Begonia Grow: How to Plant and Care for Begonia Tubers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Begonia Types for Your Garden
3. Planning Your Begonia Garden
4. Starting Begonia Tubers Indoors
5. How to Plant Begonias Outdoors
6. Growing Begonias in Containers and Baskets
7. Essential Summer Care: Water and Fertilizer
8. Maintenance and Grooming
9. Realistic Expectations and Plant Health
10. Storing Begonia Tubers for Next Year
11. Longfield Gardens Quality and Support
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

Finding the perfect flower for a shady corner of the yard is one of the most satisfying moments for any gardener. While many flowering plants crave intense midday sun, begonias are the celebrated champions of the shade, offering lush foliage and brilliant blooms where other plants might struggle. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping homeowners transform these quiet, dim spaces into vibrant displays of color that last from the first days of summer all the way until the first frost.

This guide is designed for anyone looking to master the art of the begonia grow, whether you are starting your first container on a covered porch or planning a massive landscape border. We will cover everything from selecting the right varieties and starting tubers indoors to the simple steps for summer care and winter storage. For help choosing plants that fit your space, start with our Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection. By focusing on a few basic needs like soil temperature and drainage, you can enjoy a season full of professional-quality blooms.

Growing begonias is an achievable and rewarding project that brings consistent, high-impact beauty to your outdoor living spaces with very little stress.

Understanding Begonia Types for Your Garden

Before you dig your first hole, it is helpful to understand the different personalities of the begonia family. While there are over a thousand species, most home gardeners focus on a few specific types that offer the best "bloom for your buck."

Tuberous Begonias

These are the stars of the show for many of us. Tuberous begonias grow from a thick, potato-like underground stem called a tuber. They are famous for their large, rose-like flowers that can be several inches across. These begonias are typically categorized by their growth habit: upright or cascading. Upright varieties are perfect for garden beds and window boxes, while cascading (pendula) types are the go-to choice for hanging baskets where they can spill over the edges in a waterfall of color.

Non-Stop Begonias

A popular sub-type of tuberous begonias is the "Non-Stop" series. As the name suggests, these plants are bred to produce a relentless supply of flowers throughout the entire growing season. They have a compact, mounded habit, making them excellent for the front of a border or for neat, tidy pots on a patio table. If you want this kind of continuous color, take a look at Non Stop Begonias.

Wax Begonias

Wax begonias are fibrous-rooted plants rather than tuberous ones. They are often treated as annuals and are prized for their extreme hardiness and ability to handle more sun than their tuberous cousins. Their leaves are glossy and "waxy," coming in shades of green or deep bronze.

Foliage Begonias

Types like Rex begonias are grown primarily for their incredible leaves. These plants offer swirls of silver, purple, pink, and green. While they do bloom, the flowers are usually secondary to the dramatic, textured foliage. They make excellent houseplants but can also spend the summer outdoors in a protected, shady spot.

Planning Your Begonia Garden

Success with your begonia grow begins with choosing the right location. Because these plants are tropical in origin, they have specific preferences when it comes to light, temperature, and "elbow room."

Light Requirements: The Golden Rule of Shade

Most begonias thrive in filtered light or dappled shade. Imagine the light under a tall tree or on a porch that gets a few hours of gentle morning sun but stays shaded during the heat of the afternoon.

• Morning Sun: This is ideal. It provides energy for blooming without the risk of scorching the leaves.
• Deep Shade: While begonias can grow in deep shade, they may produce fewer flowers and become a bit "leggy" as they stretch toward the light.
• Intense Afternoon Sun: This is the main thing to avoid. Hot, direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.

Soil and Drainage

The most important rule for the soil is that it must drain well. Begonias love moisture, but they do not like "wet feet." If the soil stays soggy, the tubers are at risk of rotting.

For garden beds, we recommend mixing in some compost or organic matter to help loosen the soil. For containers, a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix is usually perfect. Look for a mix that feels light and fluffy, often containing perlite or vermiculite to help water move through easily.

USDA Hardiness Zones and Timing

Begonias are frost-tender perennials. In most of the United States (Zones 3-8), they are grown as annuals or brought inside for the winter. They can only stay in the ground year-round in Zones 9-11. If you want to check your zone before planting, see our Hardiness Zone Map.

Because they are tropical, they are very sensitive to cold soil. We suggest waiting to plant them outdoors until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F and there is no longer any danger of frost. In many northern states, this means waiting until late May or early June. For shipping and delivery timing by zone, review our Shipping Information page.

Key Takeaway: Match your begonias to the light you have. Tuberous begonias want dappled shade, while bronze-leaf wax begonias can handle a bit more sun. Always prioritize well-draining soil to keep the tubers healthy.

Starting Begonia Tubers Indoors

If you want to see flowers earlier in the summer, starting your tubers indoors is a fantastic "easy win." Since begonia tubers can take 6 to 8 weeks to sprout and really get moving, starting them in March or April gives them a significant head start.

The Indoor Setup

You don't need a professional greenhouse to start your begonias. A warm room and a bright window (or a simple grow light) are all it takes.

1. Choose Your Containers: Use shallow pots or even a seed-starting tray with drainage holes.
2. Use Moist Mix: Start with potting soil that is slightly damp but not soaking wet.
3. Identify "Up": Begonia tubers have a distinct "bowl" or concave side. This hollow side should always face upward. The rounded, smooth side is the bottom where roots will form.
4. Planting Depth: Place the tuber into the soil so it is just barely covered—about half an inch to an inch of soil on top is plenty. For a more detailed refresher, see How Deep Should I Plant Begonias?.
5. Warmth is Key: Place the pots in a warm spot (around 70°F). Many gardeners find that placing them on top of a refrigerator or using a gentle seedling heat mat helps speed up the sprouting process.

Early Indoor Care

During this early stage, be very careful with the watering can. The tuber doesn't have roots yet, so it cannot "drink" much water. If the soil is too wet, the tuber may rot before it ever wakes up. Just keep the soil barely moist to the touch. Once you see the first pink or green sprouts poking through the soil, you can move the pots to a bright window and begin watering more regularly.

What to do next:

• Check your tubers for the "hollow" side before planting.
• Find a warm spot in your home for the first few weeks.
• Water very sparingly until you see the first green sprouts.
• Prepare to move them to a brighter light source once growth appears.

How to Plant Begonias Outdoors

Once the weather has settled and the nights are consistently warm, it is time to move your begonias to their summer home. Whether you are moving "pre-started" plants or planting dormant tubers directly into the garden, the process is straightforward.

Planting in Garden Beds

If you are planting directly into the ground, space your begonias about 8 to 12 inches apart. This gives the plants enough room for air to circulate around the leaves, which helps prevent mildew issues later in the season. For more spacing guidance, see How Far Apart Should I Plant Begonias?.

• Dig a Shallow Hole: For dormant tubers, the hole only needs to be about 1 to 2 inches deep.
• Position the Tuber: Again, ensure the hollow side is facing up. If the tuber is already sprouted, be very gentle with the young stems, as they can be quite brittle.
• Cover and Settle: Cover with soil and press down very lightly with your hands. Give them a gentle drink of water to settle the soil around the roots.

Transitioning Indoor Plants (Hardening Off)

If you started your begonias indoors, they need a little time to get used to the "real world." This process is called hardening off. Start by placing the pots outside in a fully shaded, protected spot for a few hours a day. Over the course of a week, gradually increase their time outside and their exposure to dappled light. This prevents the leaves from getting "sunshock" or windburn.

Growing Begonias in Containers and Baskets

Begonias are arguably the most popular choice for containers in shady spots. Because we can control the soil and the moisture perfectly in a pot, the plants often look even more lush than those in the ground. If you are designing a mixed planter, the Assorted Bold Container for Shade Collection is a useful place to start.

Choosing the Right Pot

Always ensure your pot has drainage holes. Tuberous begonias are highly productive, so they benefit from a bit of space. A 10-inch pot is perfect for one large tuber. If you are using a large 14-inch or 16-inch whiskey barrel or planter, you can plant three to four tubers for a full, "overflowing" look.

The "Thriller and Spiller" Method

Begonias work beautifully in combination plantings.

• Upright Begonias (Thriller): Place these in the center of the pot to provide height and a focal point. For a strong upright option, browse Upright Double Begonias.
• Hanging Basket Begonias (Spiller): Use the pendula types near the edges of the pot. They will naturally drape over the sides, hiding the container and creating a lush, professional appearance. If you want more ideas for trailing forms, see Can Begonias Grow in Hanging Baskets?.

Hanging Basket Care

Hanging baskets dry out much faster than garden beds because they are exposed to air on all sides. During the peak of summer, you may need to water your hanging begonias every day. A quick way to check is to lift the basket slightly from the bottom; if it feels light as a feather, it is time for a deep soak.

Essential Summer Care: Water and Fertilizer

Once your begonias are established, they are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require consistent attention to two things: hydration and nutrition.

Watering Correctly

The goal is to keep the soil "evenly moist." This means it should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

• Check the Soil: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water the Base: Try to apply water directly to the soil rather than over the leaves. Wet leaves, especially in humid climates, can sometimes lead to powdery mildew.
• Morning is Best: Watering in the morning allows any accidental splashes on the leaves to dry up before the cool evening temperatures arrive.

Feeding Your Begonias

Because tuberous begonias bloom so heavily, they are "hungry" plants. They need fuel to keep producing those large, double flowers.

• Start Early: When the plants are about 3 or 4 inches tall, you can start using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• The Routine: Many successful gardeners use a "weakly, weekly" approach—using fertilizer at half-strength once a week. Alternatively, you can follow the instructions on a standard flowering plant food every two to three weeks.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: If you notice the edges of the leaves turning brown or curling downward significantly, you might be overdoing it. Take a break from feeding and just use plain water for a couple of cycles.

Maintenance and Grooming

One of the best features of many modern begonias, like the Non-Stop varieties we provide at Longfield Gardens, is that they are often "self-cleaning." This means the old flowers fall off on their own as they fade, so you don't have to spend your weekends deadheading. However, a little grooming can still go a long way.

Pinching and Pruning

If your begonia is becoming too tall and "leggy" (lots of stem and not many leaves), you can pinch off the very tip of the main stem. This encourages the plant to grow outward rather than just upward, resulting in a bushier, fuller plant with more bloom sites.

Removing Faded Blooms

Even if the plant is self-cleaning, it is a good idea to pick up the spent flowers that fall onto the leaves or the soil. Removing this debris helps keep the plant tidy and prevents any mold or fungus from starting on the decaying petals.

Support for Large Blooms

Some tuberous begonias produce flowers so large and heavy that the stems may lean. You can use a small bamboo stake and a piece of soft garden twine to gently support the stem. This keeps the flowers upright and visible, especially after a heavy rain.

Realistic Expectations and Plant Health

While gardening should always be a joyful experience, it is helpful to remember that plants are living things affected by their environment.

Weather and Environment

The timing of your first blooms can vary based on how warm the spring was. If we have a particularly cool or cloudy June, your begonias might take a little longer to start their show. This is perfectly normal! Once the heat of July arrives, they usually catch up quickly.

Dealing with Pests

Begonias are generally quite hardy and are even known to be resistant to deer and rabbits, which is a huge plus for many gardeners. Occasionally, you might see snails or slugs in very damp, shady areas. A simple barrier of crushed eggshells or a store-bought pet-safe slug bait can easily solve this.

Safety Note

It is important to note that begonias can be toxic if ingested by pets or children. It is always a good practice to keep your plants in areas where curious pets won't nibble on them and to wash your hands after handling tubers or cuttings.

Storing Begonia Tubers for Next Year

One of the most rewarding parts of growing tuberous begonias is that you can save the tubers and plant them again next year. In fact, begonia tubers often get larger and more productive as they age.

The Dormancy Process

As the weather cools in autumn, your begonias will naturally start to look a little tired. This is the plant's way of moving energy from the leaves down into the tuber for winter storage.

1. Reduce Water: When temperatures start to dip into the 50s at night, stop fertilizing and reduce your watering.
2. The First Frost: You can leave the plants out until the first very light frost turns the foliage black, or you can bring them in just before the frost hits.
3. Lift the Tubers: Gently dig the tubers out of the ground or remove them from their pots. Cut the stems back to about an inch or two above the tuber.
4. Curing: Lay the tubers in a cool, dry, protected place (like a garage or basement) for about a week. This allows the outer skin to toughen up.
5. Clean Up: Once dry, the remaining stem should fall off easily. Gently brush off any excess soil.

Winter Storage

Store your "cured" tubers in a breathable container. A cardboard box filled with peat moss, sawdust, or even wrapped in newspaper works well. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place where the temperature stays between 40°F and 50°F. Avoid spots that might freeze, like an uninsulated shed. Next spring, you can pull them out, start them in pots, and do it all over again!

Storage Quick Tips:

• Wait for the foliage to yellow before lifting.
• Cure tubers in a dry spot for 7 days.
• Store in a cool, dark place (45°F is ideal).
• Check once or twice during winter to ensure they aren't shriveling or getting soft.

Longfield Gardens Quality and Support

When you start your begonia grow with us, you are starting with high-quality stock. We work closely with our growers in regions like Holland to ensure that every tuber we ship is healthy, true to its variety, and ready to perform in your garden. We stand behind our plants with a 100% quality guarantee.

We want your gardening experience to be successful and stress-free. If your items arrive damaged or if there is a labeling issue, please contact us promptly after delivery so we can make it right. If you encounter a performance issue during your first growing season, our team is here to help with advice, replacements, or store credit depending on the situation. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Conclusion

Growing begonias is one of the easiest ways to bring high-impact, professional-looking color to the shady parts of your landscape. By choosing the right location, waiting for warm soil, and providing consistent moisture and food, you can enjoy a spectacular display that lasts for months. Whether you are planting upright Non-Stops in a border or cascading pendulas in a hanging basket, these plants offer a rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels.

At Longfield Gardens, we believe that gardening should be a source of relaxation and pride. Begonias are the perfect partner for that mission, offering maximum beauty with straightforward care.

• Select the right variety for your light and space.
• Start tubers indoors for an earlier summer show.
• Keep soil moist but never soggy.
• Fertilize regularly to keep the blooms coming.
• Store tubers in a cool, dry place over winter to enjoy them again next year.

The best time to start planning your shade garden is now. Explore our selection of premium begonia tubers and get ready to transform your yard into a lush, colorful retreat this summer.

FAQ

Do begonias need full sun or shade?

Most begonias, especially tuberous varieties, prefer partial shade or filtered light. They thrive in spots that receive gentle morning sun but are protected from the harsh, direct rays of the afternoon. Wax begonias with bronze foliage are more tolerant of sunnier spots, but even they appreciate some afternoon relief in very hot climates.

How often should I water my begonias?

Begonias like to stay consistently moist, but the soil should never be waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil daily; if the top inch feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. Containers and hanging baskets will need more frequent watering than plants in the ground, sometimes once a day during the peak of summer heat.

Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow or falling off?

Yellowing leaves are usually a signal regarding moisture. Most often, it indicates the soil is staying too wet, which can lead to root or tuber rot. Ensure your pots have excellent drainage and allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Occasionally, yellowing can also be a sign of low light if the plant is in a very dark corner.

Can I grow begonias indoors as houseplants?

Yes, many begonias make excellent houseplants. Rex begonias are particularly popular indoors for their stunning foliage. To grow them inside, provide bright, indirect light (like a north or east-facing window) and maintain moderate humidity. Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heating vents, which can dry out the air too much.