Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
- Choosing the Best Location
- When to Plant Your Begonias
- How to Plant Begonia Tubers
- Watering and Feeding for Best Results
- Maintaining Your Plants Through the Season
- Designing Your Garden with Begonias
- Overwintering Your Begonias
- Growing Begonias in Different Regions
- Simple Troubleshooting Tips
- The Joy of Begonias
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Begonias bring a sense of wonder and vibrant color to the quietest corners of your yard. These tropical beauties are famous for their lush foliage and brilliant flowers that bloom for months. Whether you have a shaded porch that needs a pop of red or a garden bed beneath high trees, begonias are the perfect choice. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners find the best varieties to turn a simple garden into a stunning retreat.
This guide is for anyone who wants to enjoy these easy-to-grow plants. We will cover the different types of begonias and how to give them the right light and water. You will also learn the simple steps for planting tubers and keeping them healthy all season long. With a few basic rules, you can grow begonias that look like they belong in a professional display, and you can start with a standout option like Non Stop begonias.
Growing begonias is a rewarding way to add long-lasting beauty to your home with very little stress.
Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
Before you get started, it helps to know which begonia is right for your space. There are thousands of varieties, but most home gardeners focus on four main types. Each one has a slightly different look and growth habit.
Tuberous Begonias
These are often the stars of the shade garden. Tuberous begonias grow from a thick, potato-like root called a tuber. They are famous for their large, rose-like flowers. Some flowers can grow as wide as five or eight inches. You can find them in upright varieties for pots or cascading varieties for hanging baskets. These plants go dormant in the winter, which allows you to save the tubers and replant them next year, and a good place to browse them is our Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection.
Wax Begonias
Wax begonias are popular bedding plants. They have shiny, waxy leaves that can be green or bronze. They produce clusters of smaller flowers in red, pink, and white. These begonias are very tough. They can handle more sun than other types and stay compact, usually reaching about six to twelve inches tall. They are often treated as annuals in most parts of the United States, and you can read more about their light tolerance in our wax begonias guide.
Cane-Like and Angel Wing Begonias
These begonias have tall, upright stems that look like bamboo or canes. Their leaves are often shaped like wings, which is why many people call them "Angel Wing" begonias. They are excellent as houseplants but also thrive outdoors in protected spots. They produce clusters of dangling flowers and often have beautiful spots or silver patterns on their leaves, and our angel wing begonias article explains how to grow them outside.
Rex Begonias
If you love interesting leaves, Rex begonias are for the best choice. While they do produce small flowers, they are primarily grown for their incredible foliage. You can find leaves in shades of purple, silver, pink, and deep green. They have a mounding habit and look fantastic in mixed containers where their unique textures can shine.
Key Takeaway Match the begonia type to your garden goals. Choose tuberous types for large, showy blooms, wax types for mass plantings, and Rex types for stunning leaf patterns.
Choosing the Best Location
Getting the right spot is the first step toward success. Begonias are known as shade plants, but they do best with some light. The goal is to find a balance where the plant gets energy without getting scorched. For a broader overview of begonia types and site selection, see our All About Begonias guide.
Light Requirements
In their native habitats, begonias grow under the canopy of trees. This means they like filtered light. A spot that gets four to six hours of gentle morning sun is ideal. Avoid placing them in a spot with hot, direct afternoon sun. The intense heat of the afternoon can wilt the petals and cause the leaves to turn brown at the edges.
If you live in a cooler northern climate, your begonias may be able to handle a bit more sun. In the south, they will need more shade to stay cool. Bronze-leafed wax begonias are the best choice if your garden gets a significant amount of light.
Soil and Drainage
Drainage is how fast water leaves the soil, and it is very important for begonias. These plants have soft, fleshy stems that can hold a lot of water. If the soil stays too wet, the roots and stems can rot.
We recommend using a light, humus-rich soil. If you are planting in the ground, you can improve the soil by mixing in compost or finely ground bark. This helps the soil stay loose and airy. For container gardening, a high-quality potting mix works best. Make sure every pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape easily.
When to Plant Your Begonias
Begonias are tropical plants. They love warmth and cannot tolerate any frost. Timing is more important than almost any other tip for these flowers.
Outdoor Planting
Wait to move your begonias outside until the danger of frost has completely passed. The soil should be warm, and nighttime temperatures should stay consistently above 60°F. If the weather is still chilly, the plants will grow very slowly or could be damaged by a sudden cold snap.
Starting Early Indoors
Because begonias take about eight to twelve weeks to start blooming, many gardeners start them indoors. This gives you a head start so you can enjoy flowers as soon as summer arrives. You can start your tubers in small pots or trays in March or April. Keep them in a warm area with indirect light until it is time to move them to the garden, and check our shipping information page for timing details by zone.
How to Plant Begonia Tubers
If you are growing tuberous begonias, the planting process is a bit unique. The tuber itself looks like a small, brown, fuzzy bowl. One side is indented or "cupped," and the other side is rounded.
Identifying the Top
Always look for the hollow or indented side of the tuber. This is where the leaf sprouts will emerge. The rounded side is the bottom where the roots will grow. If you cannot tell which side is which, look for tiny red buds or the remains of old roots. If you are still unsure, you can plant the tuber on its side, and the plant will naturally find its way up.
Planting Depth and Spacing
For the best results, do not bury the tubers too deep. Simply tuck them into the soil so they are covered by about an inch of soil. If you are planting them in a garden bed, space them about eight to twelve inches apart. In a container, you can plant them a bit closer, but make sure they have enough room to breathe.
- Fill your pot or garden spot with moist, loose soil.
- Press the tuber into the soil with the hollow side facing up.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Water very lightly to settle the soil.
Pre-Sprouting Tips
You can encourage tubers to sprout before you even put them in soil. Place the tubers in a warm spot (around 70°F) on a tray with a little moist peat moss. Within a few weeks, you will see small pink or red buds. Once these sprouts are about an inch tall, you can move them into their permanent pots or garden spots. This "wakes up" the plant and ensures it is ready to grow.
What to Do Next
- Check the frost date for your local area.
- Purchase high-quality tubers from a trusted source.
- Gather pots with drainage holes and a bag of light potting mix.
- Start pre-sprouting your tubers 8 weeks before your last frost.
Watering and Feeding for Best Results
Once your begonias are growing, they need consistent care to stay lush. They are not high-maintenance, but they do appreciate a routine.
Watering Correctly
The rule for begonias is "deep, then let it dry." Water the soil thoroughly until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Then, wait until the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch before watering again.
Avoid watering the leaves and flowers directly. Water sitting on the foliage can lead to fungal issues. Instead, aim your watering can at the base of the plant. This keeps the roots hydrated and the leaves dry. If your begonias are in hanging baskets, they will dry out faster than those in the ground, so check them daily during hot weather.
Fertilizer for Continuous Blooms
Begonias are heavy feeders because they produce so many flowers over a long season. We recommend using a balanced, liquid fertilizer. A quarter-strength dose once a week is usually better than a full dose once a month. This provides a steady stream of nutrients to keep the stems strong and the colors bright. Look for a fertilizer that is formulated for flowering plants to encourage more buds.
Maintaining Your Plants Through the Season
A little bit of grooming goes a long way with begonias. It keeps the plants looking tidy and helps prevent problems before they start.
Deadheading and Pinching
Most modern begonia varieties, especially wax begonias, are "self-cleaning." This means the old flowers fall off on their own. However, for tuberous begonias, removing spent blooms (deadheading) can help the plant focus its energy on new growth.
If your plants start to look "leggy" or too tall and thin, don't be afraid to pinch back the stems. Using your fingers to snap off the top inch of a stem encourages the plant to grow wider and bushier. This results in more stems and, eventually, more flowers.
Supporting Tall Varieties
Upright tuberous begonias can have very heavy flowers. Sometimes the stems are brittle and might snap in a strong wind. You can use small bamboo stakes or specialized plant supports to keep them upright. Use soft ties to secure the stems to the stakes so you don't bruise the plant.
Air Circulation
Begonias love humidity, but they also need fresh air. If plants are crowded too closely together, the air can become stagnant. Make sure there is enough space between your plants for air to flow. This simple step is the best way to prevent common issues like powdery mildew.
Designing Your Garden with Begonias
Begonias offer endless design possibilities. Because they come in so many colors and shapes, you can use them to create different moods in your yard.
Using Color Effectively
For a classic, elegant look, try planting white begonias in a dark, shaded area. The white flowers will glow in the low light. If you want a tropical, high-energy feel, mix bright orange, yellow, and red varieties. These warm colors look fantastic against the deep green foliage of other shade plants.
Companion Plants
Begonias play well with others. They have similar needs to many other popular shade plants. Consider planting them alongside:
- Caladiums: The large, colorful leaves of caladiums provide a great backdrop for begonia flowers.
- Hostas: The varied textures of hosta leaves complement the soft petals of begonias.
- Ferns: The airy, feathery fronds of ferns add a delicate touch to a begonia display.
- Coleus: With endless foliage colors, coleus can be matched to any begonia bloom.
Growing in Containers
Begonias are some of the best plants for pots. Because you can control the soil and drainage perfectly, they often perform better in containers than in the ground. Use trailing varieties like the "Cascade" or "Hanging Basket" series for a waterfall of color. For window boxes, mix upright and trailing types to fill the space from top to bottom, or try a coordinated shade-loving container collection for an easy design.
Overwintering Your Begonias
If you live in a cold climate (Zones 3-8), your begonias will not survive the winter outside. However, you don't have to buy new ones every year. Saving tuberous begonias is a simple and satisfying process.
Step-by-Step Storage
When the weather turns cool in the fall, your begonias will naturally start to slow down. The leaves may turn yellow. This is the plant's way of getting ready for a nap.
- Stop Watering: In late September or early October, stop watering the plants. Let the soil dry out completely.
- Dig Up Tubers: Before the first hard frost, gently lift the tubers out of the soil. The stems should be brittle and easy to pull away.
- Clean and Dry: Shake off any excess soil. Let the tubers sit in a dry, protected spot for a few days to "cure."
- Store: Place the tubers in a paper bag or a box filled with dry peat moss or sawdust.
- Find a Cool Spot: Keep the box in a dark, frost-free place that stays around 40°F to 50°F. A cool basement or crawl space is often perfect.
In the spring, you can bring the tubers out, start them in pots, and do it all over again!
Growing Begonias in Different Regions
While the basics of begonia care are the same everywhere, your local weather will affect your routine. At Longfield Gardens, we see how different climates change the way these plants grow.
Northern Gardens
In the North, the growing season is shorter. Starting your tubers indoors is very important here. Since the sun is less intense, you might find that your begonias can handle a bit more light than they would in the South. Be sure to bring them in as soon as the nights start to dip toward 40°F.
Southern Gardens
In the South, the main challenge is the heat. High humidity is great for begonias, but extreme afternoon temperatures can be stressful. Give your plants extra shade during the middle of the day. You may also need to water more frequently, as pots dry out fast in the southern sun.
Coastal Areas
If you live near the coast, salt spray and wind can be factors. Begonias have delicate stems, so keep them in a sheltered spot like a covered porch or a walled garden. The moderate temperatures of coastal areas often mean begonias will bloom well into the fall.
Key Takeaway Adjust your care based on your climate. Northern gardeners should start early indoors, while Southern gardeners should prioritize shade and consistent moisture.
Simple Troubleshooting Tips
Gardening is all about observing and making small changes. If your begonias aren't looking their best, the fix is usually very simple.
If Flowers Are Falling Off
This is often a sign that the soil is either much too wet or much too dry. Check the soil with your finger. If it feels like a wrung-out sponge, you are on the right track. If it’s soggy or bone-dry, adjust your watering.
If the Stems Are Stretching
If your begonias look tall, thin, and "leggy," they are likely looking for more light. Move the pot to a spot that gets a bit more morning sun. You can also pinch the tips to encourage the plant to grow wider.
If You See White Spots on Leaves
White, powdery spots are usually powdery mildew. This happens when the air is too still or the leaves stay wet too long. Improve the air circulation around your plants and always water at the base of the stem. Most plants will recover quickly once the environment improves.
The Joy of Begonias
There is something special about the first begonia bloom of the summer. The colors are so saturated and the petals are so intricate that they almost look too perfect to be real. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, these plants offer a high reward for very little effort. By focusing on the basics—good drainage, filtered light, and warm temperatures—you can enjoy a spectacular display for months on end.
We take pride in providing the highest quality tubers to help you get started. Our trial gardens allow us to test and select varieties that perform well in home gardens. When you start with healthy, vigorous plants, half the work is already done for you, and our 100% Quality Guarantee helps back that up.
Conclusion
Begonias are a classic garden favorite for a reason. They fill the gaps in shaded areas with color that lasts from early summer right until the first frost. By following the simple rules of right plant, right place, and correct watering, you can create a professional-looking garden with ease. Remember to wait for warm weather before planting and to give your tubers a little head start indoors if you live in a cooler zone.
- Choose the right variety for your light levels.
- Ensure your soil or potting mix drains quickly.
- Water the soil, not the leaves, to keep plants healthy.
- Feed regularly with a liquid fertilizer for the best blooms.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe gardening should be a rewarding and relaxing part of your life. We are here to support you with quality plants and practical advice every step of the way.
Begonias turn the shaded parts of your yard into a highlight of the landscape. With their stunning variety and ease of care, they are a must-have for any beautiful home garden.
FAQ
Do begonias need sun or shade?
Begonias generally prefer partial shade or filtered light. While wax begonias can handle more sun, most varieties do best with gentle morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon heat. In very hot climates, they may require full shade to prevent the leaves from scorching, as explained in our begonias shade or sun guide.
Are begonias perennials that come back every year?
In USDA zones 9-11, begonias can live outdoors year-round as perennials. In colder regions, they are treated as annuals or overwintered indoors. Tuberous begonias can be dug up in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place to be replanted the following spring.
How often should I water my begonias?
You should water begonias whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. It is better to water them deeply and then allow the soil to dry out slightly than to give them small amounts of water every day. Always avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Can begonias be grown as houseplants?
Yes, many types of begonias, especially Rex and Cane-like varieties, make excellent houseplants. They enjoy the consistent temperatures found inside most homes. To keep them happy indoors, provide bright, indirect light and maintain a bit of humidity by placing them near other plants or using a pebble tray.