Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Right Begonias for Your Space
- Finding the Best Location
- When to Plant Begonias
- Starting Begonia Tubers Indoors
- How to Plant Begonias in the Garden
- Planting Begonias in Containers and Hanging Baskets
- Water Correctly, Not Constantly
- Feeding for Better Blooms
- Essential Aftercare and Deadheading
- Caring for Begonias at the End of the Season
- Safety and Realistic Expectations
- Using Begonias in Your Landscape
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Finding the perfect plant for a shady corner of the yard is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. While many flowering plants crave the intense afternoon sun, begonias thrive in the cooler, filtered light of porches, patios, and woodland borders. These versatile beauties offer a spectacular range of colors and textures, from the rose-like blooms of upright varieties to the elegant, flowing stems of trailing types. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping home gardeners discover how easy it is to transform a quiet, shaded space into a vibrant oasis with premium tubers from our Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection.
Whether you are looking to brighten up a window box or fill a large garden bed with lush foliage and nonstop blooms, learning how to plant begonias is a simple process that yields professional-looking results. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right spot to the final steps of seasonal care. By following a few basic principles, you can enjoy a season full of incredible color and texture that lasts from early summer all the way until the first frost.
Successful gardening starts with the right foundation, and begonias are remarkably cooperative when their basic needs for warmth, drainage, and light are met.
Choosing the Right Begonias for Your Space
Before digging into the soil, it is helpful to understand the different types of begonias available. Most home gardeners working with bulbs or tubers are looking for tuberous begonias. These are prized for their large, dramatic flowers and their ability to bloom continuously for months, and the Non-Stop Mix is a good example of that type.
Tuberous begonias generally fall into two categories: upright and trailing. Upright varieties, such as the Non-Stop or Roseform types, are perfect for garden beds or the center of a container where they can stand tall and show off their blooms. Trailing begonias, often labeled as Pendula or Cascade, are designed to spill over the edges of hanging baskets and window boxes, and our Hanging Begonias collection is designed for that look.
We work with trusted growers to ensure that the tubers you receive are healthy and ready to perform. Because begonias come in such a wide variety of shapes—including the fringed petals of Fimbriata and the bi-color edges of Picotee White—it is fun to mix and match different styles to create a custom look in your garden. Matching the growth habit of the plant to the space you have is the first step toward a beautiful result.
Finding the Best Location
The "right plant, right place" rule is especially important for begonias. These plants are famous for their shade tolerance, but they still need some light to produce their best flowers.
Light Requirements
In most regions, begonias prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight, and the Summer Bulbs for Shady Gardens guide is a helpful place to start. This means a spot that gets morning sun but is protected from the harsh, direct rays of the afternoon. If you live in a cooler northern climate, your begonias might handle a bit more sun, while gardeners in the hot South should aim for more shade to keep the foliage from scorching. A covered porch or the dappled light under a leafy tree is usually the "sweet spot" for these plants.
Soil and Drainage
Drainage is the quiet winner when it comes to begonia success. "Drainage" simply means how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they cannot stand to have "wet feet." If the soil stays soggy for too long, the tubers can struggle.
To check your drainage, observe the area after a heavy rain. If water puddles for more than a few hours, you may want to plant in a different spot or use raised beds and containers where you have more control over the soil quality. For the best results, use a light, loamy soil rich in organic matter. If your garden soil is heavy clay, mixing in some compost or finely ground bark can help create the airy environment begonia roots prefer.
When to Plant Begonias
Timing beats tricks every time in the garden. Because begonias are tropical in origin, they are very sensitive to cold temperatures. They should not be placed outdoors until the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.
A good rule of thumb is to wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F. If you plant too early in cold, wet soil, the tuber will sit dormant and may even rot before it has a chance to wake up. Patience is rewarding here; once the weather stays warm, begonias grow rapidly.
Many gardeners choose to "jump-start" their begonias by planting them indoors 8 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, and our How to Start Tuberous Begonias Indoors guide explains the process. This gives the plants a head start, leading to earlier blooms once they finally move outside. Whether you start indoors or wait to plant directly in the garden, keeping an eye on your local weather forecast is the most effective way to ensure a healthy start.
Key Takeaway: Always wait for warm weather. Begonias are tropical plants that need soil temperatures around 60°F and no risk of frost to thrive outdoors.
Starting Begonia Tubers Indoors
If you want to see flowers as early as possible, starting your tubers in pots indoors is a great project. It is a simple way to bring a little green into your home while waiting for spring to arrive.
- Select Your Containers: Use shallow trays or small individual pots with plenty of drainage holes.
- Prepare the Mix: Fill the containers with a high-quality, soil-less potting mix. Moisten the mix slightly before planting so it feels like a wrung-out sponge.
- Identify the Top of the Tuber: This is the most common question we hear! Begonia tubers have a slightly indented or "hollow" side and a rounded side. The indented side is the top, where the new sprouts will emerge.
- Place the Tubers: Set the tuber onto the soil surface with the hollow side facing up. Press it gently into the mix, but do not bury it deep. You only want a very thin layer of soil (about half an inch) covering the top, or you can even leave the very top of the tuber slightly exposed until sprouts appear.
- Provide Light and Warmth: Place the pots in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. A room temperature of about 70°F is ideal for encouraging growth.
Expect to see small pink or green sprouts appearing within a few weeks. Once the sprouts are established and the weather outside is warm enough, you can begin the process of moving them to their permanent summer home.
How to Plant Begonias in the Garden
When it is finally time to plant outdoors, the process is quick and easy. Whether you are transplanting started plants or tucking dormant tubers directly into the earth, Upright Double Begonias are easy to plant when you follow these steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil in your planting area to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. This allows the delicate roots to spread out easily. If your soil needs a boost, this is the perfect time to mix in a little compost.
Step 2: Spacing and Depth
Spacing depends on the variety you are growing. For most upright tuberous begonias, space them about 8 to 12 inches apart. This gives the plants room to breathe and helps prevent air from becoming stagnant around the foliage.
For the depth, the same rule applies as indoors: the top of the tuber should be about 1/2 inch to 1 inch below the soil surface. Planting too deep is a common mistake; keeping them near the surface ensures the sprouts can reach the light quickly.
Step 3: Proper Orientation
Double-check that the indented (hollow) side is facing up. If you are transplanting a plant that you started indoors, set it in the hole so the base of the stem is level with the surrounding soil.
Step 4: Watering In
Water the area gently right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the tuber and removes any large air pockets. Avoid soaking the soil to the point of muddiness; you just want it to be evenly moist.
Planting Begonias in Containers and Hanging Baskets
Begonias are perhaps the most popular choice for container gardening in shaded areas, and Begonia Hanging Golden Balcony is a classic trailing option.
Choosing the Right Pot
For a single begonia tuber, a 6-inch pot is usually sufficient. If you want a fuller look in a large 12-inch hanging basket, you can plant three tubers together. Ensure every container has drainage holes. If you find a decorative pot you love that doesn't have holes, use it as a "cachepot"—plant the begonia in a plain plastic nursery pot with holes and set that inside the decorative one.
Using Potting Mix
Always use a fresh, high-quality potting mix for containers. Garden soil is too heavy for pots and won't provide the drainage begonias need. A mix containing peat moss or perlite is excellent for keeping the environment light and airy.
Planting for the "Spiller" Effect
If you are using trailing begonias in a hanging basket, plant the tubers slightly toward the edge of the container. As they grow, they will naturally lean over the side, creating a beautiful "waterfall" of flowers.
What to Do Next:
- Choose a container with at least one drainage hole.
- Fill with fresh potting mix, leaving 2 inches of space at the top.
- Plant tubers 1 inch deep with the hollow side facing up.
- Water lightly and place in a shaded spot.
Water Correctly, Not Constantly
Proper watering is the secret to keeping begonias happy all summer long. The goal is to keep the soil "consistently moist," which can be tricky to define. Think of it this way: the soil should feel like a sponge that has been thoroughly squeezed out.
Avoid Overwatering
In the ground, you may only need to water once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. In containers, the soil dries out much faster. Check your pots daily during the heat of summer. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water.
Where to Water
Always try to water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Begonias have lush, often fuzzy foliage that can trap moisture. While they love humidity, constant wetness on the leaves can lead to issues like powdery mildew. Watering in the morning is also helpful, as it gives any accidental splashes on the leaves time to dry before the cool of the evening.
Soil Type Adjustments
If you have sandy soil, you will need to water more frequently because water moves through it very quickly. If you have heavier soil, be extra careful not to overwater, as the soil will hold onto moisture for much longer.
Feeding for Better Blooms
Begonias are heavy feeders. Because they bloom so much over such a long period, they need a steady supply of nutrients to keep up the energy.
When you first plant, you can mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil. Once the plants are growing vigorously and starting to bud, many gardeners find success using a water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. Look for a balanced fertilizer (one where the three numbers on the label are similar, such as 10-10-10) or one formulated for flowering plants.
Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. It is better to provide a little bit of food regularly than to overwhelm the plant with a heavy dose all at once.
Essential Aftercare and Deadheading
One of the best things about modern begonia varieties is that many are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. However, a little bit of manual grooming can keep your garden looking its absolute best.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" is simply the act of removing spent flowers. If you see a bloom starting to wither or turn brown, snip it off at the base of the flower stem. This prevents the plant from putting energy into producing seeds and encourages it to keep producing more flowers instead.
Monitoring for Pests
Begonias are generally very hardy and don't have many pest problems. Occasionally, you might see slugs or snails if the area is very damp. Keeping the garden clear of debris and ensuring good airflow between plants is the easiest win for preventing these visitors.
Pinching Back
If your upright begonias are looking a bit "leggy" (tall and thin with few leaves), you can gently pinch off the growing tips. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, bushier shape with more blooming sites.
Caring for Begonias at the End of the Season
As autumn approaches and the first frost nears, your begonias will begin to slow down. Because these are tender perennials, they cannot survive a freezing winter in the ground in most parts of the United States; if you need help confirming your zone, check the Hardiness Zone Map.
- Reduce Watering: When the leaves begin to turn yellow in late fall, stop watering. This tells the plant it is time to go dormant.
- Lift the Tubers: After the first light frost kills the top growth (or just before a hard freeze), carefully dig up the tubers. Cut the stems back to about an inch above the tuber.
- Dry and Clean: Let the tubers sit in a cool, dry, protected place (like a garage or basement) for a few days until the remaining soil dries and can be gently brushed off.
- Storage: Store the tubers in a breathable container, such as a paper bag or a box filled with dry peat moss or sawdust. Keep them in a cool (around 45–50°F), dark, and dry place for the winter.
By saving your tubers, you can enjoy the same beautiful plants year after year, and often, the tubers will grow larger and produce even more flowers each season.
Safety and Realistic Expectations
While gardening is a joyful activity, it is always wise to keep safety in mind. Begonias can be toxic if ingested by pets or children, so it is best to plant them in areas where they won't be snacked on by curious cats or dogs. We are proud to provide high-quality tubers at Longfield Gardens, backed by our 100% Quality Guarantee.
It is also important to remember that every garden is unique. Your local microclimate, the specific soil in your yard, and the weather patterns of the year will all play a role in how your begonias grow. Some years might bring more rain, requiring you to be more vigilant about drainage, while other years might be exceptionally hot, requiring extra shade and water. Part of the fun of gardening is observing these changes and learning what your plants need to thrive in your specific environment.
Using Begonias in Your Landscape
The design possibilities with begonias are nearly endless, and the Types of Begonias guide shows how many forms you can use in the garden. Because they come in so many colors, you can use them to create specific moods in your garden.
- Bright and Bold: Use vibrant red and orange begonias to bring "fire" to a dark, shady corner under a large evergreen.
- Soft and Romantic: Use pale pink, white, and bico-color Picotee varieties to create a serene, cottage-garden feel along a shaded walkway.
- The Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method: In large containers, use an upright begonia as the "thriller" (the tall center plant), a medium-sized foliage plant like a coleus as the "filler," and a trailing begonia as the "spiller" to overflow the edges.
No matter how you choose to use them, begonias provide a reliable source of color when other shade plants have finished their spring show. They are the workhorses of the summer shade garden.
Conclusion
Planting begonias is a wonderful way to bring life and color to the shaded parts of your landscape. By focusing on the basics—choosing the right location, waiting for warm weather, and ensuring good drainage—you can achieve beautiful results regardless of your experience level. These plants are generous with their blooms and ask for very little in return. We are proud to provide high-quality tubers at Longfield Gardens to help you get started on your gardening journey.
- Wait for the warmth: Don't plant outside until nighttime temperatures are over 60°F.
- Right side up: Always plant tubers with the hollow, indented side facing the sky.
- Watch the water: Keep soil moist like a wrung-out sponge, but never soggy.
- Feed for flowers: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the peak growing season.
Looking ahead to summer, there is nothing quite like the sight of a begonia in full bloom. It is a simple, achievable victory that adds lasting beauty to your home and yard.
Ready to start your own shade garden? Explore our collection and find the perfect varieties to bring your garden vision to life this season.
FAQ
Which way is up when planting a begonia tuber?
Begonia tubers have a distinct shape that tells you which way to plant them. One side is rounded, and the other side has a slight indentation or "hollow." The hollow side is the top and should always face upward, as explained in How to Plant Tuberous Begonias: Which End Is Up?.
Can begonias grow in full sun?
Most begonias prefer partial shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is strongest. While some wax begonias or specific hybrids are bred for more sun tolerance, tuberous begonias generally perform best with filtered light or morning sun. If they get too much direct sun, their leaves may scorch or turn brown at the edges.
How deep should I plant begonia tubers?
Begonia tubers should be planted quite shallowly. Whether you are planting in a container or in the ground, cover the top of the tuber with only about half an inch to an inch of soil. Planting them too deep can make it difficult for the sprouts to reach the surface and may increase the risk of the tuber struggling in overly wet soil.
Do I need to remove the dead flowers from my begonias?
While many modern begonias are "self-cleaning" and will eventually drop their old blooms, manual deadheading can help the plant look tidier and encourage more flowers. For more care advice, see Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias.