Starting Begonias. Purchase tubers (bulbs) by mid winter . Since begonias need to be planted in early spring, the best time to find a good selection is during the winter. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but all tuberous begonias require the same care.
What month do you plant begonias?
Plant tubers of tuberous begonias in spring . Only plant begonias outside in May, when no more frosts are forecast. Water regularly and feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser like tomato feed. In autumn, dig up tuberous begonias and store the tubers in a cool, frost-free spot for winter.
When can you buy begonias?
Spring is the best time to buy begonias – you'll have the biggest selection to choose from and you'll get much better value for money than if you wait until the summer and buy ready-grown ones. They're supplied as tubers during spring, ready for you to grow on from home.
Is it too early for begonias?
Begonia tubers should be lifted before the first hard frosts in autumn . Their leaves will begin to yellow naturally at which time watering should be reduced. Dry tubers should be stored in barely moist soil or sand in a frost-free place and watered occasionally to prevent shrivelling.
Do begonias come back every year?
Are begonias a perennial plant or an annual flower? There are no perennial begonias . There are forms that make great houseplants and will grow year-round indoors, but outdoors the plants are all unable to tolerate frost.
Do begonias like sun or shade?
Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won't be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.
Can you leave begonias in pots over winter?
Can you overwinter begonias in pots? Yes, you can overwinter begonias in pots. Fibrous types can be kept as a houseplant, while tuberous varieties should be stored dormant in a cool, dark location. Overwintering begonias is easy, and it's a great way to save your favorite varieties every year.
Do begonias bloom all summer?
Begonias brighten up shady areas with their colorful blooms. Unlike most flowering plants, which require at least a half day of full sun, begonias actually prefer growing in the shade. They also never have a down time. Once begonias start flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost .
Should I deadhead my begonias?
do not require deadheading to thrive . Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension. ... Examine a begonia every one to three days to look for faded flowers. Grab the stem, about 1/2 inch below the faded flower, with your thumb and index or middle finger.
How often should you water begonias?
When planted in flowerbeds, begonias require about an inch of water per week to thrive. One or two light rainfalls per week are usually more than enough to provide that amount. If there is a need to water, water in the early morning.
Do begonias like coffee grounds?
A well draining soil mix is a must. Begonias do not like wet feet and will easily drop leaves if they are over watered. ... Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.
Is Epsom salt good for begonias?
Do not use any type of leaf shine products on begonia leaves. Some members spray their plants with Epsom salts to keep the leaves healthy. ... When taking plants to shows take special care in looking under the leaves for whiteflies and mealy bugs and also in the leaf axils.
Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?
For strong growth and a traditional look, opt for premium-quality Miracle-Gro® Brilliant Blooms Begonias .
Can I save my begonias for next year?
The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color. ... Store tubers in a dry, dark, cool (above freezing) area. In the spring, start begonia plants by placing the tubers on damp peat moss in a warm environment.
How long will begonias last?
No begonia has a long life span. Most live only 2 to 3 years even with good care . The tubers of tuberous begonias often last 4 to 5 years with good care. Tuberous begonias need a winter rest and don't make good winter houseplants.
Are begonias poisonous?
What is Begonia Poisoning? Begonias are a common variety of flowering plant which are often utilized in flowerbeds and larger pots due to their large, colorful flowers. However, gardeners should be aware that despite its alluring appearance, the begonia can be surprisingly toxic if eaten.
