Introduction
There is a special kind of excitement that comes with the arrival of spring, especially when you start planning for the pops of color that will soon fill your shady garden nooks. Begonias are the ultimate solution for those tricky spots where the sun rarely reaches, offering lush foliage and brilliant blooms that last from early summer right through the first frost. At Longfield Gardens, we consider these versatile plants a "secret weapon" for any gardener looking to bring high-impact beauty to porches, patios, and flower beds.
Whether you are starting with dormant tubers or moving a favorite houseplant into the fresh air, the transition to the outdoors is a rewarding process. This guide is designed to help home gardeners understand the simple steps needed to move begonias outside successfully. We will cover the ideal timing, light requirements, and soil conditions to ensure your plants thrive all season long.
With a little bit of planning and the right environmental conditions, anyone can enjoy a spectacular display of outdoor begonias. For a deeper dive into the plant family, see our All About Begonias guide.
Identifying Your Begonia Type for Outdoor Success
Before you move your plants to the garden, it is helpful to know which type of begonia you are working with. While most begonias enjoy being outside during the warmer months, their growth habits and needs can vary. Matching the plant to the right outdoor environment is the first step toward a healthy, blooming garden.
Tuberous Begonias
These are the showstoppers of the begonia world and are a specialty of ours. Tuberous begonias grow from a thick, potato-like underground stem called a tuber. They are famous for their large, rose-like flowers and come in two main styles: upright and trailing. Upright varieties look beautiful in garden beds or window boxes, while trailing types are the perfect choice for hanging baskets. They love the filtered light found under tall trees or on a covered porch.
For planting details, our How to Plant Tuberous Begonias article is a helpful next step.
Wax Begonias
You might recognize these as the classic bedding plants found in many neighborhood gardens. Wax begonias have succulent-looking, waxy leaves that are either green or bronze. They are incredibly reliable and can handle a bit more sun than their tuberous cousins. Because they stay relatively compact, usually reaching about 6 to 12 inches in height, they are excellent for edging walkways or filling in gaps in a flower border.
Rex and Rhizomatous Begonias
While these are often grown as houseplants for their stunning, patterned foliage, they can certainly spend the summer outside. These types are grown for their leaves rather than their flowers. The intricate swirls of silver, purple, and burgundy on Rex begonias look spectacular when placed in a shaded container on a patio. They prefer very consistent shade and protection from heavy winds.
Cane-Like or Angel Wing Begonias
These begonias have long, sturdy stems that resemble bamboo and leaves shaped like wings. They often feature beautiful silver spots and clusters of pendulous flowers. When moved outside, they can grow quite large and may need a bit of support from a stake. They enjoy bright, indirect light but should be shielded from the harshest afternoon sun.
Key Takeaway Most begonias can live outdoors, but tuberous and wax varieties are the most common for garden beds, while Rex and Cane-like types are better suited for shaded containers.
When to Plant Begonias Outside
Timing is the most important factor when moving begonias outdoors. Because these plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, they have no natural defense against cold weather. Planting too early can stunt their growth or, in the case of a late frost, cause the plant to fail entirely.
The Temperature Rule
The most reliable way to know if it is time to plant is to check your local nighttime temperatures. You should wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the overnight temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). Many experienced gardeners prefer to wait until the nights reach 60°F (15°C) just to be safe. Begonias love warmth; they will sit idle in cold soil, but they will grow rapidly once the air and ground are properly warmed up.
Understanding Your Zone
Your USDA hardiness zone helps determine your general planting window, but the specific weather each spring is what really matters. In warmer climates like Zone 9 or 10, begonias might go outside as early as March. In northern regions like Zone 4 or 5, you might need to wait until late May or even early June. We ship our orders based on these zones to help ensure your plants arrive when it is nearly time to plant, and you can check the Hardiness Zone Map for more guidance.
Hardening Off Your Plants
If you have started your begonias indoors or purchased them from a warm greenhouse, you cannot move them directly into the garden. They need a "training" period known as hardening off. This process helps the plant adjust to the wind, varying light levels, and temperature fluctuations of the outdoors.
- Place your plants in a shaded, protected spot outside for two to three hours.
- Bring them back indoors for the night.
- Each day, increase their time outside by an hour or two.
- After a week, they should be ready to stay out all night and be planted in their permanent homes.
If you are moving plants from indoors, our How to Start Tuberous Begonias Indoors guide covers that transition well.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Finding the "Right Plant, Right Place" is a core principle for gardening success. For begonias, the "place" is all about light and protection.
Finding the Right Light
Most begonias are famous for their love of shade, but "shade" can mean many things. For the best results, look for a spot with filtered or dappled sunlight. This is the kind of light you find under a high-canopied tree where the sun peeks through the leaves but never shines directly and harshly on the plant.
- Morning Sun: A spot that gets light until about 10:00 AM and then stays shaded for the rest of the day is often perfect.
- Avoid Afternoon Heat: The sun between noon and 4:00 PM is the most intense. Direct exposure during these hours can scorch begonia leaves, leaving them with brown, crispy edges.
- Bronze Leaf Advantage: If you have a spot with a little more sun, choose wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves. They are naturally more resistant to sun damage than green-leaved varieties.
Protection from the Elements
Begonias have stems that are often quite brittle and full of water. This makes them susceptible to damage from strong winds or heavy rain. If you live in a windy area, try to plant your begonias near a fence, a wall, or tucked behind sturdier shrubs. If you are using hanging baskets, make sure they are hung in a spot where they won't be tossed around violently by summer storms.
Drainage is Essential
"Drainage" is a term gardeners use to describe how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias have a very specific preference: they like to stay moist but never soggy. If a begonia sits in standing water, the roots or the tuber can rot.
Before planting in the ground, observe the area after a rainstorm. If the water puddles and stays there for several hours, that spot is too wet for begonias. You can improve the drainage by mixing in organic matter like compost or by planting in raised beds and containers where you have more control over the soil quality.
What to Do Next
- Check your local 10-day forecast for nighttime lows above 50°F.
- Identify a spot with dappled light or morning sun only.
- Ensure the area is protected from strong, gusty winds.
Preparing the Soil and Planting
Once the weather is warm and you have found the right spot, it is time to get your begonias into the ground or their summer containers. Proper planting depth and soil preparation will give your plants the foundation they need to bloom all summer.
For Garden Beds
Start by loosening the soil to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. Begonias have relatively shallow root systems, but they appreciate soil that is easy to grow into. Mixing in a few inches of compost or well-rotted manure will add nutrients and help the soil hold just the right amount of moisture.
If you are planting tuberous begonias, look for the hollow side of the tuber. This indented side should face upward, like a small bowl. Plant the tuber about 1 inch deep. If you are in a particularly rainy climate, you can tilt the tuber slightly so that water doesn't sit in the hollow and cause rot. Space your plants about 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for good airflow, which helps prevent leaf diseases.
For Containers and Hanging Baskets
Containers are a wonderful way to grow begonias because you can move them around to find the perfect light. Use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Avoid using garden soil in pots, as it is too heavy and won't drain fast enough.
If you want a quick shopping shortcut, our Begonia Non Stop Mix collection is a good place to start.
Ensure your container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. If you have a decorative pot without a hole, it is best to keep the begonia in a plastic nursery liner inside the decorative pot. This allows you to lift the plant out to drain any excess water. In a 12-inch pot, you can comfortably plant three begonias for a full, lush look.
Planting Potted Begonias
If you are transplanting a begonia that is already growing in a pot, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the current root ball but no deeper. When you set the plant in the hole, the top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. Gently firm the soil around the roots with your hands—no need to pack it down hard—and water immediately to help settle the roots.
Essential Summer Care for Outdoor Begonias
Once your begonias are settled into their outdoor homes, they need very little maintenance to keep them looking their best. Following a simple routine for watering and feeding will yield the best results.
Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
The goal for begonia care is "deep, then dry." Instead of giving your plants a little bit of water every day, give them a thorough soaking and then wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch before watering again.
- Check the Soil: Stick your finger into the soil. If it feels cool and damp, wait another day. If it feels dry and dusty, it’s time for water.
- Water at the Base: Try to keep the water off the leaves and flowers. Wet foliage can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew. Watering in the morning is ideal because it gives any accidental splashes on the leaves time to dry before the cooler evening temperatures arrive.
- Container Care: Pots and hanging baskets dry out much faster than the ground. During the peak of summer heat, you might need to check your containers daily.
For more seasonal growing advice, the Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias article is worth a look.
Feeding for Better Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of energy to produce those constant flowers. To keep them going all season, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. If you prefer a "set it and forget it" approach, you can mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time. This will provide a steady stream of nutrients over several months.
Deadheading and Grooming
"Deadheading" is the process of removing faded flowers. Most modern begonias, especially wax and many tuberous types, are "self-cleaning," which means the old flowers drop off on their own. However, if you see spent blooms hanging on, you can gently pinch them off to keep the plant looking tidy. This also encourages the plant to put its energy into creating new buds rather than producing seeds.
If your plants start to look a little leggy or stretched out toward the end of summer, don't be afraid to pinch back the tips of the stems. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier.
Key Takeaway Success with begonias comes from consistent watering (letting the soil dry slightly between drinks) and regular feeding to support their non-stop blooming cycle.
Bringing Houseplant Begonias Outside
Many people enjoy keeping begonias as houseplants year-round, but these plants often thrive with a "summer vacation" outdoors. The increased humidity and better airflow can trigger a growth spurt and more vibrant flowering.
When moving an indoor begonia outside, follow the same hardening-off process mentioned earlier. Indoor environments have very "soft" light compared to the outdoors, so even a shady spot outside is significantly brighter than a spot near a window.
If you want to browse more growing advice and related resources, the Learn center is a useful place to start.
Be mindful of pests when your houseplants are outside. While begonias are generally quite hardy, you might occasionally see aphids or spider mites. A quick spray with a garden hose can often knock these pests off. Before you bring the plants back inside at the end of the summer, give them a thorough inspection and a gentle wash to make sure you aren't bringing any tiny hitchhikers into your home.
Dealing with Common Challenges
While begonias are generally easy-going, you might run into a few common situations. Dealing with them is simple if you know what to look for.
Why Won't My Begonias Bloom?
If your plants have beautiful green leaves but no flowers, the most common reason is a lack of light. While they love shade, they still need some light to trigger blooming. Try moving the plant to a slightly brighter spot. Another reason could be a lack of nutrients; a quick dose of flower-boosting fertilizer can often jumpstart the blooming process.
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves are turning yellow and the stems feel soft or mushy, the plant is likely getting too much water. Check the drainage holes in your pot or reduce your watering frequency. On the other hand, if the leaves are yellowing and the plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet, it may be a sign that the roots are struggling with poor drainage.
Powdery Mildew
This looks like a dusting of white flour on the leaves. It usually happens when there is high humidity and poor airflow. To prevent this, space your plants out and always water at the soil level rather than over the top of the foliage. If you see it, you can remove the affected leaves to stop it from spreading.
What to Do Next
- Space plants 8–12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
- Water at the soil level to keep foliage dry.
- Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid feed.
Overwintering: What to Do When the Season Ends
In most parts of the United States, begonias are treated as annuals, meaning they are enjoyed for one season and then replaced the following spring. However, if you have tuberous begonias that you particularly love, you can save the tubers to grow again next year.
Lifting the Tubers
Wait until the first light frost has touched the foliage. The leaves will turn black or yellow and go limp. This is your signal that the plant is entering dormancy.
- Dig up the tubers carefully, keeping the stems attached.
- Let them dry in a cool, protected, frost-free area for about two weeks.
- Once the stems are completely dry, they should pull away easily from the tuber.
- Gently brush off any remaining soil.
- Store the tubers in a paper bag filled with peat moss or sawdust in a cool, dark place (around 45°F to 50°F is ideal).
Overwintering Wax Begonias
Wax begonias don't have tubers, so they cannot be stored the same way. If you want to keep them, you must bring the entire plant inside before the first frost and keep it as a houseplant in a sunny window for the winter. Many gardeners find it easier to simply start with fresh plants each spring, but it can be a fun experiment to see if you can keep them going!
Planning for a Beautiful Shade Garden
Begonias are truly some of the most rewarding plants for the outdoor garden. Their ability to thrive in the shade while producing a continuous explosion of color makes them a favorite for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are filling a porch with hanging baskets of trailing tuberous begonias or edging a garden path with reliable wax begonias, the results are almost always spectacular.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality tubers and plants that help you achieve these beautiful results. You can learn more about our company on the About Us page, and we trial our varieties to ensure they perform well in a wide range of home garden conditions. By following the simple rules of waiting for warm weather, providing dappled light, and ensuring good drainage, you can enjoy the lush, tropical beauty of begonias all summer long.
- Wait for the warmth: Ensure night temperatures are above 50°F.
- Pick the right light: Aim for morning sun or dappled shade.
- Water with care: Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Feed your plants: Use regular fertilizer to keep the blooms coming.
Gardening is a journey of discovery, and begonias are one of the most cheerful companions you can have along the way. Their steady growth and vibrant colors are a wonderful reminder of the rewards that come from a little bit of care and the right timing.
FAQ
Can begonias grow in full sun?
Most begonias prefer shade or filtered light, but wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves are much more tolerant of sunlight. In cooler northern climates, begonias can handle more sun than they can in the hot, humid South. If you notice the leaves looking bleached or developing brown, crispy edges, move the plant to a shadier location.
How often should I water begonias in outdoor pots?
Potted begonias typically need more frequent watering than those in the ground. During the height of summer, you may need to water every day or every other day. Always check the soil moisture with your finger first; if the top inch of soil is dry, it is time to give the plant a deep soak until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Are begonias toxic to pets?
Yes, begonias contain calcium oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. The highest concentration of these compounds is found in the tubers. It is always a good idea to keep your plants in areas where pets cannot easily reach them and to monitor your animals when they are in the garden.
Do I need to dig up my begonias every winter?
If you live in USDA zones 9–11, your begonias may survive the winter outdoors in the ground. However, in most of the United States (zones 3–8), the ground will freeze, which will destroy the plants. For these colder regions, you should either treat them as annuals or lift and store the tubers indoors in a cool, dry place until spring. If you need shipping timing details, see Shipping Information.
