Introduction
Imagine a garden filled with lush, jewel-toned flowers that bloom from early summer right through the first frost. Begonias are a favorite for many gardeners because they offer incredible color and interesting foliage with very little fuss. While you may often see these plants spilling out of hanging baskets or decorative patio pots, many people wonder if they can take center stage in the landscape.
The short answer is a resounding yes. You can absolutely plant begonias in the ground, and doing so can transform your garden beds into a vibrant tapestry of color. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy seeing how these versatile plants perform when given a bit of space in the garden. Whether you are looking to fill a shady corner or add a border of low-maintenance blooms, begonias are a reliable choice for nearly any yard.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about successfully growing begonias in your garden beds. From choosing the right variety to preparing your soil and providing the best care, this article is designed for home gardeners who want to expand their landscape with these stunning flowers. By understanding a few simple requirements, you can enjoy a season of beautiful, healthy begonias right in your own soil.
Can You Plant Begonia in the Ground?
Many gardeners initially think of begonias as strictly container plants. It is true that they look wonderful in pots, but they are also exceptional bedding plants. Planting begonias in the ground allows them to spread out and create a lush, full look that is harder to achieve in the confined space of a container.
When you plant in the ground, the root systems have more room to grow, which often leads to larger plants and a more dramatic floral display. In the landscape, begonias are frequently used as "edging" plants along the front of a border or as a mass planting to create a sea of color. Because they bloom continuously for months, they are one of the most hardworking plants you can add to your garden.
Success with ground-planted begonias comes down to matching the right type of begonia with your specific garden conditions. Some varieties love the shade, while others can handle a surprising amount of sun. As long as you provide well-draining soil and wait for the warm weather to arrive, your begonias will settle into the ground quite happily.
Choosing the Right Begonia for Ground Planting
Not all begonias are the same, and knowing which one you have is the first step toward success. There are several main types of begonias commonly used in home gardens. Each has its own strengths when it comes to growing in the ground.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are famous for their large, rose-like flowers and dramatic colors. These grow from a potato-like bulb called a tuber. They are particularly popular for shady garden beds where other flowers might struggle to bloom. Because the flowers can be quite heavy, planting them in the ground provides a sturdy base for the plant to grow.
Wax Begonias
If you have ever seen a public park or a professional landscape with perfectly uniform rows of red or pink flowers, those were likely wax begonias. These have fibrous roots and are incredibly tough. They are known for their waxy, succulent-like leaves which help them hold onto moisture. Wax begonias are the most common choice for "bedding" because they are affordable, easy to find, and very resilient.
Rex and Rhizomatous Begonias
While often grown for their spectacular, swirling foliage rather than their flowers, Rex begonias can also be planted in the ground in certain climates. They prefer deep shade and high humidity. In most parts of the United States, these are treated as annuals in the ground or brought back inside when the weather turns cold. They add a sophisticated, artistic look to the garden floor.
Cane-Like and Boliviensis Begonias
Cane begonias, often called "Angel Wing" begonias, have upright, bamboo-like stems. While they are frequently grown as large houseplants, they can be planted in the ground in warm climates or used as a vertical accent in summer beds. Boliviensis types have a more trailing or mounded habit and are excellent for filling in gaps between larger perennials.
Finding the Best Location
Matching the plant to the place is the most important rule in gardening. Before you start digging, take a look at the light and soil conditions in your yard. Begonias are adaptable, but they have a few clear preferences.
Light Requirements
Most begonias are famous for their love of shade, but the "right" amount of light depends on the variety. Tuberous begonias prefer filtered light or dappled shade. If they get too much hot afternoon sun, their leaves may scorch or turn brown at the edges.
Wax begonias are much more flexible. Varieties with bronze-colored leaves can often handle full sun if they are kept watered. Green-leaved wax begonias usually prefer a bit of afternoon shade. Generally, a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is a "sweet spot" for almost any begonia variety.
Soil and Drainage
The term "drainage" simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias have fleshy stems and roots that hold a lot of water. If the soil stays too wet for too long, the plants can rot. This is why begonias do not like "heavy" clay soil that stays soggy after a rain.
If your garden soil is heavy, you can easily improve it by mixing in some compost or leaf mold. This helps create "air pockets" in the soil, allowing water to move through more freely. A raised garden bed is another excellent option for begonias because it naturally provides better drainage than flat ground.
Temperature and Timing
Begonias are tropical plants by nature, which means they have no tolerance for frost. One of the most common mistakes is planting them too early in the spring. Even if the sun is shining, the soil needs to be warm.
We recommend waiting until the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F before putting begonias in the ground. If you plant them when the soil is still cold and damp, the plants may sit dormant or begin to rot before they even have a chance to grow.
Key Takeaway: For the best results, choose a spot with filtered light and well-drained soil. Wait until the threat of frost has completely passed and the ground feels warm to the touch before planting.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. You don't need a degree in science to get your soil ready; you just need to focus on texture and nutrients.
Start by clearing the area of any weeds or old plant debris. This prevents competition for water and nutrients. Once the area is clear, loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. You can do this easily with a hand trowel or a garden fork.
Adding a layer of compost is a simple win for any gardener. Compost adds natural nutrients and improves the soil structure. If you are planting in a spot where the soil is very sandy, compost helps hold onto moisture. If the soil is clay-heavy, it helps break it up. Aim for a mixture that feels crumbly and moist, like a wrung-out sponge.
How to Plant Begonia Tubers in the Ground
If you are starting with tubers rather than nursery-grown plants, the process is slightly different. Tuberous begonias are often started indoors in late winter to give them a head start, but you can also plant them directly in the ground once the weather is warm.
- Identify the Top: Look for the "hollow" or indented side of the tuber. This is the top where the sprouts will emerge. The rounded side is the bottom.
- Dig a Shallow Hole: Begonia tubers do not like to be buried deep. Dig a hole just deep enough so that the top of the tuber is covered by about an inch of soil.
- Space Them Out: Give your plants room to breathe. Space tuberous begonias about 10 to 12 inches apart. This ensures they have plenty of air circulation, which helps prevent leaf diseases.
- Place and Cover: Set the tuber in the hole with the hollow side facing up. Gently cover it with soil and pat it down lightly.
- Water Sparingly: Unlike many other bulbs, begonia tubers should not be heavily watered until you see growth. Keep the soil slightly damp but never wet.
Starting Tubers Indoors
In many parts of the country, the growing season isn't quite long enough to see the full potential of a tuberous begonia if you start it outside. Many gardeners prefer to "wake up" their tubers indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
You can do this by placing the tubers in a shallow tray of moist potting mix. Keep them in a warm, bright spot. Once they have several leaves and the outdoor weather is warm, you can transplant them into your garden beds. This head start often leads to much earlier blooms.
How to Plant Wax Begonias and Nursery Starts
If you have purchased established plants in plastic cell packs or pots from a garden center, planting is very straightforward. These plants are already growing and ready to hit the ground running.
- Water the Plants First: Give your begonias a good drink while they are still in their original pots. This makes it easier to remove them and reduces transplant shock.
- Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Gently Remove the Plant: Turn the pot sideways, place your hand over the soil surface with the plant stem between your fingers, and squeeze the pot gently to slide the plant out. Never pull a begonia by the stem, as they are quite brittle and can snap easily.
- Loosen the Roots: If the roots are circling the bottom of the root ball, gently tease them outward with your fingers.
- Set the Depth: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding garden soil. Planting too deep can cause the stem to rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out.
- Backfill and Firm: Fill the hole with soil and press down gently with your hands to remove any large air pockets.
- Water Thoroughly: Immediately water the plants to help settle the soil around the roots.
What to do next:
- Check the weather forecast for any surprise late-season cold snaps.
- Lay out your plants in their pots on top of the soil before digging to visualize the spacing.
- Ensure you have a watering can or hose nearby to hydrate the plants immediately after they go into the ground.
Spacing and Arrangement Tips
How you arrange your begonias depends on the look you want to achieve. Because begonias have a mounded growth habit, they are perfect for creating borders and patterns.
For a Solid Carpet of Color
If you want your wax begonias to grow together and hide the soil, space them about 6 to 8 inches apart. By mid-summer, the plants will "touch," creating a continuous line of color. This is a classic look for walkway edges or circular flower beds.
For Tuberous Begonia Displays
Tuberous begonias tend to grow a bit larger and need more airflow to stay healthy. Space these at least 12 inches apart. If you are planting them among other perennials, such as hostas or ferns, make sure they aren't completely smothered. They need enough light to reach their leaves to produce those spectacular flowers.
Using Colors Effectively
Begonias come in a wide range of colors, from pure white to deep scarlet and bright orange. You can create a calm, elegant look by using a single color, or a playful, cottage-garden feel by mixing different shades. Remember that the foliage color matters too. Bronze-leaved begonias provide a beautiful contrast against green-leaved plants even when they aren't in peak bloom.
Watering Your Begonias Correctly
Watering is the area where most gardeners either succeed or struggle with begonias. The goal is to keep the soil "consistently moist" but not "wet."
Deep Watering Over Frequent Sprinkles
It is always better to water deeply once or twice a week than to give the plants a light sprinkle every day. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow further down into the soil, making the plant more resilient during hot spells.
Water the Soil, Not the Leaves
Whenever possible, aim your watering can or hose at the base of the plant rather than over the top of the foliage. Begonias can be prone to powdery mildew or leaf spots if their leaves stay wet for long periods, especially overnight. Watering in the morning is ideal because it allows any accidental splashes on the leaves to dry out in the sun.
Adjusting for Your Soil Type
If you have sandy soil, you will need to water more frequently because the water drains away quickly. If you have added lots of organic matter or have clay-based soil, you can wait longer between waterings. A simple way to check is to stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels damp, wait another day.
Fertilizing for Maximum Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders," which means they use a lot of energy to produce those continuous blooms all summer long. Providing a little extra nutrition will help them stay vibrant.
We suggest using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer about every two to three weeks during the growing season. A "balanced" fertilizer is one where the three numbers on the package (NPK) are roughly the same, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This provides support for the roots, the green leaves, and the flowers.
Alternatively, you can mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time. This will slowly feed the plants over several months. If you notice your plants' leaves turning pale or the flowering slowing down in mid-August, a quick boost of liquid fertilizer can often perk them right back up.
Maintenance and Deadheading
One of the best things about begonias is that they are relatively low-maintenance. However, a little bit of grooming goes a long way in keeping the garden looking tidy.
To Deadhead or Not?
"Deadheading" is the process of removing faded or spent flowers. Many modern wax begonias are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. Tuberous begonias, however, often benefit from having the old blooms pinched off. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to create more flower buds. It also keeps the plant looking clean and prevents old petals from rotting on the leaves.
Pruning and Shaping
If your begonias start to look "leggy" or too tall by mid-summer, don't be afraid to give them a light trim. Pinching back the tips of the stems encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, bushier shape. This is particularly helpful for wax begonias and cane-type begonias.
Realistic Expectations for Your Begonias
Gardening is a partnership with nature, and results can vary based on several factors. While we strive to provide the highest quality plants at Longfield Gardens, it is important to remember that weather and local conditions play a big role in how your begonias perform.
For example, a very rainy summer might lead to more fungal issues, while an exceptionally hot, dry summer might require more frequent watering. If your begonias don't look perfect the first week they are in the ground, give them time. They often spend the first 14 days focused on growing roots before they start putting on a show of flowers. With a little patience, you will be rewarded with a beautiful display.
Protecting Begonias from Pests and Diseases
Begonias are generally healthy, but like all plants, they can occasionally face challenges. Dealing with these is easy if you catch them early.
Common Pests
Slugs and snails are the most frequent visitors to begonias, especially in shady, damp areas. They love the succulent leaves and stems. You can manage them by keeping the area free of debris where they like to hide or by using a pet-safe slug bait.
Fungal Issues
Powdery mildew looks like a dusty white coating on the leaves. This usually happens when there isn't enough air moving between the plants or when the leaves stay wet too long. To prevent this, make sure you follow the spacing recommendations and water the soil directly. If you see affected leaves, simply remove them and dispose of them in the trash (not the compost pile).
Overwintering: What to Do in the Fall
In most parts of the United States, begonias are treated as annuals because they cannot survive freezing temperatures. However, if you have tuberous begonias, you can actually save them to plant again next year.
When the leaves begin to turn yellow in the fall or after the first light frost kills the top growth, it is time to "lift" the tubers.
- Dig them up: Carefully dig up the tubers, being sure not to bruise or cut them.
- Dry them: Cut off the stems to about an inch above the tuber. Lay the tubers out in a dry, shady spot for a few days until the outer skin dries.
- Store them: Place the dry tubers in a box filled with peat moss, sawdust, or shredded paper.
- Keep them cool: Store the box in a cool, dark, frost-free place (like a basement or crawlspace) that stays between 40°F and 50°F.
In the spring, you can bring them back out and start the cycle all over again. Wax begonias are harder to overwinter this way, so most gardeners simply plant fresh ones each spring.
Conclusion
Planting begonias in the ground is a simple and rewarding way to add long-lasting color to your landscape. Whether you are filling a shady bed with the lush blooms of tuberous begonias or creating a sun-tolerant border with wax begonias, these plants are sure to impress. By focusing on well-drained soil, proper spacing, and waiting for warm weather, you can ensure your garden thrives all summer long.
- Choose the right variety for your light conditions (shade vs. sun).
- Prioritize well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Wait for nighttime temperatures to stay above 50°F before planting.
- Water the soil, not the leaves, to keep the plants healthy.
At Longfield Gardens, we are committed to helping you grow a more beautiful world. We stand behind our plants and tubers, and we want you to feel confident every time you pick up a trowel.
"The secret to a beautiful begonia garden isn't a green thumb—it's simply putting the right plant in the right spot and letting it shine."
We invite you to explore our selection and start planning your most colorful garden yet. Happy planting! You can also start with our Learn hub for more growing guides.
FAQ
Can I plant begonias in full sun?
While most begonias prefer shade, certain varieties like bronze-leaved wax begonias can handle full sun if they are given plenty of water. If you live in a very hot climate, even these varieties will appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent their leaves from scorching.
How deep should I plant a begonia tuber in the ground?
Begonia tubers should be planted quite shallowly, with only about one inch of soil covering the top of the tuber. Ensure the "hollow" side is facing upward, as this is where the new stems will grow. Planting them too deep can lead to rot before they have a chance to sprout. For more detail, see our How Deep Should I Plant Begonia Tubers? guide.
Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow and falling off?
The most common cause of yellowing leaves in begonias is overwatering or poor drainage. If the roots stay too wet, they cannot "breathe," which causes the leaves to discolor and drop. Check the soil moisture and ensure the area isn't holding standing water after a rain. Our Is Begonia an Outdoor Plant? guide covers drainage and planting conditions in more detail.
Do I need to dig up my begonias every year?
If you live in a climate where it freezes in the winter, you must either treat your begonias as annuals and replace them each spring or lift and store the tubers indoors. Tuberous begonias are easy to save and replant, while wax begonias are typically replaced annually. If you are planning ahead for next season, review our Shipping Information page so you know when orders ship by zone.
More Begonia Resources
If you want to go deeper, these Longfield Gardens guides can help:
