Do Begonias Grow Back Every Year?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Begonia Lifecycle
3. The Different Types of Begonias
4. Do Begonias Grow Back in Your Zone?
5. How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias
6. Bringing Begonias Indoors as Houseplants
7. Starting Your Begonias in the Spring
8. Why Some Begonias Don't Grow Back
9. Practical Success Tips
10. Enjoying Your Begonias Year After Year
11. FAQ

Introduction

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with seeing the first oversized, velvet blooms of a begonia in late spring. These plants are famous for their ability to brighten up the shady corners of a porch or garden with vibrant colors and lush foliage. Because they look so spectacular, one of the most common questions we hear at Longfield Gardens is whether these plants will return to grace the garden again next summer.

The answer to whether begonias grow back every year depends largely on the variety you are growing and the climate where you live. While many gardeners treat them as annuals that last only one season, most begonias are actually "tender perennials." This means they have the potential to live for many years if they are protected from the cold.

This guide will help you understand the different types of begonias and how their growth habits affect their return. Whether you want to save your favorite potted plants or store tubers for next year, we have the practical steps you need to succeed. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy these beautiful blooms year after year.

Understanding the Begonia Lifecycle

In the gardening world, we usually group plants into three categories: annuals, perennials, and biennials. To understand if your begonias will grow back, it helps to know where they fit into this system.

By definition, a true annual completes its entire life from seed to flower to seed in just one year and then dies naturally. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years, often going dormant in the winter and regrowing in the spring.

Begonias are unique because almost all of them are botanically perennials. However, because they are native to tropical and subtropical regions, they cannot survive a frost. In most parts of the United States, we treat them as annuals because the winter cold ends their life cycle prematurely. If you live in a very warm climate, like southern Florida or parts of California, your begonias might stay green and continue growing all year long.

For the rest of us, "growing back" usually requires a bit of help from the gardener. We call this "overwintering." This process involves either bringing the plant indoors as a houseplant or storing the underground part of the plant in a dormant state until the weather warms up again.

The Different Types of Begonias

Not all begonias are created equal when it comes to their ability to return. Knowing which type you have is the first step in deciding how to care for it.

Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias are the most common type for gardeners who want a plant that "grows back," and our Non-Stop Begonias are a classic example. These plants grow from a thick, potato-like structure called a tuber. This tuber acts as a storage tank for energy.

In the fall, the plant naturally prepares for a rest period. The top growth may die back, but the tuber remains alive. Because this tuber holds so much energy, it is very easy to store over the winter and replant in the spring. Varieties like the Begonia Non Stop Mix - Bulk Offer series or trailing "Illumination" types are classic examples of tuberous begonias.

Fibrous-Rooted (Wax) Begonias

Wax begonias are the ones you often see in mass plantings in public parks or as edging in garden beds. They have shiny, succulent-like leaves and small, prolific flowers. These plants have a traditional root system made of thin, hair-like fibers rather than a solid tuber.

Because they lack a storage organ like a tuber, wax begonias are much harder to "save" by storing them in a box. Most people treat these as true annuals and replace them each spring. However, they make excellent houseplants if you dig them up and bring them into a bright room before the first frost.

Rhizomatous and Rex Begonias

These varieties are primarily grown for their stunning foliage. Rex begonias feature swirls of silver, purple, and burgundy on their leaves. They grow from a rhizome, which is a thick stem that grows horizontally along the soil surface.

Like wax begonias, these are very sensitive to the cold. They do not typically go dormant in a way that allows for easy storage in a basement or shed. Instead, they are usually grown as year-round houseplants or moved indoors for the winter.

Cane-Type (Angel Wing) Begonias

Angel wing begonias are named for their long, pointed leaves that resemble wings. They have tall, woody stems that look a bit like bamboo. These are very long-lived plants. While they won't survive a winter outdoors in most zones, they can live for decades if kept indoors as a potted plant.

Key Takeaway: Tuberous begonias are the easiest variety to grow back every year because they can be stored as dormant tubers. Other types must be kept as active houseplants to survive the winter.

Do Begonias Grow Back in Your Zone?

The Hardiness Zone Map is a helpful tool for understanding which plants can survive the winter in your backyard. Begonias are generally hardy only in zones 9, 10, and 11.

• Zones 9-11: In these warm regions, begonias may grow as true perennials. They can stay in the ground year-round. They might slow down in the winter, but they generally won't die back completely unless there is an unusual cold snap.
• Zones 2-8: In these areas, the ground freezes, which will kill begonia roots and tubers. To see them grow back, you must either bring the pots inside or lift the tubers from the ground before the first frost hits.

There is one notable exception: the Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis). This specific variety can survive in the ground as far north as zone 6. It dies back to the ground in winter and sprouts again in late spring. However, this is a very different plant than the flashy tuberous or wax begonias most people grow in containers.

How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias

If you have tuberous begonias in your garden or pots, you can easily save them for next year. This is a great way to save money and enjoy even larger plants next season, as the tubers grow bigger each year.

Step 1: Watch the Weather

In the late fall, pay attention to the forecast. You want to leave your begonias outside as long as possible so the tubers can soak up energy from the leaves. However, you must act before a hard freeze. A light frost that nips the leaves is actually helpful—it signals to the plant that it is time to go dormant.

Step 2: Cure the Tubers

Once the foliage has turned yellow or been hit by a light frost, cut the stems back to about one inch above the tuber. Carefully dig the tubers out of the ground or remove them from their pots. Brush off the loose soil, but do not wash them with water, as excess moisture can cause rot.

Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and airy spot for about a week. This "curing" process allows the outer skin to toughen up and the remaining stem piece to dry and fall off naturally.

Step 3: Proper Storage

After the tubers are dry, place them in a container that allows for some airflow. A cardboard box or a paper bag works well. To keep the tubers from touching each other and to maintain a very slight amount of moisture, we recommend nesting them in dry peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite.

Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place. A basement or an attached garage that stays between 40°F and 50°F is ideal. Avoid areas that might freeze or get too warm, like a furnace room.

Step 4: Monthly Checks

Once a month, take a quick look at your stored tubers. If any look shriveled, you can give them a very light misting of water. If you see any soft or mushy spots, remove those tubers immediately so they don't spoil the rest of the batch.

What to do next:

• Wait for the first light frost to signal dormancy.
• Lift tubers and let them dry in a protected area for 7 days.
• Pack in dry peat moss or sawdust in a breathable box.
• Store at 40-50°F until spring.

Bringing Begonias Indoors as Houseplants

For wax begonias, Rex begonias, or Angel Wing types, the best way to ensure they grow back is to never let them stop growing. You can move these plants indoors to live as houseplants during the winter.

Transitioning Your Plants

Plants can experience shock when moved from the humid, bright outdoors to a dry, dimmer indoor environment. To make the move successful, bring your plants inside before you turn on your home's heating system for the season. This gives them time to adjust to the lower light levels while the air is still relatively humid.

Indoor Care Requirements

Indoor begonias need a few basics to thrive until spring:

1. Light: Place them in a bright window that gets indirect light. A south-facing window is usually best in the winter.
2. Water: Begonias like to dry out slightly between waterings. Indoors, they will need much less water than they did outside. Always check the soil with your finger; if the top inch is dry, it is time to water.
3. Humidity: Indoor air in the winter is very dry. You can increase humidity by placing the pots on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. As the water evaporates, it creates a moist microclimate for the leaves.

Starting Your Begonias in the Spring

Whether you stored tubers or kept houseplants, the return to the garden starts a few weeks before the last frost. At Longfield Gardens, we find that giving your begonias a "head start" indoors results in much earlier blooms.

Waking Up Tubers

In March or early April, bring your stored tubers out of the basement. Look for the small pink or red "eyes" or buds starting to form in the hollow side of the tuber. Place the tubers on top of some moist potting soil in a shallow tray. Keep them in a warm, bright spot.

Once you see green shoots that are a few inches tall, you can move each tuber into its own pot. Be careful not to overwater at this stage; the plant doesn't have a large root system yet and can easily rot if the soil stays soggy.

Hardening Off

Before your begonias move back to their permanent summer home, they need to get used to the outdoors again. This is called "hardening off."

Start by placing your pots outside in a shady, protected spot for an hour or two during the day. Gradually increase their time outside over the course of a week. This protects the tender new leaves from being scorched by the sun or whipped by the wind. Only plant them in the ground or leave pots out overnight once the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed.

Why Some Begonias Don't Grow Back

If you have tried to save your begonias and they didn't return, don't feel discouraged. Gardening is a learning process, and several factors can affect a plant's survival.

Issues with Moisture

The most common reason begonias fail to return is rot. This can happen in the garden if the soil is too heavy and stays wet during a cold spring. It can also happen during storage if the tubers were put away damp or if the storage area was too humid. Using well-draining soil and ensuring tubers are dry before storage is the best way to prevent this.

Temperature Fluctuations

If stored tubers get too cold (freezing) or too hot (above 60°F), they may lose their viability. Freezing temperatures burst the cells in the tuber, turning it to mush. High temperatures can cause the tuber to use up its stored energy too quickly, leaving it exhausted before planting time.

Natural Lifespan

While we treat them as perennials, some hybrid varieties are bred for intense flower production rather than long-term survival. These plants put so much energy into blooming that the tuber may be small or weak at the end of the season. In these cases, starting with fresh, high-quality tubers is often the most rewarding choice.

Practical Success Tips

To get the best results and ensure your begonias are healthy enough to return next year, focus on these simple rules during the growing season.

• Feed Regularly: Begonias are "heavy feeders." Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the summer to help the plant build up a strong root system and a large tuber.
• Provide Shade: Most begonias prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much hot afternoon sun can stress the plant, making it less likely to survive the winter.
• Remove Spent Blooms: Pinching off dead flowers, a practice called deadheading, encourages the plant to keep blooming and stay healthy. For tuberous varieties, this helps the plant focus on tuber growth in late summer.

Enjoying Your Begonias Year After Year

Growing begonias is a rewarding experience that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. While the question of whether they grow back every year has a few variables, the process of saving them is straightforward once you know which type you are growing.

Tuberous begonias are the champions of the "comeback," offering a simple storage solution for cold-climate gardeners. Wax and foliage begonias provide a different kind of joy, transitioning easily into beautiful houseplants that remind us of summer during the snowy months.

We love begonias because they are versatile, colorful, and surprisingly resilient. By understanding their needs for warmth and a dry winter rest, you can transform these "one-season" plants into long-term residents of your garden.

Success with begonias comes from matching your winter care to the specific type of plant you have. Whether you are storing tubers in the basement or keeping a Rex begonia on your windowsill, the goal is simply to keep them away from the frost.

If you are ready to start your begonia journey or want to add new varieties to your collection, we invite you to explore the options at Longfield Gardens. We provide high-quality tubers that are ready to thrive in your garden and return for years to come. For shipping details before you order, see our Shipping Information.

FAQ

Can I leave my begonia tubers in the ground over winter?

You can only leave begonia tubers in the ground if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 9, 10, or 11, where the ground does not freeze. In any colder zones, the tubers will freeze and rot, so they must be lifted and stored indoors. The only exception is the specific variety Begonia grandis, which is hardy to zone 6. If you want help matching plants to your climate, start with the Hardiness Zone Map.

How do I know if my begonia is the tuberous kind?

The easiest way to tell is by looking at the base of the plant. Tuberous begonias grow from a single, round, brown tuber that looks like a flattened potato. They also typically have much larger, showier flowers than the wax varieties. If you bought your plant as a "bulb" or "tuber" originally, it is a tuberous type. For a closer look at one option, the Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink is a classic example.

My begonia leaves are turning yellow in the fall. Is it dying?

If it is late autumn, yellowing leaves are a natural sign that a tuberous begonia is entering dormancy. The plant is moving its energy from the leaves down into the tuber for winter storage. This is the perfect time to stop watering and prepare to lift the tuber for the winter. If you are planning to store plants from a basket, our How to Plant a Begonia Hanging Basket guide can help with the next steps.

Can I grow wax begonias from seed to make them come back?

While you can grow wax begonias from seed, the seeds are extremely tiny (like dust) and can be difficult for beginners to start. Most gardeners find it much easier to either buy new plants each spring or take cuttings from their favorite plants in late summer to grow as houseplants over the winter. For a broader look at care, our How to Plant and Care for Begonias guide is a helpful place to start.