Introduction
Begonias are a favorite for many home gardeners because they bring brilliant color to the shadier parts of the yard where other flowers might struggle. Whether you are looking for the trailing elegance of a hanging basket or the sturdy presence of a garden bed, these plants offer a stunning variety of textures and hues. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping you find the perfect varieties to turn your outdoor spaces into a lush, floral retreat. (longfield-gardens.com)
Learning how to plant begonias outside is an easy and rewarding project for gardeners of any experience level. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from selecting the right location to ensuring your tubers get the best start possible. If you want a broader overview before you begin, the All About Begonias guide is a helpful place to start. (longfield-gardens.com)
With just a little bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a season full of non-stop blooms that last from early summer right through the first frost. If you are still deciding what to plant, the Non Stop Begonias collection is a natural fit for big, long-lasting color. (longfield-gardens.com)
Choosing the Right Location for Your Begonias
The first step in a successful garden is matching the plant to the place. Begonias are tropical plants by nature, which means they prefer conditions that mimic a warm, sheltered environment. They are famous for being shade-tolerant, making them the perfect solution for brightening up North-facing walls, covered patios, or the dappled light beneath a large tree. (longfield-gardens.com)
Understanding Light Requirements
Most begonias thrive in partial shade to filtered sunlight. While some modern varieties can handle more sun, the classic tuberous types we often use for dramatic displays prefer protection from the harsh afternoon sun. If you live in a very hot climate, your plants will appreciate more shade to keep their foliage from scorching. In cooler, northern climates, they can often handle a bit more morning light. (longfield-gardens.com)
Prioritizing Good Drainage
Drainage is a term gardeners use to describe how quickly water moves through the soil. Begonias have fleshy stems and tubers that store moisture, which means they do not like to sit in "wet feet" or soggy ground. To test your soil, observe it after a heavy rain. If water stays in puddles for several hours, you may need to choose a different spot or improve the soil. (longfield-gardens.com)
Improving Your Soil
If your garden soil is heavy clay or very sandy, you can easily improve it by adding organic matter. We recommend mixing in compost, peat moss, or finely ground bark. These materials help create a loose, airy soil structure that allows roots to grow easily and excess water to drain away. (longfield-gardens.com)
Key Takeaway: Choose a spot with filtered light and soil that drains well. If the soil is heavy, mix in some compost before you begin planting.
Timing Your Planting for Success
Begonias are very sensitive to cold temperatures. Because they are tropical perennials, they have no natural defense against frost. The secret to a healthy begonia garden is patience. (longfield-gardens.com)
Watching the Weather
You should only plant begonias outside once the danger of frost has completely passed. In most regions, this is several weeks after the official "last frost date." If you want to check your local conditions, the Hardiness Zone Map can help you match planting time to your climate. (longfield-gardens.com)
Wait until the soil has warmed up and nighttime temperatures are consistently staying above 50°F to 60°F. If the ground is still cold and damp, the tubers may sit dormant or struggle to start growing. (longfield-gardens.com)
Starting Early Indoors
If you live in a northern state with a short growing season, you can give your begonias a head start. Many gardeners start their tubers in pots indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before they plan to move them outside. For a more detailed walkthrough, see Starting Tuberous Begonias Indoors. (longfield-gardens.com)
This extra time allows the plant to develop a strong root system and early leaves, which leads to flowers much sooner in the summer. (longfield-gardens.com)
Hardening Off Your Plants
If you started your plants indoors, you must introduce them to the outdoors gradually. This process is called "hardening off." Start by placing your pots in a sheltered, shady spot outside for a few hours a day. Over the course of a week, slowly increase their time outside and their exposure to light. This helps the plant adjust to the wind and temperature changes without getting stressed. (longfield-gardens.com)
What to Do Next:
- Check your local frost dates.
- Monitor nighttime temperatures for a week.
- Prepare your indoor starting area if you have a short summer.
How to Plant Begonia Tubers Step-by-Step
When you receive your tubers, you will notice they have a unique shape. One side is typically rounded, while the other side has a slight indentation or "hollow." This hollow side is where the new growth will emerge. (longfield-gardens.com)
Preparing the Tubers
Before planting, take a close look at your tubers. If you see small pink or white "eyes" or sprouts beginning to form in the hollow side, that is a great sign. It means the plant is ready to grow. Handle them gently so you do not snap off these early sprouts. (longfield-gardens.com)
The Planting Process
- Dig a shallow hole: You do not need a deep hole for begonias. They prefer to be planted near the surface.
- Position the tuber: Place the tuber in the hole with the indented (hollow) side facing up.
- Cover lightly: Cover the tuber with only about an inch of soil. If you cover them too deeply, the sprouts may struggle to reach the light.
- Water carefully: Give the area a light watering to settle the soil. Avoid soaking the ground completely until you see green growth appearing above the surface. (longfield-gardens.com)
Spacing Requirements
Giving your plants enough room is important for air circulation. Good airflow helps prevent common fungal issues. For most tuberous begonias, space them about 8 to 12 inches apart. If you are planting in a large container, you can tuck them slightly closer together, about 4 to 6 inches apart, for a fuller look. (longfield-gardens.com)
Key Takeaway: Plant begonias with the hollow side up and only cover them with an inch of soil. Proper spacing ensures they have the room and airflow they need to stay healthy.
Planting Begonias in Containers and Hanging Baskets
Begonias are perhaps best known for their performance in containers. Their mounding or trailing habits make them ideal for "spiller" and "filler" roles in floral designs. At Longfield Gardens, we offer several varieties specifically selected for their cascading growth, such as our shade container collection. (longfield-gardens.com)
Choosing the Right Container
Make sure any pot or basket you use has drainage holes at the bottom. Without these holes, water will collect and may cause the tubers to rot. For a single begonia tuber, a 6-inch pot is usually sufficient. For a larger 12-inch hanging basket, you can plant three tubers to create a lush, overflow of color. (longfield-gardens.com)
Using Potting Mix
Never use garden soil in a container. Garden soil is too heavy and can pack down tightly, cutting off air to the roots. Instead, use a high-quality, peat-based potting mix. This type of mix is lightweight, holds the right amount of moisture, and provides plenty of air space for root development. (longfield-gardens.com)
Planting for a Full Look
When planting in a basket, you can tilt the tubers slightly toward the edge of the pot. This encourages the stems to grow outward and drape over the sides more quickly. Keep the soil level about an inch below the rim of the pot to make watering easier without the water spilling over the edge. (longfield-gardens.com)
What to Do Next:
- Pick out containers with good drainage holes.
- Purchase a fresh bag of lightweight potting mix.
- Arrange your tubers in the pot before covering them to ensure even spacing.
Caring for Your Begonias Through the Summer
Once your begonias are planted and growing, they are relatively low-maintenance. However, a few simple chores will keep them looking their best from June until the first frost. (longfield-gardens.com)
Watering Techniques
The goal with begonias is to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. When the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. Try to water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to powdery mildew, a common white fungus that looks like flour on the leaves. Watering in the morning is also helpful, as it gives any accidental splashes time to dry in the sun. (longfield-gardens.com)
Feeding Your Plants
Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of nutrients to produce those large, colorful blooms. We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time. This provides a steady stream of nutrients over several months. (longfield-gardens.com)
The Importance of Deadheading
Deadheading is the process of removing faded or spent flowers. While many modern begonias are "self-cleaning" (meaning the old flowers fall off on their own), removing them manually keeps the plant looking tidy. It also encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new buds rather than setting seeds. (longfield-gardens.com)
Key Takeaway: Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry, and fertilize regularly to support continuous blooming.
Popular Begonia Varieties to Try
Choosing the right variety depends on where you want to plant them and what look you want to achieve. We have evaluated many types in our trial gardens to ensure they perform well for home gardeners. If you are looking for broader shade-garden inspiration, the Spring Planted Bulbs for Shade collection is another useful starting point. (longfield-gardens.com)
Non-Stop Begonias
As the name suggests, Non-Stop begonias are prized for their ability to produce flowers all summer long. They have a compact, mounding habit that works perfectly in garden borders or window boxes. These are available in a wide range of bright colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow. (longfield-gardens.com)
Picotee Begonias
If you want something truly elegant, Picotee begonias are an excellent choice. These varieties feature large, double blooms with petals that are "edged" in a contrasting color. For example, a yellow flower might have a delicate red rim. They are show-stoppers in patio containers where you can admire the detail up close. (longfield-gardens.com)
Skaugum Begonias
For a bold statement, look for Skaugum varieties. These are known for their upright growth and vibrant, fiery-red flowers. They tend to be quite vigorous and can fill a large container or a prominent spot in the garden with ease. (longfield-gardens.com)
Double Hanging Basket Begonias
These are specifically bred for a trailing habit. They produce many smaller, fully double flowers that cascade beautifully over the edges of baskets. They are perfect for hanging from a porch or a shepherd’s hook in a shady corner. (longfield-gardens.com)
Key Takeaway: From the cascading stems of Hanging Basket varieties to the sturdy mounds of Non-Stop types, there is a begonia for every garden need.
Managing Common Garden Challenges
Gardening is a journey, and occasionally you might run into a small hurdle. The good news is that most begonia issues are easy to manage if you catch them early. (longfield-gardens.com)
Handling Heat and Sun
If you notice the edges of your begonia leaves turning brown and crispy, they might be getting too much sun or heat. If they are in pots, simply move them to a shadier location. If they are in the ground, you might consider providing some temporary shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. (longfield-gardens.com)
Identifying Powdery Mildew
If you see a white, dusty coating on the leaves, it is likely powdery mildew. This often happens when the air is humid and the leaves stay wet. To fix this, improve the airflow around the plant and make sure you are only watering the soil, not the foliage. You can also find organic sprays at your local garden center if the issue persists. (longfield-gardens.com)
Dealing with Pests
Begonias are generally not a favorite for many common garden pests. However, you might occasionally see aphids or snails. A gentle spray of water can often knock aphids off the stems. For snails, keeping the area clear of debris where they like to hide is a great first step. (longfield-gardens.com)
What to Do Next:
- Monitor leaves for brown edges or white spots.
- Thin out nearby plants if the begonias seem crowded.
- Adjust your watering schedule if the soil feels soggy for too long.
Saving Your Tubers for Next Year
One of the best things about tuberous begonias is that you can save them and plant them again next year. Since they are tender, you must bring them inside before the ground freezes. If you need shipping details for future orders, Longfield Gardens’ Shipping Information page explains how timing works by zone. (longfield-gardens.com)
Lifting the Tubers
After the first light frost in autumn, the foliage will begin to yellow or blacken. This is your signal to "lift" the tubers. Carefully dig them out of the ground or remove them from their pots. Cut the stems back to about an inch above the tuber. (longfield-gardens.com)
Curing and Storage
Place the tubers in a warm, dry place for a few days to "cure." This allows the outer skin to toughen up. Once they are dry, gently brush off any excess soil. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a basement or crawl space. We suggest placing them in a paper bag or a box filled with dry peat moss or sawdust to keep them from drying out completely. (longfield-gardens.com)
Waking Them Up in Spring
When spring returns, you can bring the tubers back out and start the process all over again. Many gardeners find that their begonia tubers get larger and more productive with each passing year, providing even bigger displays of flowers. (longfield-gardens.com)
Key Takeaway: You can enjoy your begonias for many seasons by lifting the tubers in the fall and storing them in a cool, dry place over the winter.
Conclusion
Planting begonias outside is a simple way to bring professional-looking color to your home landscape. By focusing on the basics—choosing a shady spot, ensuring good drainage, and waiting for warm weather—you can create a vibrant garden that thrives all summer. These plants are versatile enough for almost any container or garden bed, offering a rewarding experience for every gardener. (longfield-gardens.com)
At Longfield Gardens, we are committed to helping you succeed with high-quality bulbs and practical advice. We hope this guide gives you the confidence to add these beautiful flowers to your yard this season. If you want to keep exploring plant care, the begonia companion planting guide is a useful next read. (longfield-gardens.com)
- Select the right spot: Look for filtered light and well-draining soil.
- Wait for warmth: Only plant outside when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.
- Plant carefully: Place the hollow side up and cover with just an inch of soil.
- Feed and water: Keep the soil moist and fertilize every few weeks for the best blooms. (longfield-gardens.com)
Learning how to plant begonias outside is the first step toward a more beautiful summer garden. With a little patience and the right care, these stunning plants will reward you with a spectacular display of color that lasts until frost. (longfield-gardens.com)
FAQ
How deep should I plant begonia tubers outside?
Begonia tubers should be planted quite shallowly, with only about one inch of soil covering the top of the tuber. Planting them too deep can prevent the delicate new sprouts from reaching the surface or cause the tuber to rot before it can grow. (longfield-gardens.com)
Which side of the begonia tuber faces up?
The side with a slight hollow or indentation should face upward when planting. This is the side where the leaves and flower stems will sprout. The rounded side should face down into the soil where the roots will form. (longfield-gardens.com)
Can begonias grow in full sun?
Most tuberous begonias prefer partial shade to full shade, especially in the afternoon. While some wax begonia varieties are bred to handle more sun, tuberous types can experience leaf scorch if they are exposed to intense, direct sunlight for too long. (longfield-gardens.com)
How often should I water my outdoor begonias?
You should water begonias whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, as excess water can lead to tuber rot. Usually, this means watering 2-3 times a week, or more often during very hot weather. (longfield-gardens.com)
