Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Spacing Matters for Begonias
- Spacing for Tuberous Begonias
- Spacing for Wax Begonias
- Spacing Begonias in Containers and Hanging Baskets
- Spacing for Rex and Foliage Begonias
- How to Measure and Mark Your Spacing
- Planting Depth and Spacing
- Site Selection and Spacing
- Caring for Your Spaced Begonias
- Realistic Expectations for Begonia Growth
- Longfield Gardens Quality and Support
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Adding begonias to your landscape is one of the most rewarding ways to bring bright, dependable color to the shadier corners of your yard. These versatile begonias offer a spectacular range of flower shapes and foliage patterns that can transform a simple garden bed into a tropical oasis. Whether you are planting upright tuberous begonias in a border or trailing varieties in a hanging basket, getting the spacing right is a simple way to ensure your plants thrive all season long.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you feel confident as you plan your garden layout. Proper spacing is not just about how the garden looks on the day you plant. It is about giving each begonia the room it needs to grow, breathe, and produce the most flowers possible. For a broader overview, see our All About Begonias.
This article will explain exactly how far apart to space the different types of begonias, from wax begonias to large-flowered tuberous varieties. We will cover the specific needs for garden beds versus containers and offer practical tips for getting your plants off to a great start. Our goal is to make your gardening experience as simple and successful as possible.
Choosing the correct spacing for your begonias ensures a lush, full display while maintaining the healthy airflow necessary for these beautiful plants to flourish from spring until the first frost.
Why Spacing Matters for Begonias
When you first bring home young begonia starts or look at a firm begonia tuber, it can be tempting to plant them very close together. We all want that "instant" full look in our flower beds. However, giving your plants the right amount of elbow room is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. Proper spacing serves several important purposes in the garden.
First, spacing allows for adequate airflow. Begonias have succulent stems and lush leaves that hold a lot of moisture. If they are packed too tightly, air cannot move between the plants. Good airflow helps the foliage stay dry and keeps the plants vibrant and strong. When air moves freely, the garden remains a fresh and healthy environment for your begonias to grow.
Second, correct spacing reduces competition. Every plant needs its own share of water and nutrients from the soil. When begonias are spaced correctly, their roots have enough room to spread out and find the resources they need. This leads to bigger blooms and more vigorous foliage. It also means you will not have to water or fertilize quite as often as you would with an overcrowded bed.
Finally, spacing gives the plants room to reach their mature size. Begonias are known for their ability to fill out beautifully over the summer. By following the recommended guidelines, you are planning for the future of your garden. You will enjoy a seamless carpet of color by mid-summer without the plants mashing against each other or losing their natural, graceful shape.
Spacing for Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are famous for their large, rose-like blooms and stunning colors. Because these plants can grow quite large and produce heavy flowers, they need a bit more room than smaller bedding varieties. For upright displays, the Upright Double Begonias collection is a great place to start.
We recommend spacing tuberous begonias about 10 to 12 inches apart in the garden.
This 10 to 12-inch gap is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next. This gives the upright varieties plenty of space to develop their thick, sturdy stems. If you are planting cascading or trailing tuberous begonias in a garden bed (perhaps on a slope or over a retaining wall), this same spacing allows their stems to spread out without tangling into a messy mat.
When planting tubers, it is helpful to visualize the mature plant. A single 5/6 cm tuber from our collection can grow into a plant that is 12 inches wide or more. For a classic pink option, Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink is a strong example. If you plant them much closer than 10 inches, the beautiful flowers can get hidden behind the leaves of their neighbors. Giving them that extra inch or two of space ensures every bloom is visible and gets the light it needs to stay bright.
Key Spacing Takeaway For tuberous begonias in the landscape, aim for 10 to 12 inches between plants. This balance provides a full look while ensuring every plant has the light and air it needs to produce those signature large blooms.
Spacing for Wax Begonias
Wax begonias, often called bedding begonias, are the workhorses of the summer garden. They are incredibly reliable and bloom nonstop from the moment they go into the ground. These plants are generally more compact than tuberous begonias, which means you can plant them closer together for a dense, colorful effect.
For a traditional garden border or a mass planting, space wax begonias 6 to 9 inches apart. If you want a "carpet" effect where no soil is visible by mid-summer, stick to the 6-inch side of that range. For a ready-made mass planting, browse our Non-Stop Begonias collection.
Wax begonias are excellent for edging pathways. When you space them at 8 inches, they create a soft, undulating line of color that guides the eye through the garden. Because they are self-cleaning (meaning they drop their old flowers naturally), a well-spaced row of wax begonias looks tidy and professional with very little effort on your part.
Large-Leaf Wax Begonias
Some newer varieties of wax begonias have much larger leaves and a more vigorous growth habit. These types can grow twice as large as the standard varieties. For these "big-leaf" types, increase your spacing to 12 or even 15 inches. Always check the tag or the product description to see if your specific variety is a compact or a vigorous grower.
Spacing Begonias in Containers and Hanging Baskets
One of the best things about begonias is how well they perform in pots. In a container, the rules for spacing change slightly. Because we often want a container to look "finished" right away, you can plant begonias a bit closer together than you would in the ground.
In a standard 12-inch hanging basket, you can typically plant three tuberous begonias. For a trailing look, Begonia Hanging Golden Balcony is an easy choice.
Containers allow for more control over the environment. Since you are likely using a high-quality potting mix and watering more frequently, the plants can handle being closer neighbors. However, keep an eye on them as they grow. If the foliage becomes so thick that you cannot see the soil, make sure you are watering at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.
The Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method
Begonias work perfectly in the "thriller, filler, spiller" design method for containers. For more cascading options, browse our Hanging Begonias collection.
- Thriller: Use an upright tuberous begonia or a tall cane-type begonia in the center.
- Filler: Surround the center with wax begonias or coleus.
- Spiller: Use trailing begonias near the edges to cascade down.
When mixing different plants, give the "thriller" about 6 inches of space and tuck the "fillers" and "spillers" into the remaining gaps. This ensures everyone has room to shine without the most vigorous plant taking over the whole pot.
Spacing for Rex and Foliage Begonias
Rex begonias are grown primarily for their incredible leaves, which feature swirls of silver, purple, pink, and deep green. These plants have a more mounded and spreading habit. To fully appreciate the intricate patterns on their foliage, they should not be crowded.
In the garden, space Rex begonias 12 inches apart. This allows each leaf to lay flat and catch the light, showing off its metallic sheen. If they are planted too close, the leaves will overlap and hide the very colors you planted them for. Rex begonias also make wonderful houseplants, and in a pot, a single plant usually fills a 6-inch or 8-inch container perfectly on its own.
How to Measure and Mark Your Spacing
Measuring your garden spacing does not have to be a complicated task. You can use a simple ruler or a yardstick to mark out your holes before you start digging. Some gardeners like to use a "hand span" as a quick guide. For most adults, the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger when the hand is spread wide is about 8 inches.
Before you dig, try placing your potted begonias or your tubers on top of the soil in the spots where you think they should go. Step back and look at the arrangement.
- Does it look balanced?
- Is there a clear path for air to move?
- Is the spacing consistent?
Adjusting the plants while they are still on top of the soil is much easier than moving them after they are in the ground. Once you are happy with the layout, you can begin planting.
What To Do Next
- Identify which types of begonias you are planting (Tuberous, Wax, or Rex).
- Measure the area you want to fill to determine how many plants you need.
- Use a ruler or hand span to mark the centers of your planting holes.
- Set your plants or tubers out on the soil surface to double-check the layout.
- Dig your holes and begin the exciting process of planting!
Planting Depth and Spacing
While the distance between plants is important, the depth at which you plant them also plays a role in their success. For step-by-step help, see our How Do I Plant Begonias?.
When you look at a begonia tuber, you will notice one side has a hollow or indented area, like a small bowl. This side should always face up. The rounded side goes down into the soil. If you are planting in a garden bed, loosen the soil to a depth of 6 inches, place the tuber in the hole, and cover it with an inch of soil.
If you are planting begonias that you bought in nursery pots, you should plant them so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Planting them too deep can cause the stems to become too moist, while planting them too shallow can cause the roots to dry out. Consistent depth combined with consistent spacing is the secret to a professional-looking garden.
Site Selection and Spacing
The amount of sun your garden receives can actually influence how far apart you should space your begonias. Begonias are generally shade-loving plants, but "shade" can mean many things. For more detail on light and placement, read Where to Plant Begonias for the Best Blooms.
In very shady areas, begonias tend to grow a bit taller and more "leggy" as they reach for the light. If your garden is quite dark, you might want to space your plants slightly further apart—perhaps 10 inches for wax begonias—to allow as much light as possible to reach the lower leaves.
In areas with dappled sunlight or morning sun, begonias will grow more compactly and full. In these conditions, you can stick to the tighter end of the spacing range. The extra light helps the plant produce more branches, creating a naturally dense mound of color.
Soil and Drainage
Regardless of spacing, begonias need well-drained soil. "Drainage" simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil after a rain or watering. Begonias do not like to have "wet feet," which means their roots should not sit in standing water.
If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, you can improve it by adding organic matter like compost. When the soil is rich and loose, begonias can spread their roots more easily, allowing them to fill their allotted space much faster.
Caring for Your Spaced Begonias
Once your begonias are in the ground and correctly spaced, your main job is to keep them hydrated and fed. Because they have space between them, the soil surface may dry out a little faster than it would in a crowded bed.
Check the soil every few days. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. For more specific watering advice, see How to Water Begonia Plants.
Feeding for Growth
To help your begonias fill their space, they will appreciate a little extra nutrition. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks will encourage them to grow lush leaves and abundant flowers. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the best results. As the plants grow and begin to touch each other, you can reduce the frequency of feeding, as they will have reached their mature size.
Mulching
Applying a thin layer of mulch around your begonias is a great way to finish the look of the garden. The Best Mulch for Flower Gardens can help you choose the right material. Mulch helps keep the soil moist and prevents weeds from popping up in the spaces between your plants. A 1-to-2-inch layer of shredded bark or compost is perfect. Just be sure to keep the mulch an inch or two away from the actual stems of the begonias to prevent the stems from staying too damp.
Realistic Expectations for Begonia Growth
Gardening is a journey, and every yard is a little bit different. While these spacing rules are a great guide, your begonias might grow faster or slower depending on your local weather.
If you have a particularly cool, cloudy summer, your begonias might take a little longer to fill in the gaps. If the summer is warm and you keep them well-watered, they might reach their full size by early July. Both scenarios are perfectly normal! The wait for a full garden is part of the fun, and watching the plants gradually close the gaps between them is very satisfying.
It is also important to remember that begonias are tropical plants. They love the heat but are very sensitive to frost. If a surprise cold snap is predicted, you can easily protect your well-spaced plants by tossing a light sheet over them for the night. This keeps them cozy and ensures your beautiful display lasts as long as possible.
Longfield Gardens Quality and Support
We are proud to provide home gardeners with premium flower bulbs and perennials that are true to variety and ready to grow. Our team at Longfield Gardens works closely with trusted growers to ensure the tubers and plants you receive are in prime condition. We maintain our own trial garden in New Jersey to evaluate how different varieties perform and how they respond to various spacing and care routines.
If you ever have a question about the items you received or how they are performing in your garden, our customer service team is here to help. We stand behind our quality with a 100% Quality Guarantee. We want your garden to be a place of joy and beauty.
Conclusion
Finding the right spacing for your begonias is a simple step that leads to a much more beautiful and healthy garden. By giving tuberous begonias 10 to 12 inches of room and wax begonias 6 to 9 inches, you are setting the stage for a spectacular season of color. Remember that spacing is about more than just looks—it provides the airflow and resources your plants need to truly thrive.
Gardening should be an enjoyable and rewarding part of your life. Whether you are planting a single pot on your porch or a long border along your driveway, begonias are a fantastic choice for any skill level. With a little bit of planning and the right spacing, you will be amazed at how much beauty these plants can bring to your home.
- Space Tuberous Begonias 10-12" apart for maximum bloom visibility.
- Space Wax Begonias 6-9" apart for a dense, colorful border.
- Allow 12" for Rex Begonias to show off their ornamental foliage.
- Plant tubers 1" deep with the indented side facing the sky.
"The secret to a lush, healthy begonia garden isn't just in the soil or the water—it's in giving the plants enough room to breathe and grow. Proper spacing turns a collection of plants into a stunning, professional-looking landscape."
We invite you to explore our selection of begonias and other summer-blooming bulbs. We ship our high-quality products directly from our facility in Lakewood, New Jersey, to the 48 contiguous United States, timed perfectly for your local planting season—see our Shipping Information for details. Happy gardening!
FAQ
Can I plant begonias closer together in a window box than in the ground?
Yes, you can space begonias about 4 to 6 inches apart in a window box to get a fuller look more quickly. Since window boxes are usually viewed from a distance, the dense growth looks very attractive. Just be sure to water and fertilize regularly, as plants in containers have less soil to draw nutrients from.
What happens if I plant my begonias too far apart?
If you space them too far apart, you will see more of the bare soil or mulch between the plants for a longer period. While the plants will still be healthy, the garden might look a bit sparse. You can easily fix this by planting a few low-growing companion plants, like sweet alyssum, in the gaps.
Does the spacing change for sun-tolerant begonias?
In general, the spacing remains the same for sun-tolerant varieties. However, because begonias in the sun often grow more compactly and branch more frequently, they may fill the gaps between them faster than those grown in deep shade. Stick to the standard 6 to 9-inch rule for sun-tolerant wax begonias.
How many begonia tubers should I put in a 10-inch hanging basket?
For a 10-inch hanging basket, two to three tuberous begonias are usually perfect. This allows the plants to fill the top of the basket while providing enough trailing stems to spill over the sides. If you use three tubers, space them in a triangle pattern to ensure even growth on all sides of the basket.