Can You Plant Begonia Outside

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Your Begonia Options
3. The Right Time to Move Outside
4. Finding the Perfect Outdoor Spot
5. How to Plant Begonias Outside
6. Watering Your Outdoor Begonias
7. Nutrition for Non-Stop Blooms
8. Maintenance and Easy Care
9. Designing with Begonias Outdoors
10. Overwintering: Saving Your Begonias
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

There is a unique kind of excitement that comes with tucking the first round of summer flowers into the soil. For many gardeners, that joy starts with begonias. These plants are beloved for their ability to bring brilliant, rose-like blooms and lush foliage to the parts of the yard where other flowers might struggle to grow. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping people transform their shaded porches and garden beds into colorful retreats with these versatile plants.

Whether you are looking for trailing begonias for a hanging basket or upright varieties to edge a walkway, begonias are a fantastic choice for the summer landscape. This guide is for anyone wondering how to transition these beauties to the garden and keep them thriving all season long. You absolutely can plant begonias outside, provided you wait for the warm weather and choose the right spot for their specific needs.

Understanding Your Begonia Options

Before you head out to the garden with a shovel, it helps to know which type of begonia you have. While they all belong to the same family, different varieties have different preferences for sun, soil, and placement. Most begonias are tropical or semi-tropical, meaning they love warmth and humidity.

Tuberous Begonias

These are the stars of the shade garden. They grow from a thick, potato-like tuber and produce some of the most spectacular flowers in the plant world. Tuberous begonias can be upright varieties or trailing. The trailing varieties, like the Illumination or Cascade series, look stunning spilling over the sides of a container or hanging basket. The upright types provide large, double blooms that resemble roses or camellias.

Wax Begonias (Fibrous-Rooted)

You often see wax begonias in public parks or as edging in garden beds. They are called "wax" begonias because of their shiny, succulent-like leaves. They are generally more tolerant of sunshine than tuberous types and are very easy to care for as annuals.

Rex Begonias

While most begonias are grown for their flowers, Rex begonias are grown for their foliage. Their leaves come in incredible patterns of silver, purple, burgundy, and green. They are often kept as houseplants, but they make excellent additions to outdoor containers in deep shade.

Cane Begonias (Angel Wing)

These cane begonias have long, upright stems that look a bit like bamboo. Their leaves are often shaped like wings and may have silver spots. Like Rex begonias, these are frequently seen indoors but can spend a very happy summer outside on a protected patio.

Key Takeaway: Identifying your begonia type is the first step. Tuberous begonias are the go-to for big summer blooms, while wax begonias are best for mass plantings in borders.

The Right Time to Move Outside

Timing is the most important factor when planting begonias outside. Because they are native to tropical regions, they have no "antifreeze" in their system. A single night of frost can turn a healthy plant into mush.

We recommend waiting until the danger of frost has completely passed and the overnight temperatures are consistently above 50°F. In many parts of the country, the soil takes a little longer to warm up than the air. If the ground is still cold and clammy, the begonias may sit dormant or, worse, the tubers could rot.

If you want a head start on the season, you can start tuberous begonias indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. This gives them time to develop roots and a few leaves so they are ready to bloom shortly after they move outside.

Quick Steps for Timing Success:

• Check your local Hardiness Zone Map and add a week or two for safety.
• Monitor nighttime temperatures; wait for a consistent 50°F to 60°F range.
• If you bought plants from a greenhouse, "harden them off" by giving them a few hours of outdoor air each day for a week before planting them permanently.

Finding the Perfect Outdoor Spot

"Right plant, right place" is a rule that begonias live by. If you put a shade-loving tuberous begonia in the middle of a sun-drenched lawn, its leaves will likely scorch and the plant will stop blooming. Conversely, a wax begonia in deep, dark shade might become "leggy" as it stretches for the light.

Light Requirements

Most begonias prefer filtered light or dappled shade. A spot under a leafy tree or on a porch that gets morning sun but is protected from the harsh afternoon heat is usually ideal.

• Morning Sun: Great for almost all begonias.
• Midday Sun: Too intense for most; can cause leaf burn.
• Dappled Shade: The "Goldilocks" zone where begonias thrive.

Soil and Drainage

Begonias have relatively shallow root systems and are very sensitive to "wet feet." This means they need soil that drains quickly. If you have heavy clay soil that stays wet for days after a rain, it is best to plant your begonias in raised beds or containers.

For the best results, use a high-quality potting mix if planting in containers. If planting in the ground, you can improve your soil by mixing in some compost or leaf mold. This adds nutrients and helps the soil stay light and airy.

How to Plant Begonias Outside

Once the weather is warm and you have found the perfect spot, it is time to plant. The process is slightly different depending on whether you are starting with tubers or established plants.

Planting Tubers

If you are planting tuberous begonias directly outside, look closely at the tuber. One side is usually slightly hollow or indented—this is the top. The rounded side is the bottom.

1. Dig a shallow hole: You only need to cover the tuber with about half an inch to an inch of soil.
2. Place the tuber: Set it in the hole with the indented side facing up.
3. Space them out: Give them about 8 to 12 inches of space. They need good air circulation to stay healthy.
4. Cover lightly: Gently move the soil back over the tuber and pat it down.

Planting Potted Begonias

If you are moving a begonia from a nursery pot into the ground or a larger decorative planter:

1. Dig a hole: Make it twice as wide as the pot but no deeper.
2. Loosen the roots: If the plant is "root-bound" (roots circling the inside of the pot), gently tease them outward.
3. Set the depth: Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep can cause the stems to rot.
4. Fill and firm: Fill the gaps with soil and press down gently to remove air pockets.

Key Takeaway: Always plant begonia tubers with the hollow side up and keep them shallow. For potted plants, keep the soil level consistent with how they grew in the nursery.

Watering Your Outdoor Begonias

Watering is where many gardeners get a little too enthusiastic. Begonias like to stay moist, but they do not like to be soggy. The best way to tell if your plants need water is the "finger test." Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day.

Tips for Better Watering:

• Water at the base: Try to keep the water off the leaves. Wet leaves, especially in humid weather, can lead to powdery mildew or fungal spots.
• Morning is best: Watering in the morning gives the plant all day to absorb the moisture and allows any water on the foliage to evaporate before nightfall.
• Check hanging baskets daily: Pots and hanging baskets dry out much faster than the ground. In the heat of summer, they may need water every day.
• Avoid waterlogging: Ensure your pots have drainage holes. If a pot sits in a saucer, empty the excess water after a few minutes so the plant isn't sitting in a puddle.

Nutrition for Non-Stop Blooms

Begonias are "heavy feeders." Because they bloom continuously from summer until the first frost, they use up a lot of energy. To keep them looking their best, a regular feeding schedule is helpful.

We suggest using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer about once a month. If you are growing tuberous begonias specifically for their huge flowers, some gardeners prefer a fertilizer with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) to encourage more blooms. Always follow the instructions on the product label for the correct amounts.

If your plants start to look a little tired or "stretched" in mid-summer, a light feeding can often give them the boost they need to finish the season strong.

Maintenance and Easy Care

One of the reasons we love begonias is that they are relatively low-maintenance. They are "self-cleaning," which means the old flowers usually drop off on their own, so you don't necessarily have to spend hours deadheading (removing spent blooms).

However, a little bit of grooming can go a long way. If a stem gets broken or grows too long and lanky, don't be afraid to snip it back. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier.

Handling Pests and Problems

Begonias are generally sturdy, but they can occasionally attract unwanted visitors like snails or slugs, who love the succulent leaves. If you see jagged holes in the foliage, a simple non-toxic slug bait or even a copper barrier can help.

If you notice a white, flour-like dusting on the leaves, it might be powdery mildew. This usually happens when the air is stagnant or the leaves stay wet too long. You can help prevent this by spacing your plants out to allow for better airflow and watering only at the soil level.

Designing with Begonias Outdoors

Because you can plant begonias outside in so many ways, the design possibilities are endless. Their vibrant colors make them perfect for creating "focal points" in the garden.

In Containers

Tuberous begonias are the royalty of the container garden. A single large-flowered upright begonia in a beautiful ceramic pot can dress up a front step instantly. For hanging baskets, the trailing varieties create a "waterfall" effect of flowers that can reach two feet long.

In the Border

Wax begonias are perfect for creating ribbons of color along the edge of a flower bed. Because they stay relatively low (usually 6 to 10 inches tall), they won't hide the plants behind them. You can alternate red and white varieties for a high-contrast look or stick to one color for a clean, modern feel.

Under Trees

Many plants struggle to grow in the "dry shade" under large trees. While you will need to keep an eye on the water levels, begonias can brighten up these dark areas beautifully. Their bright pink, orange, and white flowers act like little lanterns in the shadows.

What to Do Next:

• Identify the shady spots in your yard that need more color.
• Choose between upright begonias for beds and trailing begonias for baskets.
• Wait for the weather to warm up before heading to the garden.

Overwintering: Saving Your Begonias

While most people treat begonias as annuals, you can actually save the tubers to plant again next year. This is a rewarding way to build your collection over time.

When the leaves start to turn yellow in the fall, or after the first light frost has nipped the foliage, it is time to bring them in.

1. Lift the tubers: Carefully dig up the tubers, being careful not to bruise them.
2. Dry them out: Cut off the stems about an inch above the tuber and let them dry in a cool, sunny spot for a few days.
3. Clean and store: Brush off the excess soil and store the tubers in a box of peat moss or sawdust.
4. Keep them cool: A basement or garage that stays between 40°F and 50°F is perfect. Just make sure they don't freeze!

Next spring, about 8 weeks before the last frost, you can bring them out, start them in pots, and do it all over again.

Conclusion

Planting begonias outside is a simple way to bring professional-looking color to your home garden. By matching the right variety to your sunlight levels and waiting for the warm summer air to arrive, you set yourself up for a season of success. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that gardening should be a rewarding experience for everyone, and our 100% Quality Guarantee is part of that promise. Their ability to thrive in the shade makes them an essential part of any beautiful landscape.

"The secret to a stunning shade garden is often as simple as finding the right begonia and giving it a warm place to grow."

Ready to start your own display? Pick out a few of your favorite colors, wait for those warm nights, and enjoy the nonstop beauty that only begonias can provide. If you're planning your order, our Shipping Information page can help with delivery timing.

FAQ

Can I plant begonias in full sun?

While most begonias prefer shade or filtered light, wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves are much more tolerant of the sun. Even then, in very hot climates, they usually appreciate some protection from the intense afternoon heat to prevent the foliage from scorching.

How often should I water begonias planted outside?

Watering depends on your local weather and soil, but generally, begonias should be watered every 2 to 4 days. Always check the soil first; if the top inch is dry, it is time to water. Remember that begonias in hanging baskets or pots will dry out much faster than those planted in the ground.

Are begonias deer resistant?

Begonias are generally considered to be deer resistant. While no plant is 100% "deer-proof" if the animals are hungry enough, begonias are rarely their first choice. This makes them an excellent option for gardeners who deal with local wildlife frequently visiting their yard.

Do I need to remove the dead flowers from my begonias?

Most modern begonia varieties are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers will drop off on their own without your help. However, you can certainly remove spent blooms if you prefer a tidier look. This doesn't hurt the plant and can sometimes encourage it to produce new buds even faster.