Can Begonias Be Planted Outside for Summer Color?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Can Begonias Grow Outside?
3. Choosing the Best Variety for Your Garden
4. The Best Location for Success
5. When to Plant Begonias Outside
6. How to Plant Begonias in the Garden
7. Planting Begonias in Containers and Baskets
8. Watering and Feeding for Continuous Blooms
9. Simple Maintenance and Deadheading
10. Handling Pests and Common Challenges
11. What to Do When Fall Arrives
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with seeing the first soft petals of a begonia unfurl in the garden. These plants are beloved for their lush foliage and vibrant, rose-like blooms that can brighten even the quietest corners of a yard. Many people start growing them as indoor houseplants, but they truly shine when given the space to flourish in the fresh air. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners discover how these versatile begonias can transform an outdoor space into a tropical oasis.

In this guide, we will answer the question of whether begonias can be planted outside and provide the steps to do it successfully. Whether you are looking to fill hanging baskets on a porch or add color to a shady border, begonias are a reliable choice. We will cover the best timing for planting, the ideal soil conditions, and how to care for them throughout the growing season. This article is designed for home gardeners who want to bring more beauty to their landscapes with these high-performing flowers.

With a few simple steps and the right location, you can enjoy the nonstop color of outdoor begonias from early summer right through the first frost.

Can Begonias Grow Outside?

The short answer is a resounding yes. Begonias are excellent candidates for outdoor growing, provided the weather is warm. While they are often sold as indoor plants, most varieties are actually tropical or semi-tropical perennials. In many parts of the United States, they are grown as annuals, meaning they complete their lifecycle in one season or are brought indoors when the weather turns cold.

Moving your begonias outside for the summer offers several benefits. The natural light levels, even in the shade, are often much higher than what a plant receives inside a house. This extra light encourages more vigorous growth and a higher volume of flowers. Fresh air circulation also helps prevent some of the common fungal issues that can occur in the still air of a home.

Begonias are incredibly versatile in a landscape. You can use them in several ways:

• Garden Beds: Mass plantings of wax begonias create a colorful carpet of flowers.
• Containers: Tuberous begonias are the stars of patio pots and window boxes.
• Hanging Baskets: Trailing varieties create a "spiller" effect that looks beautiful on porches.
• Shade Solutions: They are one of the few plants that provide bright color in areas where grass and other flowers struggle to grow.

Choosing the Best Variety for Your Garden

Not all begonias are the same, and knowing which type you have will help you find the perfect spot for it outside. Different varieties have different preferences for sun, moisture, and space.

Tuberous Begonias

These upright double begonias are typically the best choice for containers and hanging baskets. They love the filtered light found under tall trees or on a covered porch. Varieties like the Double Delight® series offer fragrant blooms and a trailing habit that is perfect for elevated displays.

Wax Begonias (Semperflorens)

Wax begonias are the workhorses of the summer garden. They have waxy, succulent-like leaves and produce clusters of small flowers in red, pink, or white. These are very easy to grow and are more tolerant of sun than other types. You will often see them used as edging plants along walkways or massed in garden beds for a big splash of color.

Cane-Like and Angel Wing Begonias

These angel wing begonias are named for their upright, "bamboo-like" stems and beautiful, wing-shaped leaves. Many have silver spots or striking patterns on their foliage. While they make great houseplants, they love spending the summer on a shaded patio. They add height and architectural interest to mixed container plantings.

Rex Begonias

If you love foliage, Rex begonias are the choice for you. They are grown primarily for their incredible leaves, which come in swirls of silver, purple, pink, and deep green. They prefer a very sheltered spot outside where they won't be battered by wind or heavy rain.

The Best Location for Success

Success with outdoor begonias starts with "right plant, right place." Because they are native to tropical forest floors, they prefer conditions that mimic that environment.

Managing Sunlight

Most begonias prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight. Direct, hot afternoon sun can be too intense and may scorch the leaves. If you notice the edges of the leaves turning brown and crispy, the plant is likely getting too much sun.

A spot that gets gentle morning sun and then shade for the rest of the day is often ideal. Wax begonias with bronze or dark foliage are generally the most sun-tolerant, while those with light green leaves or delicate flowers need more protection. For a deeper look at light levels, see our How Sunlight Affects Plants.

Protection from the Elements

Begonias have relatively brittle stems that can snap in high winds. When planting them outside, look for a protected area. This might be near a fence, under a porch roof, or tucked against the side of the house.

Heavy rain can also be a challenge. Large-flowered tuberous begonias can become heavy when wet, causing the stems to droop or break. If a severe thunderstorm is in the forecast, it is a good idea to move your hanging baskets or pots to a sheltered area temporarily.

Key Takeaway: For the most flowers and healthiest leaves, place your begonias in a spot with bright, indirect light and protection from strong winds.

When to Plant Begonias Outside

Timing is the most important factor when moving begonias outdoors. Because they are tropical plants, they have no tolerance for frost. Even a light frost can cause the stems to turn to mush and may damage the tubers.

The 50-Degree Rule

The safest time to plant begonias outside is when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. This usually happens a few weeks after the last frost date in your area. If you want help finding your growing zone, see our Hardiness Zone Map.

Hardening Off Your Plants

If you have been growing your begonias indoors or just brought them home from a warm greenhouse, they need a "transition period" before they live outside full-time. This process is called hardening off.

1. Place the plants outside in a fully shaded, protected spot for a few hours on a warm day.
2. Bring them back inside for the night.
3. Each day, leave them out a little longer and gradually expose them to a bit more light.
4. After 7 to 10 days of this gradual introduction, they will be strong enough to stay outside permanently. For a step-by-step refresher, see How to Start Tuberous Begonias Indoors.

How to Plant Begonias in the Garden

Once the weather is warm enough, you can move your plants into their summer homes. Whether you are planting directly in the soil or in a container, the process is simple.

Preparing the Soil

Begonias need soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well. "Drainage" simply means how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias like to stay moist, but they do not like to sit in "wet feet" (waterlogged soil).

If you are planting in a garden bed, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil quality. If you are planting in pots, use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Avoid using heavy garden soil in containers, as it packs down too tightly and prevents air from reaching the roots. For more planting advice, see Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias.

Planting Depth and Spacing

When planting wax begonias, space them about 6 to 8 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow into a solid carpet of color without overcrowding.

If you are planting tuberous begonias from tubers:

1. Find the "up" side: One side of the tuber will be slightly hollow or concave, like a small bowl. This side should face upward.
2. Planting depth: Place the tuber in a shallow hole and cover it with only about 1 inch of soil. Planting them too deep can cause the new sprouts to struggle or rot before they reach the surface.
3. Positioning: Some gardeners like to plant the tuber at a very slight angle so that water doesn't pool in the hollow center.

What to do next:

• Check your local frost dates to plan your planting day.
• Gather high-quality potting mix and any containers you plan to use.
• Ensure your chosen garden spot is clear of weeds and ready for new plants.
• Water the plants in their nursery pots before transplanting to reduce shock.

Planting Begonias in Containers and Baskets

Containers are perhaps the most popular way to grow begonias outside, especially hanging begonias. They allow you to move the plants around to find the perfect light and keep them at eye level where you can enjoy the detail of the flowers.

Pot Size and Drainage

Choose a container that has at least one drainage hole at the bottom. A pot that is 10 to 12 inches wide is perfect for one to three plants, depending on the variety. Tuberous begonias look best when they have enough room to spill over the edges, so don't be afraid to use a slightly wider pot for a fuller look.

The "Filler, Thriller, Spiller" Method

Begonias work beautifully in mixed containers.

• Thriller: Use an upright cane begonia or a tall variety like Surefire® Red as the center focus.
• Filler: Surround the center with lower-growing wax begonias or foliage plants like coleus.
• Spiller: Use cascading begonias or a plant like Pegasus® to drape over the sides of the pot.

"Begonias are the perfect 'one-and-done' container plant because they stay beautiful from spring through fall without needing a rest."

Watering and Feeding for Continuous Blooms

Once your begonias are settled outside, a little routine care will keep them blooming non-stop. Because they are in the open air, they will need a bit more attention than they did indoors.

The "Deep then Dry" Watering Method

Begonias prefer to have consistently moist soil, but not soggy soil. The best way to water is to drench the soil thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes of the pot. Then, wait to water again until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

In the heat of mid-summer, containers and hanging baskets may need water every day. Garden beds usually stay moist longer. Try to water in the morning so that any water that gets on the leaves has time to dry before evening. This helps prevent mildew and other leaf spots.

Fertilizing for Flower Power

Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they need a lot of nutrients to keep producing those beautiful flowers all summer. We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.

If you are growing tuberous begonias, you can use a fertilizer with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) once you see the first buds. This helps the plant focus its energy on flower production. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to ensure you are giving the plant the right amount.

Simple Maintenance and Deadheading

One of the best things about many modern begonia varieties is that they are "self-cleaning," including Non Stop Begonias. This means that when a flower is finished, it simply drops off the plant on its own, so you don't have to spend hours pinching off old blooms.

Deadheading Tuberous Begonias

While wax begonias and many hybrid types like Surefire® are self-cleaning, larger tuberous begonias benefit from a little manual help. When you see a flower start to brown or wilt, snip it off about an inch below the base of the flower. This keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents the old flower from rotting against the foliage.

Managing Growth

If your begonias start to look "leggy" (long, thin stems with few leaves), you can gently pinch back the tips of the stems. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier. It might feel like you are losing a few flowers in the short term, but the result will be a much fuller and more attractive plant for the rest of the season.

Handling Pests and Common Challenges

Gardening outside means interacting with nature, but begonias are generally very hardy and suffer from few problems.

Slugs and Snails

In shady, damp areas, slugs and snails might take an interest in the succulent leaves of your begonias. You can often prevent this by keeping the area around the plants clear of debris and old leaves. If you see small holes in the foliage, a simple barrier of crushed eggshells or a pet-safe slug bait can help.

Powdery Mildew

This looks like a light dusting of flour on the leaves. It usually happens when the air is very humid and there isn't enough airflow around the plant. To avoid this, make sure your plants have enough space between them and try to keep the leaves dry when you water. If it does appear, it is usually a minor issue that doesn't hurt the overall health of the plant.

Deer and Rabbits

Fortunately, begonias are not a favorite snack for most deer and rabbits. While no plant is 100% "pest-proof," begonias are a safer bet than many other summer annuals. If you have very hungry local wildlife, placing your begonias in pots on a porch or elevated stand is usually enough to keep them safe.

What to Do When Fall Arrives

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to dip, it is time to decide what to do with your outdoor begonias. Since they cannot handle the cold, they will need a little help to survive until next year. For details on storing tender bulbs and tubers, see Winter Storage for Tender Bulbs and Tubers.

Bringing Pots Indoors

If you have begonias in containers, you can simply bring the whole pot inside before the first frost. Place it in a bright window and reduce the amount of water you give it. The plant may lose a few leaves as it adjusts to the drier air inside, but it will soon settle in.

Saving the Tubers

For tuberous begonias, many gardeners choose to save the tubers to replant the following spring.

1. Once the foliage starts to turn yellow in the fall, stop watering the plant.
2. Wait for the first light frost to touch the leaves, then dig up the tubers.
3. Cut the stems back to about an inch above the tuber.
4. Let the tubers dry in a cool, dark place for a few days.
5. Store them in a box of peat moss or sawdust in a cool (around 50°F) spot like a basement or garage that won't freeze.

Treating Them as Annuals

If you don't have the space to store them, it is perfectly fine to treat your begonias as annuals. You can enjoy them right up until the frost, then simply clear them out and add them to your compost pile. This allows you to try fresh new varieties from us next year!

Conclusion

Begonias are a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, providing a level of color and texture that few other plants can match. By waiting for the warm weather, choosing the right spot with dappled light, and keeping up with basic watering and feeding, you can enjoy a spectacular display all summer long. Gardening should be a rewarding experience, and begonias are among the most forgiving and beautiful plants to work with.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to move your begonias outside or start a new garden bed this season. Whether you are planting in a classic garden border or a modern patio container, these flowers will provide months of enjoyment.

Final Thought: The key to begonia success is patience—wait for those warm nights, and your garden will be rewarded with a lush, tropical display.

For the best start to your garden season, you can find a wide selection of premium begonia tubers and plants at Longfield Gardens. We stand behind our quality so you can plant with confidence.

FAQ

Can begonias take full sun if they are planted outside?

Most begonias prefer partial shade, but some varieties are more sun-tolerant. Wax begonias with dark or bronze foliage can handle more direct sun than those with green leaves. In cooler northern climates, begonias can often tolerate more sun than they can in the hot southern states. For a broader overview of begonia classes, see Types of Begonias.

Do I need to bring my begonias inside every night?

No, once the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F, your begonias can stay outside 24/7. You only need to bring them inside or protect them if an unseasonable frost is predicted.

How often should I water begonias when they are outdoors?

This depends on the weather and whether they are in the ground or a pot. In general, check the soil daily. If the top inch is dry, it is time to water. Containers in the sun or wind will dry out much faster than those in a sheltered, shady spot.

Why are my begonia flowers falling off?

It is normal for begonias to drop their old flowers to make room for new ones. However, if the plant is dropping healthy-looking buds, it may be a sign of stress from overwatering, extremely high heat, or very dry soil. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy to keep the plant happy.