Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Begonia Options
- Right Plant, Right Place: Light and Temperature
- Preparing the Soil for Outdoor Success
- How to Plant Tuberous Begonias
- Planting Wax and Bedding Begonias
- Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
- Feeding Your Begonias for Maximum Blooms
- Growing Begonias in Containers and Baskets
- Seasonal Care and Deadheading
- What to Do When the Season Ends
- Common Myths About Growing Begonias
- Practical Tips for Your First Begonia Garden
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
There is a unique sense of joy that comes from watching a shaded corner of your yard transform into a vibrant display of color. Begonias are the perfect choice for these tucked-away spaces. They offer lush foliage and brilliant blooms that last from early summer right through the first frost. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners find the best varieties to bring their outdoor spaces to life. Whether you want cascading flowers for hanging baskets or neat rows for garden borders, these plants are remarkably rewarding.
This guide is designed for any gardener who wants to learn the simple steps for success with these versatile beauties. We will cover everything from choosing the right location to ensuring your plants thrive throughout the season. By matching the right variety to your specific garden conditions, you can enjoy a spectacular show of color with very little effort. Growing begonias outside is an achievable way to add professional-grade beauty to your home landscape.
Understanding Your Begonia Options
Before you start planting, it is helpful to know which type of begonia fits your garden best. While there are thousands of species, most home gardeners focus on three main categories. Each has its own growth habit and preferred role in the landscape.
Tuberous Begonias
These are famous for their large, rose-like flowers. They grow from a thick, potato-like underground stem called a tuber. Tuberous begonias come in two main forms: upright and trailing. Upright varieties look stunning in garden beds or patio pots. Trailing varieties are the gold standard for hanging baskets. They produce heavy clusters of blooms that drape elegantly over the sides of containers.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous-Rooted)
Wax begonias are the "workhorses" of the summer garden. They are named for their glossy, waxy leaves. You will typically find them with either green or bronze foliage. These plants stay compact, usually reaching 6 to 12 inches in height. They are excellent for mass plantings, edging walkways, or filling in gaps in mixed containers.
Cane and Foliage Begonias
Cane begonias, such as the popular Angel Wing variety, have tall, segmented stems. They are often grown for their striking, spotted leaves as much as their flowers. While many people keep these as houseplants, they love spending the summer outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot.
Key Takeaway: Choose tuberous begonias for big, showy flowers in pots. Use wax begonias for consistent color in garden borders and beds.
Right Plant, Right Place: Light and Temperature
Begonias are tropical plants by nature. This means they love warmth and humidity. However, they are sensitive to the intensity of the sun. Getting the light right is the first step toward a healthy plant.
Light Requirements
Most begonias prefer filtered light or partial shade. Direct, mid-day sun can be too intense for their tender leaves. A spot that gets gentle morning sun and afternoon shade is often the "sweet spot."
If you have a very sunny area, look for wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves. These varieties have a higher tolerance for sunlight than the green-leafed types. If your garden is very shady, such as under a dense tree canopy, Rex begonias or trailing tuberous varieties will still perform well. They can brighten up dark spaces where other flowers might struggle to bloom.
Temperature and Timing
Timing is more important than almost any other factor. Begonias are very sensitive to cold. You should wait to move them outside until the soil is warm and the danger of frost has passed.
In most regions, this means waiting until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F to 60°F. If you plant them too early in cold, damp soil, the plants may sit dormant or the tubers could struggle. Patience pays off here. A begonia planted in warm June soil will often quickly outgrow one planted in chilly May soil.
Wind Protection
Begonias have succulent stems that are full of water. This makes them somewhat brittle. Large-flowered tuberous begonias can be top-heavy. It is best to place them in a spot protected from strong winds. If you are growing them on a breezy porch, consider tucking them into a corner or using a heavier pot to keep them stable.
Preparing the Soil for Outdoor Success
Soil quality is the foundation of a healthy garden. Begonias are not overly picky. However, they do have one firm requirement: excellent drainage.
What is Drainage?
Drainage refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they cannot stand in waterlogged earth. If the soil stays like a wet sponge for too long, the roots cannot breathe.
Improving Your Garden Soil
If you are planting directly into the ground, check your soil type.
- Sandy Soil: Water moves through it very fast. You may need to add compost to help hold just enough moisture for the roots.
- Clay Soil: This soil is heavy and holds water like a bowl. You can improve it by mixing in organic matter like leaf mold or finished compost. This creates "air pockets" in the soil that allow water to flow through.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
For containers, avoid using plain garden soil. It is often too heavy and may contain weed seeds. Instead, use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. These mixes are usually "soilless" and designed to be light and fluffy. This allows begonia roots to spread easily and ensures that excess water drains out the bottom of the pot.
How to Plant Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are often started indoors to get a head start on the season. However, you can plant the tubers directly outside once the weather is warm. We provide high-quality tubers at Longfield Gardens that are ready to grow as soon as they arrive in the spring.
Step-by-Step Planting
- Identify the Top: Look at the tuber. One side will be slightly hollow or indented, like a small bowl. This is the top. The rounded side is the bottom.
- Dig the Hole: For garden beds, space the tubers about 8 to 12 inches apart. Dig a shallow hole.
- Placement: Place the tuber in the hole with the indented side facing up.
- Depth: Cover the tuber with only about a half-inch to one inch of soil. Begonia tubers do not like to be buried deep. They prefer to be just beneath the surface.
- Water Lightly: Give them a small drink to settle the soil. Avoid soaking them until you see green sprouts appearing.
What to do next:
- Mark the spot with a small stake so you don't accidentally dig them up before they sprout.
- Watch for red or green "nubs" to appear in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Increase watering once you see several leaves developing.
Planting Wax and Bedding Begonias
Wax begonias are usually purchased as small starts from a nursery. Because they are already growing, they are very easy to install in the garden.
Spacing and Depth
Space these plants about 6 to 8 inches apart. This allows them to grow together into a solid "carpet" of color without being too crowded. When you take the plant out of its plastic cell, gently wiggle the roots if they are circling the bottom. Plant them at the same depth they were in their original container. Firm the soil gently around the base of the plant to remove large air pockets.
Mass Planting Strategy
If you want a high-impact look, plant wax begonias in a staggered "zigzag" pattern rather than a straight line. This makes the flower bed look much fuller and more professional.
Key Takeaway: Proper spacing and shallow planting are the quiet winners of begonia gardening. Give them room to breathe and they will reward you with more blooms.
Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
Watering is the area where most gardeners make mistakes. The goal is to keep the soil "evenly moist." This means it should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not dripping.
The "Deep then Dry" Method
Instead of giving your plants a little splash of water every day, water them deeply. Pour water until it starts to come out of the drainage holes of the pot. Then, wait. Before you water again, stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time for another drink. If it still feels cool and damp, wait another day.
Adjusting for Weather
In the heat of mid-summer, containers may need water every day. This is especially true for hanging baskets, which are exposed to air on all sides. In contrast, begonias planted in the ground in a shady spot may only need water once or twice a week.
Avoid Wet Leaves
Whenever possible, water at the base of the plant. Try to keep the leaves dry. If the foliage stays wet for long periods, it can encourage powdery mildew. This looks like a dusting of white flour on the leaves. While it isn't usually fatal, it can make the plants look less attractive. Watering in the morning allows any accidental splashes to dry quickly in the sun.
Feeding Your Begonias for Maximum Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders." This means they use a lot of energy to produce those constant flowers. Providing them with regular nutrients will keep them looking lush all season.
Choosing a Fertilizer
You do not need a complicated shelf of chemicals. A simple, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer works wonders. Look for one where the three numbers on the label (N-P-K) are roughly the same, such as 10-10-10. Alternatively, a "bloom booster" formula with a higher middle number can help if your plants have plenty of leaves but few flowers.
Application Schedule
- Containers: Feed your plants every two weeks. Because you water containers frequently, the nutrients wash out of the soil faster.
- Garden Beds: Applying a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time is often enough. You can supplement with a liquid feed once a month if the plants look like they need a boost.
Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. Using more than the recommended amount will not make the plants grow faster. It is better to use a slightly weaker solution consistently than a very strong one once in a while.
Growing Begonias in Containers and Baskets
Containers offer the ultimate flexibility. You can move them around to follow the shade or bring them closer to your seating area when they are in peak bloom.
Pot Selection
Make sure your pot has at least one large drainage hole. If you find a beautiful ceramic pot that lacks a hole, use it as a "cachepot." This means you keep the begonia in a plain plastic nursery pot with holes and simply set that inside the pretty ceramic one.
Creative Combinations
Begonias play well with others. In a large container, you can use the "Thriller, Filler, Spiller" method:
- Thriller (Center): Use a tall Cane begonia or a Coleus for height.
- Filler (Middle): Use Wax begonias or Impatiens to fill the space with color.
- Spiller (Edge): Use trailing Tuberous begonias or Creeping Jenny to cascade over the sides.
Hanging Basket Care
Hanging baskets are beautiful but require the most attention. They dry out very fast. In July and August, you may need to water them twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. If the basket feels light when you lift it, it definitely needs water.
Seasonal Care and Deadheading
One of the best features of many modern begonias is that they are "self-cleaning." This means the old flowers fall off on their own as they fade. However, a little bit of manual grooming can still help.
Deadheading
For tuberous begonias with large blooms, you can gently pinch off the faded flowers at the base of their small stems. This prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds. Instead, that energy goes back into creating more flowers. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.
Managing "Legginess"
If your begonias start to look long and thin (leggy), they might be reaching for more light. You can simply pinch back the tips of the stems with your fingernails. This encourages the plant to branch out from the sides, creating a bushier, fuller shape.
Pest Watch
Begonias are generally resistant to most pests. Occasionally, you might see slugs or snails if the area is very damp and shady. You can manage this by keeping the area free of fallen leaves and debris. Deer also tend to leave begonias alone, making them a great choice for yards with four-legged visitors.
What to Do When the Season Ends
As a tropical plant, the begonia’s outdoor journey ends when the first frost arrives. You have two choices: treat them as annuals and start fresh next year, or save them for the following spring.
Saving Tuberous Begonias
If you have grown tuberous begonias, you can save the "bulb" to use again.
- Stop Watering: In early autumn, when the leaves begin to turn yellow, stop watering the plant.
- Dig Them Up: Before the first hard frost, gently lift the tubers from the soil.
- Dry and Clean: Let the tubers sit in a dry, shady spot for a few days. Once the stems are dry, they should easily pull away from the tuber.
- Store: Place the clean tubers in a paper bag filled with peat moss or sawdust. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place (like a basement or garage) that stays around 40°F to 50°F.
Bringing Fibrous Begonias Indoors
Wax begonias and Cane begonias can be brought inside as houseplants. Before the cold hits, check them thoroughly for any hitchhiking insects. Trim them back by about a third to help them adjust to the lower light levels inside your home. Place them in a bright window, but away from the direct heat of a radiator or vent.
Common Myths About Growing Begonias
Gardening advice can sometimes be confusing. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions so you can garden with confidence.
Myth: Begonias must have total shade.
While they love shade, "total shade" (like a dark hallway) is too dark for flowers. Begonias need "bright shade" or "dappled light." This is the light you see under a tree where spots of sun dance on the ground. Without enough light, the plants will grow tall and skinny and produce fewer flowers.
Myth: You should water them every single day.
This is a recipe for root issues. The soil needs to breathe. Always check the soil with your finger before adding more water. If the soil is already wet, adding more won't help the plant grow faster; it will only stress the roots.
Myth: They are hard to grow from tubers.
Some people are intimidated by the brown, lumpy tubers. However, tubers are just "energy packs." They already have everything the plant needs to start growing. If you plant them with the hollow side up in warm soil, they almost always succeed.
Key Takeaway: Success with begonias is about balance. Give them moderate light, consistent (but not constant) moisture, and warmth.
Practical Tips for Your First Begonia Garden
If you are new to growing begonias, start with a few containers. This allows you to learn their rhythms before committing to a large garden bed.
- Label your pots: If you have different varieties, keep the tags so you remember which ones you liked best for next year.
- Group pots together: This creates a "microclimate" with higher humidity, which begonias love.
- Watch the weather: If a heavy storm is predicted, move your hanging baskets and light pots into a sheltered area or under a porch roof.
At Longfield Gardens, we have seen that most gardening success comes from getting these few basics right. You don't need fancy tools or secret tricks. Just match the plant to the spot, wait for the warmth, and keep the soil drained.
FAQ
Can begonias grow in full sun?
Most begonias prefer shade or partial light. However, wax begonias with bronze-colored foliage are specifically bred to handle more sun. In northern climates with cooler summers, they may tolerate full sun if they receive extra water. In hot southern climates, almost all begonias will need protection from the afternoon sun. For more on placement, see our Where to Plant Begonias: Sun or Shade? guide.
How deep should I plant begonia tubers?
Begonia tubers should be planted very shallowly. Place them in the soil with the hollow side facing up and cover them with only about half an inch to one inch of soil. If they are buried too deep, the sprouts may struggle to reach the surface or the tuber may stay too wet. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read How to Plant Begonias for a Stunning Shade Garden.
Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are most often a sign of too much water. If the soil stays soggy, the roots cannot take up oxygen, which causes the leaves to pale. Check the drainage holes in your pot and wait for the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Less frequently, yellowing can be a sign that the plant needs a dose of fertilizer. If you need a fuller care refresher, our All About Begonias article is a helpful next step.
Do I need to remove the dead flowers?
Many modern varieties, like wax begonias, are self-cleaning and do not require deadheading. However, for tuberous begonias with large, heavy flowers, removing the faded blooms keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages it to keep producing new buds. Simply pinch the stem of the faded flower where it meets the main branch. If you want a quick buying shortcut for a hanging basket, Begonia Hanging Pink Balcony is a strong trailing choice.
Conclusion
Growing begonias outside is one of the most rewarding ways to add reliable, long-lasting color to your landscape. By choosing the right variety for your light levels and waiting for the warm weather to arrive, you set yourself up for a beautiful season. Remember that these plants value drainage above almost everything else, so choose your soil and pots wisely. Whether you are planting a border of wax begonias or hanging a basket of trailing tuberous blooms, the results are sure to impress. For a ready-made combo, Assorted Bold Container for Shade Collection is a convenient option.
- Wait for consistent warm temperatures (50°F+) before planting outside.
- Ensure your soil or potting mix allows water to drain freely.
- Provide bright, indirect light or morning sun for the best blooming.
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
If you want to explore the most floriferous upright forms, Upright Double Begonias are a great place to start. For nonstop color, Non Stop Begonias are another dependable option. At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality plants that help you achieve these beautiful results. We stand behind our quality with a 100% guarantee so that you can plant with confidence. This season, try adding a few begonias to your favorite shady spot and enjoy the vibrant, effortless beauty they bring to your home. If you want to learn more about how we support your order, see our Shipping Information and About Us pages.
"Gardening is about the joy of the process. With begonias, the process is simple and the reward is a summer full of color."