In northern areas … In colder zones, Starting begonia tubers indoors to give them the head start they need (see above). 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 … Outdoors, they can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. How to Grow Begonias Outside. Place them back outside when all danger of frost has passed. Overwintering Begonias … The hotter your growing region, the more shade they prefer. Often grown in containers indoors, begonias also can be grown outdoors during the frost-free months. Keep the soil evenly moistened, but allow the topmost layer of soil to become dry to the touch before watering. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. 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. Four to six hours of morning sun is ideal, and will encourage blooms without scorching the plants. Yes, but they are not frost hardy, so would need to brought in at the end of summer. They can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. Cane begonias can be grown outdoors in the American South and in frost-free growing zones. Mix the organic matter down into the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Dig up the begonia tubers after the first frost in fall. Begonias need some bright light to bloom, but their leaves will burn if they’re exposed to too much hot, direct sunlight. 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. There are very few places in this world where Begonias can be grown outdoors throughout the year. 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. 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. 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. Old-fashioned wax begonias do … Mealy bugs, spider mites and scales attack unhealthy begonias. 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. Technically, Begonia spp. Scales and mealy bugs are both sticky. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed. 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. Growing begonias outdoors: Angel wing begonias, shrub begonias and some rhizomatous begonias like growing under trees that provide plenty of filtered light. Due to the wide variety of begonia plant types, sunlight requirements may vary. Use clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia tubers in the ground year-round. But most begonias will grow great in either full sun or full shade. Within a day of purchase, plant seedlings about 12 inches apart. 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. The best soil for begonias The key begonia growing principle is: get the … Technically, … Lift the tuber in winter and store in a dry cool place and replant in spring. Signs of blight and rot include dark spots on leaves and mushy stems. Due to the wide variety of begonia plant types, sunlight requirements may vary. Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) add a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor garden. Begonia plants, regardless of type, cannot withstand freezing cold temperatures and require appropriate winter care. Begonias can become leggy or scraggly toward the end of the growing season. Sunlight requirements. 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 … 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. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Vermont Extension: Growing 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. 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. In terms of culture, these are not particularly difficult to grow and can thrive indoors, providing you meet a few basic requirements. Growing Begonias Outdoors. The best time to take cuttings is after the bloom is over and the plant … All Rights Reserved. Begonias: outdoors. Their size varies with growing conditions, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants up to 5 feet. They usually have a burst in growth after the summer heat kicks in. 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. Cut back stems to just above a set of leaves. Now yes, some of you can just plant … 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. Sarah Terry brings over 10 years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles. Begonias need some bright light to bloom, but their leaves will burn if they're exposed to too much hot, direct sunlight. Begonias are tropical plants and they need warm soil. Used in containers, hanging baskets and bedding schemes, begonias provide continuous colour throughout the summer until the first frosts. Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-shaped leaves, also belong to this group. Cane begonias are tropical plants that are ideal for sunrooms, although they can be grown outdoors … To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below. 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 … There are thousands of varieties to choose from, and most require easy care. They are easy to care for and all grow … Causes of Crisping Leaves in Rex Begonias, University of Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Science. Angel Wing begonia is a popular name for hybrid begonias that grow on canes. Early morning and late afternoon sun will not harm them. 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. 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. 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. Propagation. 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. Select a planting site for your begonias in partial shade. Scales may appear as spots on the undersides of leaves, while mealy bugs group in fuzzy, light-colored clusters. 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. Angel wing begonias, named for their wing-shaped leaves, also belong to this group. Overwintering Begonias in Cold Climates. In a temperate climate, foliage begonias can be grown outside during the summer months, once the risk of frost is over. Begonias bloom in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink and red flowers. Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be put outdoors until the nights are above 50°F. 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. Because begonias are tropical plants, do not set them outdoors until the weather warms and nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees. They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia … Don't hesitate to experiment with adding begonias to your outdoor space. Begonias are not heavy feeders; apply a controlled-release fertilizer several times a year. Insufficient light: If your plant is getting the right amount of light it will grow compact an… Don’t plant your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight or hot sun exposure in the afternoon. 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. Plant … 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. All you really need is a little space and a bright window, and these types of begonias … In colder zones, Starting begonia tubers indoors to give them the head start they need (see above). Water begonias regularly to keep the soil around them moist, but beware of overwatering, as begonias are susceptible to root rot. Overwinter potted begonias indoors near a sunny window. 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. … Store the tubers during the winter months in a paper bag filled with dry peat moss or sawdust. Often grown in containers indoors, begonias also can be grown outdoors during the frost-free months. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! 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. Begonias are a large family of beautiful tropical flowers that can liven up any garden. Begonias vary in color and size and are beloved for both their showy foliage and flowers. 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. They are easily grown indoors and in greenhouses. is an organ called an enlarged hypocotyl and it has hardiness of Tender III- injured below 25 degrees F (2 degrees C). Rhizomatous begonias: Growing begonias outdoors: Angel wing begonias, shrub begonias and some rhizomatous begonias like growing under trees that provide plenty of filtered light. What Should I Do if My Begonia Is Getting Leggy? If you are planting begonia tubers in the garden, consider planting them indoors and transplanting them to the garden once the weather warms. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia tubers in the ground year-round. Overwintering a begonia is not always necessary in warmer environments, as winters are generally less severe. 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. 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. Water your begonias deeply and thoroughly once or twice each week during summer when rainfall is less than 1 inch. Plant … 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. Most types of begonias need consistent watering but also don't like to be left too wet. 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. Some begonias have corms (like bulbs), which can be dried off and stored, ready to start next spring. Plant the tubers by with the soil just barely covering them. In terms of culture, these are not particularly difficult to grow and can … 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. 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. Choose a well-drained site that is protected from wind and will be shaded most of the day. Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) add a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor garden. 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. If planted in the ground, stick a finger into the soil to determine how moist the soil is. Angel Wing Begonias can be propagated from stem cuttings. Moving a begonia to a bigger pot isn’t always an easy decision since begonias like to be somewhat root bound. Begonias vary in color and size and are beloved for both their showy foliage and flowers. Discourage snails and slugs with organic methods such as copper barriers. 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). If you are planting begonia tubers in the garden, consider planting them indoors and transplanting them to the garden once the weather warms. Outdoors, they can be planted directly in the ground or grown in containers for outdoor display. Begonias prefer well-drained soil, partial shade and humid weather. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed. Most begonias tolerate full shade, but blooming may be less prolific. 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. Begonias look especially attractive when planted in groups. Good air circulation deters blight, stem rot and powdery mildew. Planting: In zones 9 and 10, Begonias can be planted immediately outdoors. 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. 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. 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. This way you can make the most of their flowers and foliage. 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). Rhizomatous begonias: Light pruning of dead flower heads can promote additional begonia blooms. A cotton swap dipped in dish soap and water can help you remove these pests. What Are the Colors of Dragon Wing Begonias? They are popular and well-suited as houseplants, but can also be grown outside. After a hefty watering, be sure to situate potted begonias so their pot can drain excess water. Their size varies with growing conditions, from 6- to 12-inch houseplants to bushy plants up to 5 feet. Powdery mildew appears as white dust on leaves and flowers. But most begonias … Clean them with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Remove the begonias from the nursery containers and plant them at the same depth as they were planted in the containers. Begonias are slow to get going, so don't be disheartened if there aren't blooms right away. They can grow to a height of between 8 inches and 2 feet tall, and will bloom until the first frost. 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. 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. For earlier blooms, start your begonias indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date. I have got begonias in hanging baskets as you can grow them outside in the summer. Then, you … Because begonias are tropical plants, do not set them outdoors until the weather warms and nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees. Keep the begonia tubers in a dark spot and the soil warmed to 70 degrees F until they sprout. Check the requirements on your particular variety before choosing a location with afternoon sun, as some begonias will scorch. Look for mildew-resistant begonia varieties to help avoid this problem if you are planting in a damp area. 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. Take a cutting from the plant around 6 inches in length, which has at … This way you can make the most of their flowers and foliage. Choose a location with soil that drains well and doesn’t become waterlogged. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Don't plant your begonias in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight or hot sun exposure in the afternoon. Display Cane Begonias as a houseplant in a location with high humidity and good air circulation. In many cases, growers will place the plants outdoors during the warmer months and bring them inside … That said, repotting begonias at some point is necessary to boost soil nutrients … KNOW WHEN TO PLANT. 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Of peat moss or organic compost onto the planting bed to root.... Check the requirements on your particular variety before choosing a location with afternoon sun will not harm them dry!