How to Plant Begonias in a Hanging Basket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Best Begonias for Your Basket
3. Selecting the Right Basket and Soil
4. When to Plant Your Begonias
5. How to Plant Begonia Tubers
6. Step-by-Step Guide for Started Plants
7. The Right Light for Beautiful Blooms
8. Watering Your Begonia Basket
9. Feeding for Constant Color
10. Grooming and Maintenance
11. Protecting Your Baskets from Weather
12. Storing Begonia Tubers for Next Year
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

There is something magical about a hanging basket overflowing with soft, colorful begonias. We love how these versatile plants transform a porch or patio into a lush retreat with very little effort. At Longfield Gardens, we focus on helping you find the perfect plants in our Hanging Begonias collection to make your home more beautiful. Planting your own begonia basket is a fun way to get creative with color and texture while enjoying the satisfaction of watching your garden grow.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plant and maintain a healthy, vibrant begonia display. We will cover choosing the right varieties, preparing your containers, and the simple steps for planting and care. With just a few basic techniques, you can enjoy stunning blooms from late spring until the first frost. For a broader overview, see our All About Begonias guide. Creating a professional-looking hanging basket is an achievable and rewarding project for any gardener.

Choosing the Best Begonias for Your Basket

Not all begonias grow the same way. When you are planting a hanging basket, you want varieties that naturally drape and flow over the edges. These are often called cascading or trailing begonias. Choosing the right type of begonia is the first step toward a successful display.

Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias are the most popular choice for hanging baskets because of their large, dramatic flowers. If you are shopping for plants, the Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection is a good place to start. Many of these varieties have a pendulous growth habit. This means the stems naturally arch downward as they grow, which is perfect for containers that hang at eye level.

One of our favorite types is the Begonia Hanging Golden Balcony. These plants produce a profusion of medium-sized flowers on long, flexible stems. They come in a wide range of colors, including bright red, soft pink, pure white, and sunny yellow. Another great option is the Illumination series, known for its ability to create a full, rounded look with flowers that seem to glow in the shade.

Boliviensis Begonias

If you want a plant that is particularly vigorous and heat-tolerant, consider the Boliviensis types. These begonias look a bit different from the classic rose-like tuberous varieties. They have elongated, wing-shaped leaves and dozens of bell-shaped flowers.

Boliviensis begonias are excellent "spillers." They grow quickly and can trail down two feet or more by the end of the summer. They are also slightly more tolerant of sunshine than other tuberous types, making them a great choice if your hanging spot gets a bit of morning sun.

Wax Begonias

While wax begonias are often used as bedding plants in the ground, they can also work well in hanging baskets. They have a more upright, mounding habit. In a basket, they act as a "filler" plant, providing a dense center of foliage and small, constant blooms.

Wax begonias are very reliable and stay compact. If you use them in a basket, you might want to plant them in the center and place trailing varieties around the edges. This creates a full, layered look that fills the entire container.

What to do next: Look at your hanging location to see how much sun it gets. Choose trailing tuberous begonias for shade or Boliviensis types for spots with a little more light.

Selecting the Right Basket and Soil

Before you start planting, you need to prepare your container. Hanging baskets have different needs than garden beds. Because they are suspended in the air, they are more exposed to wind and heat, which means the soil and the basket itself play a big role in plant health.

Choosing a Basket

You can use plastic, ceramic, or wire baskets with liners. Plastic baskets are lightweight and hold moisture well, which is helpful during hot summer days. However, wire baskets with coco-fiber or coir liners are often preferred for their classic look.

If you use a wire basket with a coir liner, keep in mind that water can evaporate more quickly through the sides. You can help keep the soil moist by placing a small plastic saucer or a piece of plastic with a few holes at the bottom of the liner before adding soil. This creates a small reservoir to hold water.

The Importance of Drainage

Regardless of the style you choose, your basket must have drainage holes. Begonias have delicate roots that do not like to sit in soggy soil. Drainage is simply the process of water moving through and out of the pot. If the water cannot escape, the roots may rot.

Most plastic hanging baskets come with pre-drilled holes. If yours does not, be sure to add them. For wire baskets, the coir liner naturally allows water to flow through, providing excellent aeration for the roots.

Using the Right Potting Mix

Never use garden soil or topsoil in a hanging basket. It is too heavy and often contains weed seeds or pests. It also packs down tightly, which prevents air from reaching the roots.

Instead, use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix. A good mix usually contains peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite. This combination ensures the soil is light enough for a hanging basket while still holding onto the moisture and nutrients begonias need.

• Look for "soilless" potting mixes designed for containers.
• Ensure the mix is fluffy and loose.
• Avoid mixes that contain heavy amounts of sand or clay.

When to Plant Your Begonias

Begonias are tropical plants that love warm weather. They are very sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. Timing is the most important factor when moving your baskets outdoors.

In most parts of the country, you should wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the nights are consistently above 50°F. If you plant too early, the cold soil can stunt the growth of the tubers. If you are unsure about timing, check the Hardiness Zone Map to help guide your schedule.

If you want a head start on the season, you can pre-sprout your begonia tubers indoors. About six to eight weeks before the last frost date, place the tubers in a shallow tray of moist potting mix. Keep them in a warm, bright spot. By the time the weather is warm enough to hang baskets outside, your begonias will already have several inches of growth and a strong root system.

Key Takeaway: Patience is your best friend when it comes to begonias. Waiting for warm soil and steady night temperatures ensures your plants get off to a strong, healthy start.

How to Plant Begonia Tubers

If you are starting with dormant tubers, planting them correctly is essential for a beautiful basket. Begonia tubers have a distinct shape that tells you which way is up. For a quick refresher on depth, see our How Deep to Plant Tuberous Begonias in Hanging Baskets guide.

Identifying the Top of the Tuber

Take a look at your begonia tuber. One side will be slightly indented or hollowed out, like a small bowl. This is the top. This is where the stems and leaves will grow. The rounded, smoother side is the bottom where the roots will emerge.

If your tubers have already started to sprout, you will see small pink or green "eyes" or buds in the hollowed-out area. Always plant the tuber with the hollow side facing up toward the sky.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Begonias do not need to be planted very deep. In fact, planting them too deep can cause the stems to struggle as they try to reach the surface.

1. Fill your hanging basket with potting mix until it is about two inches below the rim.
2. Place your tubers on top of the soil. For a standard 12-inch hanging basket, three tubers are usually perfect. This gives them enough room to grow without being overcrowded.
3. Press the tubers gently into the soil so they are nestled in.
4. Cover the tubers with about one inch of potting mix.
5. Firm the soil lightly with your hands to remove any large air pockets, but do not pack it down hard.

Spacing for a Full Look

While it is tempting to crowd many tubers into one basket, three to four is the ideal number for a 12-inch or 14-inch container. Begonias grow quite large, and their foliage is very dense. Giving them enough space allows for better air circulation, which helps prevent mildew and other leaf issues later in the summer.

Step-by-Step Guide for Started Plants

If you are buying begonias that are already growing in small nursery pots, the process is slightly different. This is a great way to get an "instant" garden look.

1. Prepare the basket: Fill the basket halfway with potting mix.
2. Add fertilizer: This is a good time to mix in some slow-release fertilizer pellets. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount.
3. Arrange the plants: Remove the begonias from their nursery pots. Place them in the basket. If you are mixing varieties, put the more upright plants in the center, such as Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink.
4. Fill the gaps: Add more potting mix around the root balls of the plants. Make sure the soil level of the plant matches the soil level in the basket.
5. Water in: Water the basket thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. This helps settle the soil around the roots.

Action List for Planting:

• Check the tuber for the hollow side.
• Use three tubers for a 12-inch basket.
• Cover with one inch of soil.
• Water gently after planting to settle the soil.

The Right Light for Beautiful Blooms

Most begonias are famous for their ability to brighten up shady corners. However, "shade" can mean many things. Understanding the light needs of your plants will help them produce the most flowers. For more placement tips, see our Where to Plant Begonias: Sun or Shade? Expert Guide.

Dappled Shade and Morning Sun

The ideal spot for most tuberous begonias is a place that receives bright, filtered light. This might be under a porch roof, beneath a large tree, or on a north-facing deck.

While they love shade, they still need light to create energy for blooming. A spot that gets two or three hours of gentle morning sun is often perfect. Avoid placing them in a spot that gets hot, direct afternoon sun. The intense heat of the midday sun can scorch the leaves and cause the flowers to wilt.

Signs of Too Much or Too Little Light

Your plants will tell you if they are happy with their location.

• Too much sun: Leaves may look bleached, yellowed, or have brown, crispy edges. Flowers may fade quickly.
• Too little light: The stems may become long and "leggy" as they reach for the light. The plant will produce fewer flowers, and the foliage may look a deep, dull green.

If you notice these signs, simply move your hanging basket to a slightly different spot. One of the best things about hanging baskets is their portability. We often suggest moving the basket a few feet at a time until you find the "sweet spot" where the plant looks its best.

Watering Your Begonia Basket

Watering is the most important part of begonia care. Because hanging baskets are suspended, they dry out much faster than plants in the ground. Wind blowing around the container and heat rising from the ground below can strip moisture away quickly.

The "Top Inch" Rule

The best way to tell if your begonias need water is to use your finger. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day.

It is better to water deeply and then let the soil dry out slightly than to give the plant a small amount of water every day. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow down into the bottom of the basket, making the plant more resilient.

Morning Watering is Best

Whenever possible, water your baskets in the morning. This allows the foliage to dry out before evening. If the leaves stay wet overnight, it can encourage fungal issues. When you water, try to aim the spout of the watering can at the soil rather than over the top of the leaves and flowers.

During the peak of summer, you may need to water your hanging baskets every day. On very hot or windy days, they might even need a drink twice a day. A heavy basket is a hydrated basket; if you lift the bottom of the pot and it feels very light, it is definitely time to water.

Feeding for Constant Color

Begonias are heavy feeders. Because they bloom continuously for months, they use up the nutrients in their potting mix very quickly. To keep them looking lush and full of flowers, you will need to provide extra food.

Using Liquid Fertilizer

At Longfield Gardens, we recommend using a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. These are easy to apply while you are doing your regular watering.

• Start fertilizing about a month after planting.
• Use a fertilizer with a high middle number (phosphorus), which promotes bloom production.
• Apply the fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season.
• Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to avoid over-feeding.

Slow-Release Options

If you have a busy schedule, slow-release fertilizer granules are a great alternative. You can mix these into the soil at planting time. They slowly dissolve and release nutrients every time you water. Some gardeners like to use both: a base of slow-release granules and a "boost" of liquid fertilizer once a month.

Grooming and Maintenance

Begonias are relatively low-maintenance, but a little bit of grooming goes a long way. Keeping the plant tidy helps it stay healthy and encourages more flowers.

Deadheading and Cleaning

Deadheading is the process of removing faded or spent flowers. Most modern begonias are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers will eventually fall off on their own. However, removing them by hand keeps the basket looking neat and prevents the old petals from sticking to the leaves, which can sometimes cause rot in humid weather.

You should also remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. This opens up the center of the plant to better airflow and keeps the basket looking fresh and vibrant.

Managing Growth

As the summer progresses, some stems might become longer than others. If your basket starts to look lopsided, do not be afraid to trim back a few stems. Begonias are very forgiving. Pinching off the tip of a stem will actually encourage the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, bushier look.

Key Takeaway: Regular grooming is not just about looks; it improves airflow and encourages the plant to put its energy into new growth and more flowers.

Protecting Your Baskets from Weather

Hanging baskets are vulnerable to the elements. Because they are not anchored to the ground, they can be tossed around by high winds or damaged by heavy rain.

If a storm is in the forecast, it is a good idea to take your baskets down and place them in a protected area, like a garage or a porch corner. The heavy flowers of tuberous begonias can easily snap off in a strong wind.

Also, keep an eye on the temperature toward the end of the season. If a surprise frost is predicted in early autumn, bring your baskets inside for the night. This can often extend your blooming season by several weeks, allowing you to enjoy the flowers well into the fall.

Storing Begonia Tubers for Next Year

One of the best things about tuberous begonias is that they can be saved and planted again next year. As the weather cools in late autumn, the plants will naturally begin to turn yellow and go dormant. If you are wondering whether begonias are annuals or perennials, our Are Begonias Annual or Perennial Plants? Expert Guide explains how to keep tubers going from season to season.

1. Reduce watering: When the leaves start to yellow, stop watering the basket.
2. Let them dry: Allow the stems to die back naturally. Once they are dry and brittle, they will easily pull away from the tuber.
3. Lift the tubers: Gently dig the tubers out of the soil.
4. Dry and store: Let the tubers dry in a cool, airy spot for a few days. Brush off any excess soil and store them in a box of peat moss or sawdust.
5. Cool spot: Keep the box in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a basement) where they will not freeze.

By saving your tubers, you can enjoy the same beautiful flowers year after year. We find this to be one of the most rewarding parts of growing begonias—watching your collection grow larger and more impressive each season.

Conclusion

Planting begonias in a hanging basket is a simple way to bring a touch of elegance to your outdoor spaces. By choosing the right trailing varieties, using high-quality potting mix, and providing consistent water and food, you can create a stunning display that lasts all summer. We hope this guide gives you the confidence to start your own begonia project and enjoy the vibrant colors these plants offer.

• Choose trailing varieties like Pendula or Boliviensis for the best cascading effect.
• Plant tubers hollow-side up and cover with one inch of soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and feed every two weeks.
• Protect your baskets from harsh afternoon sun and heavy winds.

Gardening is all about the joy of the process and the beauty of the results. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, a begonia hanging basket is a classic addition that never goes out of style. If you are ready to start, visit us at Longfield Gardens to find a beautiful selection of tubers, including the Non Stop Begonias collection, for your next project.

Final Thought: The key to a stunning basket is matching the right plant to the right place. Give your begonias the shade they crave and the food they need, and they will reward you with a spectacular show of color.

FAQ

How many begonia tubers should I plant in a 12-inch basket?

For a standard 12-inch hanging basket, we recommend planting three tubers. This provides enough space for the roots to grow and ensures the foliage has plenty of room for air to circulate. Planting three tubers will result in a full, lush display without overcrowding the container.

Which side of the begonia tuber should face up when planting?

Begonia tubers have a top and a bottom. The top side is slightly hollowed out or indented, like a shallow bowl, and this is where the new growth will emerge. Always plant the tuber with this hollow side facing up toward the sky and the rounded side facing down.

Do I need to remove old flowers from my begonia basket?

While many modern begonias are self-cleaning, it is still helpful to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves. This practice, known as deadheading, keeps the basket looking neat and prevents old petals from rotting on the foliage. It also encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new blooms.

Can begonias grow in full sun in a hanging basket?

Most tuberous begonias prefer filtered shade or morning sun and can be damaged by the intense heat of full afternoon sun. However, Boliviensis varieties are more heat-tolerant and can handle more sunlight than traditional types. If you have a sunny spot, look for varieties specifically labeled as heat-tolerant.