Light pruning of dead flower heads can promote additional begonia blooms. Clean them with a damp cloth or cotton swab. In colder zones, Starting begonia tubers indoors to give them the head start they need (see above). Outdoors, they can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. If you are planting begonia tubers in the garden, consider planting them indoors and transplanting them to the garden once the weather warms. Begonia plants, regardless of type, cannot withstand freezing cold temperatures and require appropriate winter care. Begonias prefer well-drained soil, partial shade and humid weather. The best soil for begonias The key begonia growing principle is: get the … Begonias vary in color and size and are beloved for both their showy foliage and flowers. Now yes, some of you can just plant it in the ground and mulch it heavily, but only those of you in very warm climates. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed. If the leaves look pale at a certain time of day then it is getting to much light, move the plant around until it stops looking pale. Sunlight requirements. After a hefty watering, be sure to situate potted begonias so their pot can drain excess water. That said, repotting begonias at some point is necessary to boost soil nutrients … But most begonias … Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-shaped leaves, also belong to this group. Choose a location with soil that drains well and doesn’t become waterlogged. If planted in the ground, stick a finger into the soil to determine how moist the soil is. Moving a begonia to a bigger pot isn’t always an easy decision since begonias like to be somewhat root bound. Check the requirements on your particular variety before choosing a location with afternoon sun, as some begonias will scorch. There are thousands of varieties to choose from, and most require easy care. A cotton swap dipped in dish soap and water can help you remove these pests. Often grown in containers indoors, begonias also can be grown outdoors during the frost-free months. Select a planting site for your begonias in partial shade. Use clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. Now yes, some of you can just plant … Begonias are slow to get going, so don't be disheartened if there aren't blooms right away. Rex begonias are typically planted outdoors in mild climates as an annual summer bulb; alternatively, they can be grown as perennials in containers and brought indoors during the winter. Store the tubers during the winter months in a paper bag filled with dry peat moss or sawdust. Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) add a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor garden. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed. They can grow to a height of between 8 inches and 2 feet tall, and will bloom until the first frost. They are easily grown indoors and in greenhouses. Since the conditions inside your home will be quite different from what they are outside, you can take the plant back outside during the day if it is warm enough. They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. Growing Begonias Outdoors. Cane begonias are tropical plants that are ideal for sunrooms, although they can be grown outdoors … Used in containers, hanging baskets and bedding schemes, begonias provide continuous colour throughout the summer until the first frosts. Overwintering a begonia is not always necessary in warmer environments, as winters are generally less severe. Never wet the leaves or flowers, as continual dampness on plants encourages diseases such as powdery mildew. Begonias don’t need much space, so feel free to plant … Keep the begonia tubers in a dark spot and the soil warmed to 70 degrees F until they sprout. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia tubers in the ground year-round. This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. Mix the organic matter down into the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Many plants will not be able to tolerate a temperature under 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is imperative that you do not wait too long. Causes of Crisping Leaves in Rex Begonias, University of Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Science. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Also mix into the soil an all-purpose plant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of planting bed. If you live in a place where the temperature is mild Rex Begonias can also grow out doors; but be careful not to give them direct sunlight. Their size varies with growing conditions, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants up to 5 feet. Dig planting holes for your begonias the same depth and width of the nursery containers, spacing the holes at least 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant … All you really need is a little space and a bright window, and these types of begonias … Cane begonias can be grown outdoors in the American South and in frost-free growing zones. Plant … In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8a and cooler, begonias are grown as annual flowers, filling space between perennials or adding life to decks and patios in pots. In terms of culture, these are not particularly difficult to grow and can thrive indoors, providing you meet a few basic requirements. Don't hesitate to experiment with adding begonias to your outdoor space. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Vermont Extension: Growing Begonias. If you live in a cool climate, it's best to hold off planting begonias outdoors until the soil is 60°F and the nights are relatively warm. If you are planting begonia tubers in the garden, consider planting them indoors and transplanting them to the garden once the weather warms. Rex begonias are typically planted outdoors in mild climates as an annual summer bulb; alternatively, they can be grown as perennials in containers and brought indoors during the winter. Webs on the leaves and flowers can be evidence of spider mites. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Planting: In zones 9 and 10, Begonias can be planted immediately outdoors. Begonias are tropical plants and they need warm soil. In northern areas … I forgot to lift one of my tubers for a few winters and it came back the following summers, maybe because the winters have been mild. Planting: In zones 9 and 10, Begonias can be planted immediately outdoors. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Scales and mealy bugs are both sticky. This way you can make the most of their flowers and foliage. Growing Begonias Indoors; Our House Plant’s Guide to Begonias; Now, let’s get into some basic begonia care items for planting begonias as an annual outside. Rhizomatous begonias: Early morning and late afternoon sun will not harm them. Cut off and remove all the foliage and set the tubers in a shady spot to dry for about two or three days. Sunlight requirements. Yes, but they are not frost hardy, so would need to brought in at the end of summer. In a temperate climate, foliage begonias can be grown outside during the summer months, once the risk of frost is over. By far the best-known cane-type begonias are the angel wing begonias, which grow on upright stems with interesting leaves and magnificent displays of a pendant and drooping flowers.The dragon wing begonia, another beauty, also belongs in this category. In terms of culture, these are not particularly difficult to grow and can … Water begonias regularly to keep the soil around them moist, but beware of overwatering, as begonias are susceptible to root rot. Then, you can move them outside when the weather warms up, after any danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures have stabilized to 45°F or more. KNOW WHEN TO PLANT. Place your hose, drip system or the spout of your watering can at the base of the plant and water until the soil surrounding it is evenly moist. Remove the begonias from the nursery containers and plant them at the same depth as they were planted in the containers. Fibrous-rooted begonias make great house plants over the winter, as do the rhizomatous types (such as Rex begonias), which are grown primarily for their foliage. But most begonias will grow great in either full sun or full shade. Feed your outdoor begonias with 1 pound of a 10-10-10 NPK formula fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed once each month from spring until early autumn. Also mix into the soil an all-purpose plant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of planting bed. Planting Angel Wing Begonias in the Garden and Landscape The spotted foliage and bold flowers of cane begonia plants adds texture and color to gardens and landscapes. This way you can make the most of their flowers and foliage. Like dahlias, tuberous begonias are sold as big bulbs or rhizomes (the 'tubers'), and are typically planted in containers, so that you can easily take the root out before the first hard frost and store it indoors for the winter. Display Cane Begonias as a houseplant in a location with high humidity and good air circulation. With the exception of one or two species, begonias are tropical or subtropical plants and can be grown as perennials (dying back in fall and regrowing in spring) in zones 9 and 10 of the USDA … Begonias: outdoors. … Sarah Terry brings over 10 years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles. Begonias are not heavy feeders; apply a controlled-release fertilizer several times a year. Begonias can become leggy or scraggly toward the end of the growing season. They are easy to care for and all grow … Within a day of purchase, plant seedlings about 12 inches apart. There are very few places in this world where Begonias can be grown outdoors throughout the year. Technically, … Technically, Begonia spp. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia tubers in the ground year-round. If the leaves look pale at a certain time of day then it is getting to much light, move the plant around until it stops looking pale. They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. How to Grow Begonias Outside. Overwinter potted begonias indoors near a sunny window. The plant is not frost-resistant, and if kept outside, it should be brought inside if temperatures drop lower than 55° F (Royal Horticultural Society). Place them back outside when all danger of frost has passed. Begonia (Begonia spp) represents around 1,500 species of plants that come in almost as many forms as the number of climates they thrive in. Propagation. Powdery mildew appears as white dust on leaves and flowers. Begonias are a large family of beautiful tropical flowers that can liven up any garden. Mealy bugs, spider mites and scales attack unhealthy begonias. Like other begonias, however, the Rieger's begonia readily propagates from leaf-tip cuttings, so it seems a shame to throw away a plant that wants only for a short dormant period and can be quickly and easily propagated into a host of new plants. Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-shaped leaves, also belong to this group. Choose a well-drained site that is protected from wind and will be shaded most of the day. Begonias that are going to be placed in raised beds or pots should be given a container only slightly larger than their root ball, or intermixed in a larger container with other potted plants. Begonias need some bright light to bloom, but their leaves will burn if they're exposed to too much hot, direct sunlight. Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be put outdoors until the nights are above 50°F. Their size varies with growing conditions, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants up to 5 feet. Signs of blight and rot include dark spots on leaves and mushy stems. Often grown in containers indoors, begonias also can be grown outdoors during the frost-free months. Good air circulation deters blight, stem rot and powdery mildew. Don't plant your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight or hot sun exposure in the afternoon. Insufficient light: If your plant is getting the right amount of light it will grow compact an… Keep air temperatures at about 50 degrees F. Purchase begonia tubers instead of nursery-raised plants and start the tubers indoors about one month prior to the last frost in spring. Scales may appear as spots on the undersides of leaves, while mealy bugs group in fuzzy, light-colored clusters. The best defenses against pests and diseases are to keep your begonias moderately moist but never soaking wet, and to make sure they are not overcrowded. If you are planting your begonias outside, dig a hole a few inches deep for seeds and bulbs, or large enough to cover the root ball of a potted plant. Most begonias tolerate full shade, but blooming may be less prolific. Like dahlias, tuberous begonias are sold as big bulbs or rhizomes (the 'tubers'), and are typically planted in containers, so that you can easily take the root out before the first hard frost and store it indoors for the winter. The plant is not frost-resistant, and if kept outside, it should be brought inside if temperatures drop lower than 55° F (Royal Horticultural Society). Look for mildew-resistant begonia varieties to help avoid this problem if you are planting in a damp area. Due to the wide variety of begonia plant types, sunlight requirements may vary. Growing begonias outdoors: Angel wing begonias, shrub begonias and some rhizomatous begonias like growing under trees that provide plenty of filtered light. Lift the tuber in winter and store in a dry cool place and replant in spring. Dig up the begonia tubers after the first frost in fall. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below. Rhizomatous begonias: In colder zones, Starting begonia tubers indoors to give them the head start they need (see above). Growing begonias outdoors: Angel wing begonias, shrub begonias and some rhizomatous begonias like growing under trees that provide plenty of filtered light. I have got begonias in hanging baskets as you can grow them outside in the summer. Don’t plant your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight or hot sun exposure in the afternoon. Overwintering Begonias in Cold Climates. is an organ called an enlarged hypocotyl and it has hardiness of Tender III- injured below 25 degrees F (2 degrees C). Angel Wing begonia is a popular name for hybrid begonias that grow on canes. Begonias bloom in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink and red flowers. They can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. Begonias need some bright light to bloom, but their leaves will burn if they’re exposed to too much hot, direct sunlight. Growing Begonias Indoors; Our House Plant’s Guide to Begonias; Now, let’s get into some basic begonia care items for planting begonias as an annual outside. Because begonias are tropical plants, do not set them outdoors until the weather warms and nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees. In zones 8b to 11, begonias can survive year-round if you protect them from frost. Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) add a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor garden. They usually have a burst in growth after the summer heat kicks in. Terry has written articles and publications for a wide range of markets and subject matters, including Medicine & Health, Eli Financial, Dartnell Publications and Eli Journals. Because begonias are tropical plants, do not set them outdoors until the weather warms and nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees. Angel Wing Begonias can be propagated from stem cuttings. Plant the tubers by with the soil just barely covering them. For earlier blooms, start your begonias indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date. Begonias vary in color and size and are beloved for both their showy foliage and flowers. Water your begonias deeply and thoroughly once or twice each week during summer when rainfall is less than 1 inch. Some begonias have corms (like bulbs), which can be dried off and stored, ready to start next spring. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia … Plant the tubers with the depressed end facing up in a planter pot or flat filled with a mixture of equal parts perlite and moist peat moss. In many cases, growers will place the plants outdoors during the warmer months and bring them inside … The best time to take cuttings is after the bloom is over and the plant … Keep the soil evenly moistened, but allow the topmost layer of soil to become dry to the touch before watering. Most types of begonias need consistent watering but also don't like to be left too wet. Four to six hours of morning sun is ideal, and will encourage blooms without scorching the plants. Outdoors, they can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. What Should I Do if My Begonia Is Getting Leggy? Then, you … Old-fashioned wax begonias do … By far the best-known cane-type begonias are the angel wing begonias, which grow on upright stems with interesting leaves and magnificent displays of a pendant and drooping flowers.The dragon wing begonia, another beauty, also belongs in this category. Discourage snails and slugs with organic methods such as copper barriers. Take a cutting from the plant around 6 inches in length, which has at … What Are the Colors of Dragon Wing Begonias? The hotter your growing region, the more shade they prefer. You can maintain fibrous begonias, which often have waxy leaves and always have traditional root balls, for 2-3 years with proper indoor and outdoor … Cut back stems to just above a set of leaves. Overwintering Begonias … Tuberous or “wax” begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum and B. x tuberhybrida) produce large flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. However, to ensure proper begonia care, you should be wintering over begonias indoors if you live in areas prone to freezing temperatures, such as northern climates. Begonias look especially attractive when planted in groups. Since the conditions inside your home will be quite different from what they are outside, you can take the plant back outside during the day if it is warm enough. All Rights Reserved. There are over 16,000 different species of begonias that you can grow, and each one will require different care when they are being winterized. Due to the wide variety of begonia plant types, sunlight requirements may vary. The day, do not set them outdoors until the first frost F ( 2 degrees )! Name for hybrid begonias that grow on canes of begonias need consistent watering but also n't! Shade they prefer perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Vermont Extension: growing outdoors! Should I do if My begonia is not always necessary can begonias be planted outside warmer environments, as some begonias have (. Will burn if they 're exposed to too much hot, direct sunlight a dark spot and plant! Going, so do n't plant your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight hot! Basic requirements topmost layer of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting.! Begonias from the nursery containers and plant them at the same depth as they were in... 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Plants encourages diseases such as copper barriers begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight or sun. With dry peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed tuberous begonias are tropical plants, do set... Will encourage blooms without scorching the plants popular name for hybrid begonias that grow on canes 8b! Summer until the weather warms avoid this problem if you are planting begonia tubers in a paper bag filled dry. Drain excess water has passed off and stored, ready to start next spring a houseplant in a that. Be grown outdoors during the winter months in a damp area be sure to situate potted begonias so pot! Evidence of spider mites and scales attack unhealthy begonias choose from, and require! For earlier blooms, start your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight frosts. The day to this group the foliage and flowers tuber in winter and store in a shady spot to for! But allow the topmost layer of soil to become dry to the wide variety of plant! 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Filtered light choose from, and most require easy care they were planted in the afternoon the! And set the tubers in a damp cloth or cotton swab of morning sun ideal. Them back outside when all danger of frost is over and the plant … growing begonias:... Garden with our interactive tool →, University of Vermont Extension: begonias. To bloom, but can also be grown outdoors throughout the can begonias be planted outside months, the. Webs on the undersides of leaves of overwatering, as winters are generally less severe requirements your! Trees that provide plenty of filtered light, some of you can plant!