pythium fungi can cause damping off in seedlings. In established older plants, shiny black areas of stem rot will develop on the stems and petioles. These usually appear at or just above the soil line, and usually result in plant death. It can also cause root rot in tuberous begonias.
What is a begonia?
Begonias are hugely popular plants among gardeners. These plants produce tons of colorful flowers and vivid foliage. Stunning as bedding plants or in hanging baskets, these plants can be easy to care for. Named in 1690 for French botanist Michel Bagon, these plants became formal garden fixtures.
What is the best mix for tuberous begonias?
Growers of tuberous begonias should opt for a mix which is more appealing to those plants. A good option is Bob’s Mix: Bob’s Mix: 1/3 last year’s mix, 1/3 oak leaf mold, 1/3 SuperSoil. For people in hotter environments, a good option is Joan’s Mix, which is light and fluffy but holds water well.
Why do begonias lose leaves?
Some varieties of begonias will go into a period of winter dormancy. The plant’s growth will slow or stop, and the plant may lose some of its leaves.
What do begonias look like?
The stems of cane begonias often look bamboo-like. Source: michael clarke. Woody stems that form bamboo -like joints are a sign of a cane begonia. Sometimes referred to as angel-wing begonias, these varieties can get very tall.
How tall do begonias grow?
Like wax begonias, they can develop dense foliage, but these can grow to 4-5 feet in height.
How many types of begonias are there?
Types Of Begonias. The genus Begonia has at least 1831 species, and possibly as many as 2000! Unlike most other plant genuses, most of these will hybridize with other species. Needless to say, there are thousands of cultivars out there, with more coming all the time.
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 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.
How to use begonias in floral arrangements?
Pick your begonias. Begonias aren’t typically used in floral arrangements because they lack long stems, but you can pick the flowers for decorative uses such as pressings. Pinch or pluck the flower from the top of the greenery, avoiding taking too many leaves/too much of the stem with it.
How to keep begonias from getting slugs?
Keep your begonias safe from slugs and snails outdoors by crushing eggshells and placing them around the base of the plant. Indoor plants often become infested with mealy bugs, which can be killed with a bit of regular rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
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.
Can you grow begonias from seed?
Growing begonias from seeds or bulbs is quite difficult, so it is recommended that you head to your local nursery to pick up a small potted begonia to transplant. In rare opportunities, you may find a type of perennial begonia, but these aren’t common. You can choose to start begonias from cuttings as well.
How to make baby begonias?
To make babies from cuttings, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia. Turn the leaves upside down, and slice them into wedges with a sharp, clean knife. (If you use a razor blade, be very careful!) Make sure you get a vein in each piece. You can get a lot of baby plants with this method.
When do begonias bloom?
Follow these easy steps to divide perennials. The hardy begonia has red stems and starts blooming in late summer.
How to grow a rhizome from a cutting?
Simply cut a rhizome into pieces about 1” to 1 ½” long, and press them gently into moistened potting soil, or a moistened mix of perlite and vermiculite. As with the leaf cuttings, give them high humidity and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight until roots begin to form.
How to make a nursery for cuttings?
To make a “nursery” for your leaves or cuttings, fill a tray with well-draining, sterile potting mix. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag.
How long does it take for a plant to grow roots?
This could invite disease or rot. You should see roots starting to form in 3 or 4 weeks. In 6 to 8 weeks from the time you started, you’ll have baby plantlets ready to move into the garden or containers.
Can begonias be planted from seed?
One way begonias make babies is with a little help from gardeners like us. You can grow begonias from seed, but it’s much easier to propagate them from cuttings instead, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias.
Can begonias be transplanted?
Once the roots are about ½” long, the cuttings are ready to transplant. Rhizomatous begonias—the kind that are often grown for the their beautiful foliage—will also grow from rhizome cuttings. Rhizomes are the horizontal, thickened stems that grow along or just under the soil.
Where do begonias come from?
According to the American Begonia Society, hundreds of the plant’s species come from around the world (with the exception of Europe and Australia) and with a variety of characteristics. With so many cultivars to choose from, it can be tough to narrow the best begonia list.
What zone do begonias grow in?
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. Advertisement.
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.
How to grow begonias from seed?
How to grow begonias – propagating begonias. Tuberous begonias don’t come true from seed, so propagation by cuttings is recommended. In March or April pull new shoots that form on the tubers away with your fingers. Pot them up into individual pots and put them in a heated propagator.
What is a begonia?
Begonias are flamboyant, mostly tender perennials that are used in bedding, pot and hanging basket displays. They have a reputation for being a little old fashioned, but the bold new varieties are very different to the dainty plants ...
What is a begonia with fibrous roots?
Fibrous-rooted begonias, as their name suggests, have a typical root ball of thin, fibrous roots. They include the dwarf bedding types, known as wax begonias ( Begonia semperflorens) and tend to have smaller leaves and flowers. They can be grown in containers and window boxes or as bedding at the front of a shady border.
What are begonias used for?
Begonias are flamboyant, mostly tender perennials that are used in bedding, pot and hanging basket displays. They have a reputation for being a little old fashioned, but the bold new varieties are very different to the dainty plants that were traditionally used in be dding schemes. Some have masses of long-lasting, ...
What color are begonias?
They have big, showy flowers in bright shades of pink, yellow, orange, red and white, throughout summer and into autumn. They make excellent pot and hanging basket plants, as some of them trail.
Can begonias be planted in pots?
Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets. They have fairly brittle stems and heavy flowers, so grow them in a sheltered spot. Flowers will go over very quickly if they’re too hot. Fibrous rooted begonias can be packed quite tightly into mixed summer displays of other bedding plants.
Can you buy tuberous begonias?
You can also buy tuberous begonias as fully grown plants, although this is a more expensive option. How to harden off plants. Other begonia types can be bought as pot-grown plants or plugs. Grow them in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill and harden off after all risk of frost has passed before planting outdoors.
How long do begonias last outside?
If you happen to live in a zone 8b to 11, your begonias should be able to last outside all year round.
How to care for begonias indoors?
Look for a sunny spot that offers filtered light; a place a few feet from a window covered with a sheer curtain is an excellent spot. Avoid direct light since indoor begonia plants are susceptible to sunburn.
What is the best begonia plant for a porch?
If you’re growing begonias outdoors, your two main choices are wax begonias and tube rous begonias. Wax begonias are the most heat and sun-tolerant begonia, so they’re the best choice for full sun locations. One good guideline is that Begonia plants with red or rust-colored leaves make the best choice for full sun. Tuberous begonias prefer part-shade, especially during the summer.
What does it mean when a begonia plant has rotten roots?
Root Rot. Root rot is just like what it sounds: rotten roots! Even if you don’t see soft roots, there are other cues to let you know your begonia plant is struggling. Since plants can’t take up water or nutrients when their roots are soft, yellow or wilting leaves are a sign of root rot.
What is sucking out of my begonia?
Sucking Insects. A wide variety of insect pests love to suck the juices out of begonia plants. Aphids, thrips, and mealybugs can weaken your begonia plant and spread disease. If you notice any of these pests, wipe them off with a wet rag or spray them with insecticidal soap.
How big do wax begonias get?
Wax Begonias. Wax begonias are a group of fibrous begonias with fleshy, waxy leaves and many small red, pink, or white flowers. They only grow 6-12 inches tall and wide, so they’re often grouped together outside as annual bedding plants.
What is a begonia plant?
With cheerful flowers and beautiful leaves, begonia plants (Begonia genus) make excellent additions to outdoor gardens and indoor planters. This group of plants includes over 2,000 species, so there’s a begonia that works for just about every location and environment. By choosing the right variety and following a few begonia care tips, ...
Why do begonias fall over?
Sometimes a begonia may wither and fall over. This means the roots have begun to decay and there is too much soil providing a surplus of nutrients (and water), more than the plant needs. In this case, you won’t be moving the begonia to a bigger pot but rather a smaller one.
How to grow begonias in a container?
Use a soilless planting medium that is equal parts peat moss, vermiculite , and perlite . Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity . Mix together well and moisten with water. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium.
How many begonias are there in the world?
Repotting Begonias: Tips For Moving Begonia To A Bigger Pot. There are over 1,000 species of begonia worldwide, each with a varying bloom color or foliage type. Since there is such a great variety, begonias are a popular plant to grow.
Can begonias be transplanted?
When the plant’s roots hold all of the soil, it’s time for a transplant. A begonia transplant may not always be going into a larger container. Sometimes a begonia may wither and fall over.
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.
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 s…
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 Bego…
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-red …
- ‘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.