Introduction
Begonias are a favorite for many gardeners because they bring brilliant color and lush foliage to the shadiest corners of the yard. Whether you want cascading flowers in a hanging basket or bold, patterned leaves for a patio tabletop, there is a begonia for every space. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy these plants because they are incredibly reliable and bloom continuously from early summer right through the first frost.
This guide will show you how to choose the right varieties for your home and provide the simple steps needed to help them thrive. We will cover everything from starting tubers indoors to caring for established plants in your garden beds. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to grow begonias that look spectacular all season long.
Successful begonia gardening starts with understanding what each variety needs and providing a consistent environment for growth.
Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
The world of begonias is vast, with thousands of species and hybrids available. To make growing them easier, it helps to group them into a few common categories. Each type has a slightly different growth habit and primary appeal.
Tuberous Begonias
These are famous for their large, rose-like flowers that come in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. They grow from a thick, brown tuber and are excellent for containers and hanging baskets. Some varieties, like the Non-Stop Begonias series, grow upright, while others have a trailing habit that spills beautifully over the edges of pots.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous)
Wax begonias are the classic bedding plants often seen in parks and front borders. They have succulent stems and waxy, rounded leaves that can be green or bronze. These plants are very easy to grow and are often treated as annuals in most US climates. They produce clusters of small flowers and stay relatively compact, usually reaching 6 to 12 inches in height.
Cane-Stemmed Begonias
Often called Angel Wing begonias due to the shape of their leaves, these plants have upright, bamboo-like stems. They are prized for both their colorful, dangling flower clusters and their decorative foliage, which often features silver spots or streaks. These can grow quite tall if given the space and are frequently grown as indoor plants during the winter.
Rex Begonias
If you love dramatic foliage, Rex begonias are the perfect choice. They are grown primarily for their stunning leaves, which come in swirls of silver, purple, burgundy, and emerald green. While they do produce small flowers, the foliage is the main attraction. They prefer high humidity and a bit more protection from the wind than other types.
Choosing the Best Spot for Your Begonias
Matching the right plant to the right place is the first rule of successful gardening. Begonias are generally known as shade plants, but their light requirements can vary depending on the variety and your local climate. For more guidance, see where to plant begonias.
For most begonias, the ideal location provides filtered light or "dappled shade." This means the plants receive sunlight that is broken up by the leaves of a nearby tree. Morning sun followed by afternoon shade is a winning combination. The morning sun is gentle and encourages blooming, while the afternoon shade protects the succulent leaves from being scorched by the hot midday sun.
If you have a spot that gets a bit more sun, look for varieties with bronze or dark-colored leaves. These types typically have a higher tolerance for sunlight than the green-leaved varieties. However, no begonia enjoys the intense, direct heat of a midsummer afternoon in the southern US. If your plants look like they are wilting or if the edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy, they likely need more shade.
What to do next:
- Identify the shady spots in your garden that get morning sun.
- Check the drainage in those areas; begonias need soil that lets water escape easily.
- Group your plants by type so you can provide the specific light they prefer.
How to Start Begonia Tubers Indoors
While you can buy started plants at a nursery, starting your own begonia tubers indoors is a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a head start on the season. This is especially helpful for tuberous begonias, which can take several months to reach full bloom.
Start your tubers about 8 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Use a shallow tray or individual small pots filled with a high-quality, soil-less potting mix. Moisten the mix slightly before you begin.
When you look at a begonia tuber, you will notice one side is slightly indented or "hollowed out." This is the top. Place the tuber into the soil with the hollow side facing up. Do not bury it deeply; simply press it into the mix so the top is just at or slightly below the surface. For more detail, see this guide to planting begonia tubers.
Place the containers in a warm spot with indirect light. A room temperature of about 70°F is ideal for encouraging the first sprouts. Water very sparingly at first. The soil should be barely damp, not wet. Overwatering a tuber before it has roots is the most common reason for failure, as it can lead to rot.
Moving Begonias Outdoors
Begonias are tropical plants by nature, which means they have no tolerance for frost. Timing is the most important factor when moving your plants outside. Wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F to 60°F. Check Longfield Gardens’ shipping information for zone-based timing guidance.
If you started your plants indoors, they need to be "hardened off" before moving to their permanent home. This is a simple process of gradually getting them used to the outdoor environment. Start by placing them in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours a day, then slowly increase their time outside over the course of a week.
When planting in the ground, space your begonias according to their mature size. For wax begonias, 6 to 8 inches apart is usually sufficient. Larger tuberous or cane varieties may need 10 to 12 inches of space. Good air circulation is helpful for preventing common fungal issues, so avoid crowding them too tightly.
Soil and Moisture Requirements
Begonias need soil that is rich in organic matter but also very well-draining. "Drainage" refers to how quickly water moves through the soil. If water sits in a puddle for hours after a rain, the soil is likely too heavy for begonias. You can improve garden soil by mixing in some compost or aged bark.
For container gardening, always use a fresh potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is designed to be light and airy, which provides the oxygen roots need to stay healthy. This guide to growing tuberous begonias in pots offers additional container advice.
Watering correctly is the most important part of begonia care. The goal is to keep the soil "evenly moist." This means it should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Before watering, stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, give the plant a deep drink. If it still feels moist, wait another day or two.
Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spots. Watering in the morning is also better than watering at night, as it gives any accidental splashes on the leaves time to dry before the sun goes down.
Key Takeaway: Successful begonia growth depends on finding the balance between moisture and drainage. Keep the soil damp but never soggy, and always check the soil manually before adding more water.
Fertilizing for Continuous Blooms
Because begonias bloom for such a long time, they need a steady supply of nutrients to keep up their energy. In our trial gardens at Longfield Gardens, we have found that a regular feeding schedule makes a significant difference in the size and quantity of flowers.
Start fertilizing about a month after you plant them outdoors. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer works well for most varieties. If you are growing begonias primarily for their flowers, a formula with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) can encourage more blooms. If you are growing Rex begonias for their foliage, a balanced all-purpose fertilizer is best.
Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended strength every two weeks, or use a full-strength application once a month. If your begonias are in containers, they may need more frequent feeding because nutrients wash out of the pots more quickly with regular watering. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to ensure you are using it safely and effectively.
Pruning and Tidy Habits
Begonias are relatively low-maintenance, but a little bit of grooming goes a long way. This practice is often called "deadheading," which simply means removing spent flowers.
Most modern begonia varieties, such as the Surefire series, are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. However, if you are growing traditional tuberous begonias, removing the old, wilting blooms will keep the plant looking tidy and prevent the old petals from rotting on the leaves.
If your plants start to look "leggy"—which means they have long, thin stems with very few leaves at the bottom—you can pinch back the tips of the stems. Use your fingernails or a clean pair of snips to remove the top inch of growth just above a leaf node. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier and fuller.
Growing Begonias in Containers
Containers and hanging baskets are where begonias truly shine. Because you have complete control over the soil and light, you can create the perfect environment for them.
When choosing a pot, ensure it has at least one large drainage hole at the bottom. Terracotta pots are a good choice because they "breathe," but they do dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. If you live in a very hot climate, a plastic liner inside a decorative pot can help keep the roots cool and moist.
For a classic "thriller, filler, spiller" container design:
- Thriller: Use an upright cane begonia or a tall Rex begonia for height and drama.
- Filler: Use wax begonias or coleus to fill in the middle of the pot with color.
- Spiller: Use trailing tuberous begonias or a plant like silver falls dichondra to tumble over the edges.
Remember that container plants dry out much faster than those in the ground. During the peak of summer, you may need to water your pots every day.
Overwintering Your Begonias
Since begonias are not hardy in most of the United States, they will not survive the winter if left outdoors. However, you can save your plants to enjoy again next year. For more seasonal information, read are begonias annual or perennial.
Saving Tuberous Begonias
In the fall, when the leaves start to turn yellow or after the first very light frost, stop watering the plants. Let the foliage die back naturally. Once it is dry, carefully dig up the tubers and shake off the excess soil. Let them sit in a dry, sunny spot for a few days to "cure." Store the tubers in a cool, dark, dry place (about 40°F to 50°F) inside a paper bag or a box filled with dry peat moss or sawdust.
Bringing Begonias Indoors as Houseplants
Wax begonias, Rex begonias, and cane varieties don't go dormant. You can bring them inside before the first frost and treat them as houseplants. Place them in a bright window with indirect light. Be aware that the lower humidity inside a heated home can be a challenge. Placing the pots on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help increase the local humidity around the leaves.
What to do next:
- Monitor the weather for the first frost of autumn.
- Decide which plants you want to save and prepare your storage space.
- Reduce watering gradually as the season ends to prepare the plants for dormancy.
Simple Troubleshooting for Common Issues
Most begonia problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for. By focusing on the basics of light and water, you can resolve most issues before they become serious.
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves are turning yellow and the stems feel soft or mushy, the plant is likely getting too much water. This is the most common begonia challenge. Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. Ensure the container has good drainage.
Crispy Brown Edges
If the edges of the leaves look burnt or crispy, the plant is probably getting too much direct sun or the air is too dry. Move the pot to a shadier location and consider increasing the humidity if the plant is indoors.
Powdery Mildew
This looks like a light dusting of white flour on the leaves. It usually happens when the air is stagnant or the foliage stays wet for too long. To fix it, improve the air circulation around the plants and be careful to water only at the soil level.
Few or No Flowers
If your begonia has plenty of green leaves but very few flowers, it might need a bit more light. Try moving it to a spot that gets more bright, indirect light or more morning sun. A boost of phosphorus-rich fertilizer can also help jumpstart the blooming process.
Conclusion
Growing begonias is one of the most rewarding ways to add consistent, season-long color to your garden. By matching the right variety to your shade conditions and keeping the soil evenly moist, you can enjoy these tropical beauties from the end of spring until the arrival of winter. Whether you are starting tubers indoors or planting wax begonias in your borders, the process is straightforward and achievable for gardeners of all skill levels.
We want every gardener to feel the excitement of a lush, blooming shade garden. With a little patience and the right care, your begonias will become a highlight of your landscape year after year.
- Select the right type of begonia for your specific garden goals (foliage vs. flowers).
- Wait for warm weather before moving plants outdoors.
- Prioritize drainage and consistent moisture to keep roots healthy.
- Feed regularly during the summer to maintain the bloom cycle.
Growing begonias is a simple way to transform a shady corner into a vibrant oasis. By starting with quality plants from Longfield Gardens and following these basic steps, you can create a beautiful display that lasts all season.
FAQ
Do begonias need sun or shade?
Most begonias prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight. While they need light to produce flowers, direct afternoon sun can be too intense and may scorch their leaves. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is usually perfect for most varieties.
Can I grow begonias from seeds?
Yes, but begonia seeds are extremely tiny—almost like dust—and can be difficult for beginners to handle. Most home gardeners find it much easier and faster to start with tubers or established nursery plants. If you do use seeds, they should be started indoors very early in the year.
Why are my begonia leaves drooping?
Drooping leaves can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering. Check the soil with your finger; if it feels dry, the plant needs water. If the soil is soaking wet and the stems feel mushy, the plant is overwatered and may be suffering from root rot.
Do I need to remove old flowers from my begonias?
While many modern hybrids are self-cleaning, removing spent blooms (deadheading) on tuberous begonias helps the plant look better and prevents rot. It also encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new flowers rather than seeds.
