Begonia Growing Guide

Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any fertile soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Partial shade to full sun.

Frost tolerant

Moderate. Plants in sheltered locations often survive light frosts, but begonias are easily killed by hard freezes.

Feeding

Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting along with a generous helping of well-rotted compost. When growing begonias in containers, use a rich potting soil that holds moisture well.

Spacing

Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 9" (25cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Tiny begonia seeds can be sown indoors in late winter, but it takes three months to grow a seedling to transplanting size. Most gardeners buy begonias as inexpensive bedding plants, set out in spring as soon as any danger of frost has passed. Large varieties like ‘Dragon Wing’ need wider spacing, or you can grow them in 14-inch (35cm) diameter containers.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Because they are so adaptable, bedding begonias make excellent flowers to repeat in pockets throughout the landscape, which provides a sense of unity. Flower colors include pink, white, and red. Foliage colors can range from light green to dark red.

Harvesting

Begonias rarely need trimming except to remove injured branches and old flower clusters.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Begonia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail