Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Right Begonia for Your Space
- Finding the Perfect Location
- When to Plant Your Begonias
- How to Plant Begonia Tubers
- How to Plant Nursery-Grown Begonias
- Growing Begonias in Containers
- Essential Care and Maintenance
- Dealing with Common Challenges
- Overwintering Your Begonias
- Summary of Success
- FAQ
Introduction
There is something truly magical about the way a begonia can turn a quiet, shady corner into a vibrant oasis. Whether you are looking for the massive, rose-like blooms of tuberous begonias or the striking, metallic patterns of Rex foliage, these plants offer a level of color and texture that few others can match. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every yard has a spot that can be made more beautiful with the right begonia collection. These plants are incredibly versatile, performing just as well in garden beds as they do in hanging baskets and patio containers.
If you have ever felt like your shade garden was a bit too "green," begonias are the answer. They provide nonstop color from midsummer right through the first frost. While they may look exotic and delicate, they are actually quite sturdy and easy to grow once you understand their basic needs. For a broader overview, our All About Begonias article is a good place to start.
In this post, we will cover how to choose the right location, the best time to get your plants in the ground, and the specific steps for planting both tubers and nursery-bought plants. We will also share our favorite tips for keeping them healthy and blooming all season long. With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy a professional-looking garden display with very little effort.
Begonias are a fantastic choice for gardeners of all skill levels because they are consistent performers that ask for very little in return.
Choosing the Right Begonia for Your Space
Before you dig your first hole, it helps to know which type of begonia you are working with. While there are thousands of varieties, most home gardeners will choose from four main groups. Each has a slightly different growth habit and preferred "home" in the garden.
Tuberous Begonias
These are the showstoppers of the begonia world. They grow from a potato-like tuber and produce large, dramatic flowers that can be several inches across. You will find them in upright varieties for garden beds and hanging begonias that look spectacular in hanging baskets. They love the heat of summer but need protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous)
These are the classic bedding plants you often see in parks and front borders. They have succulent-looking stems and waxy leaves that can be green or bronze. Wax begonias are very tough and can handle more sun than other types. They stay relatively small and compact, making them perfect for edging a walkway.
Rex Begonias
If you prefer interesting leaves over big flowers, Rex begonias are for you. They are grown primarily for their foliage, which comes in swirls of silver, purple, pink, and deep burgundy. They thrive in deep shade and high humidity, making them excellent choices for a covered porch or even as houseplants, and for more options see our spring-planted bulbs for shade collection.
Cane Begonias (Angel Wing)
Named for their long, bamboo-like stems and wing-shaped leaves, these begonias can grow quite tall. They often have silver spots on their leaves and produce clusters of drooping flowers. These are wonderful for adding height to a container display.
Key Takeaway: Match the begonia type to your goals. Choose tuberous for big flowers, wax for borders, and Rex for stunning foliage.
Finding the Perfect Location
Success starts with putting your plants in a place where they can thrive. Begonias have a few specific "happy place" requirements that will make your job as a gardener much easier.
Light Requirements
Most begonias are famous for their love of shade, and our Are Begonias Shade Plants? guide explains why. In their native tropical habitats, they grow under the canopy of trees where the light is filtered. In your garden, a spot that gets four to six hours of gentle morning sun followed by afternoon shade is usually perfect.
If you live in a very hot climate, more shade is better. If your begonia leaves start to look scorched or turn brown at the edges, it is likely getting too much direct sun. On the other hand, if the plant becomes "leggy" (stretched out) and stops blooming, it might need a bit more light.
Soil and Drainage
The most important rule for begonias is that they do not like "wet feet." They need soil that holds some moisture but allows the excess to drain away quickly. If you plant them in heavy clay that stays soggy, the stems or tubers can rot.
If your garden soil is heavy, you can improve it by mixing in some organic matter like compost or leaf mold. For containers, always use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is fluffier and designed to provide the aeration that begonia roots love.
Air Circulation
Because begonias have fleshy stems and leaves, they appreciate good air circulation. This helps prevent common fungal issues like powdery mildew. Avoid crowding your plants too closely together. Giving them a little "breathing room" keeps the foliage dry and healthy.
When to Plant Your Begonias
Timing is everything when it comes to begonias. Because they are tropical plants, they have no tolerance for frost. If you put them out too early, a cold night can damage or even kill them.
Checking the Temperature
Wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil has warmed up. A good rule of thumb is to wait until nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F or 60°F. In most parts of the US, this is usually in late May or early June. For a quick reference, check the Hardiness Zone Map.
Starting Tubers Indoors
If you want to get a head start on the blooming season, you can start tuberous begonias indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost. This gives them time to develop a strong root system and some foliage before they ever move outside.
Place the tubers in a shallow tray of moist potting mix and keep them in a warm, bright spot. By the time the weather is warm enough to plant them in the garden, you will already have a well-established plant ready to go.
What to Do Next:
- Check your local frost dates to determine your safe planting window, and review our shipping information before ordering.
- Observe your garden at different times of the day to find spots with dappled sunlight.
- Pick up a bag of high-quality potting mix if you plan to use containers, and browse our bulk buys page if you are filling several spots.
How to Plant Begonia Tubers
Planting from tubers is a cost-effective and rewarding way to grow begonias. While the tubers might look like brown, shriveled lumps when they arrive, they are full of life and ready to grow.
Step 1: Identify the Top
This is the most common question we get: "Which way is up?" Begonia tubers have a slightly concave (indented) side and a rounded side. The indented side is the top. This is where the new sprouts will emerge. The rounded side is the bottom, where the roots will grow.
Step 2: Prepare the Planting Hole
If planting in the ground, loosen the soil to a depth of about six inches. If planting in a pot, fill the container with potting mix up to about two inches from the rim. You do not need deep holes for begonias; they prefer to stay relatively close to the surface.
Step 3: Set the Tuber
Place the tuber into the soil with the hollow (indented) side facing up. You only want to cover the tuber with about an inch of soil. Some gardeners even leave the very top of the tuber slightly exposed until the first sprouts appear.
Step 4: Spacing
Give your tuberous begonias room to grow. Space them about 8 to 12 inches apart. This allows for the bushy foliage to fill out without the plants competing for nutrients or air.
Step 5: Initial Watering
Water the area gently right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the tuber. You want the soil to be moist like a wrung-out sponge, but never dripping wet.
Key Takeaway: Always plant begonia tubers with the "hollow" side facing up and cover them with only an inch of soil.
How to Plant Nursery-Grown Begonias
If you have purchased begonias that are already growing in plastic nursery pots, the planting process is slightly different but just as simple.
Step 1: Prepare the Plant
Gently squeeze the sides of the nursery pot to loosen the root ball. Turn the pot sideways and slide the plant out. If the roots are circling the bottom of the pot (which is common), use your fingers to gently tease them outward. This encourages them to grow into the surrounding soil.
Step 2: Dig the Hole
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the nursery pot and twice as wide. This loose soil on the sides makes it easy for the new roots to spread out and establish themselves.
Step 3: Setting the Depth
Place the plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surface of the surrounding soil. Planting too deep can cause the stems to rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out.
Step 4: Backfill and Firm
Fill in the space around the root ball with soil and press down gently with your hands. You want to remove large air pockets without packing the soil so tightly that roots can't breathe.
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
Give the plant a good drink of water immediately after planting. This "bridges" the gap between the nursery soil and your garden soil, helping the plant transition to its new home.
Growing Begonias in Containers
Begonias are perhaps the ultimate container plant. Their mounding or trailing habits make them perfect for "filling" and "spilling" over the edges of a pot. Growing them in containers also gives you more control over their environment, especially in the Summer Blooming Bulbs for Containers collection.
Choosing the Right Pot
Always select a container with drainage holes. If you have a beautiful decorative pot that doesn't have holes, use it as a "cachepot." Plant the begonia in a plain plastic liner with holes, then set that liner inside the pretty pot.
The size of the pot matters too. Begonias have relatively shallow root systems and don't need massive amounts of space. A 10-inch or 12-inch pot is usually perfect for two or three small wax begonias or one large tuberous begonia.
Using Potting Mix
As mentioned earlier, never use garden soil in a container. It is too heavy and will compact over time, cutting off oxygen to the roots. A high-quality, peat-based potting mix is light, holds moisture, and drains well.
Arrangement Tips
For a stunning display, try the "Thriller, Filler, Spiller" method.
- Thriller: Use a tall Cane begonia or an upright Tuberous variety in the center.
- Filler: Surround it with mounding Wax begonias or Rex begonias for colorful foliage.
- Spiller: Add trailing begonias or a companion plant like creeping Jenny to tumble over the sides.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Once your begonias are in the ground or in their pots, a little routine care will keep them looking their best. These plants aren't demanding, but they do appreciate a bit of attention.
Watering Wisely
The goal with begonias is consistent moisture. Check the soil every few days. If the top inch feels dry to the touch, it is time to water.
When watering, try to aim for the base of the plant rather than splashing the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. If you are growing begonias in hanging baskets, remember that they dry out much faster than garden beds and might need water every day during a heatwave.
Fertilizing for Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of energy to produce those constant flowers. For the best results, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer about every two to three weeks during the growing season. Following the instructions on the label will ensure your plants get exactly what they need without being overwhelmed.
Deadheading and Grooming
"Deadheading" is the process of removing spent flowers. While many modern begonias are "self-cleaning" (meaning the old flowers fall off on their own), picking off any wilted blooms or yellowing leaves keeps the plant looking tidy. It also encourages the plant to put its energy into creating new flowers instead of seeds.
If your plants start to look a bit "leggy" or sparse in midsummer, don't be afraid to give them a light trim. Pinching back the tips of the stems will encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier.
Key Takeaway: Consistent moisture and regular feeding are the two "secrets" to a season full of begonia blooms.
Dealing with Common Challenges
While begonias are generally healthy plants, you might occasionally run into a few minor issues. Most of these are easily solved by adjusting your care routine.
Powdery Mildew
This looks like a dusting of white flour on the leaves. It usually happens when the air is humid and there isn't enough circulation. To fix this, make sure your plants aren't crowded and try to water only in the morning so the foliage has time to dry during the day.
Stem or Tuber Rot
If your plant suddenly wilts even though the soil is wet, it might be experiencing rot. This is almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If you catch it early, you can often save the plant by letting the soil dry out completely and moving it to a more well-drained spot.
Pests
Begonias are not particularly prone to pests, but you might occasionally see aphids or spider mites. A gentle spray of water can often knock these off. For more persistent visitors, an insecticidal soap can be used according to the label instructions. If you need personalized help, please Contact Us.
What to Do Next:
- Set a recurring reminder on your phone to check for water every 3 days.
- Keep a pair of garden snips handy for quick grooming sessions.
- Inspect leaves once a week for any signs of powdery mildew.
Overwintering Your Begonias
In most of the US, begonias are treated as annuals, meaning they are replaced every year. However, if you have a variety you particularly love, you can save the tubers to plant again next spring. This is a great way to get even larger, more impressive plants each year, just as explained in Are Begonia Plants Perennial?.
For Tuberous Begonias
Once the first light frost kills back the foliage, dig up the tubers. Cut the stems off about an inch above the tuber. Let the tubers sit in a dry, shady spot for a few days until the soil on them dries and can be gently brushed off.
Store the dry tubers in a box of peat moss or shredded paper in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a basement or garage) where temperatures stay between 40°F and 50°F. In the spring, you can bring them out and start the process all over again.
For Wax and Rex Begonias
These don't have tubers to store, but they make wonderful houseplants. Before the first frost, move your potted begonias indoors. Place them in a bright window and reduce your watering. They may take a little time to adjust to the drier indoor air, but they will provide lovely green foliage throughout the winter months.
Summary of Success
Planting begonias is one of the easiest ways to add professional-grade color to your home landscape. By focusing on a few simple basics—right light, good drainage, and warm temperatures—you can ensure a beautiful display.
At Longfield Gardens, we want you to feel confident in your garden. Whether you are planting a single pot for your front porch or a large shade border, begonias are a choice you won't regret. They are reliable, colorful, and truly rewarding to grow, and our 100% guarantee backs every order.
Final Thought: Start with a healthy tuber or plant, give it the shade it craves, and don't let it sit in soggy soil. Follow those simple rules, and your begonias will thrive all season long.
The next step is to choose the varieties that speak to you and your garden’s personality. Whether you love bold reds or soft pastels, there is a begonia by color waiting to brighten your outdoor space.
FAQ
Can begonias grow in full sun?
Most begonias prefer shade or partial shade, but wax begonias are an exception. Varieties with bronze foliage are particularly sun-tolerant and can handle quite a bit of direct light if they are kept well-watered. For more details on light levels, see our Are Begonias Shade Plants? guide.
Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. If the soil stays too wet for too long, the roots cannot breathe, and the plant begins to stress. Check the drainage holes in your pot and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
How deep should I plant begonia tubers?
Begonia tubers should be planted quite shallowly. Place them with the hollow side up and cover them with only about one inch of soil. For a full step-by-step, see our How Do You Plant Begonias for Best Results guide.
Do I need to remove the dead flowers?
While it isn't strictly necessary for the health of the plant, removing dead flowers (deadheading) keeps your begonias looking neat and tidy. It also encourages the plant to produce even more blooms. Simply pinch off the faded flower at the base of its small stem.