How to Grow Begonia Flowers

Perennial, Begoniaceae

Easy to grow begonias, are popular grown indoors or out. It is one of America's favorite flowers. Begonias are popular in flowerbeds, hanging baskets, as container plants on a patio or deck, and as indoor house plants. Now, that's one versatile plant!

Begonias are prized for both their flowers and their showy leaves. When they are not in bloom, the waxy green or chocolate colored leaves are on display wherever you put them.

Begonia plants are excellent indoor houseplants, They are very shade tolerant. When grown as houseplants, begonia plants are long lasting.

Types of Begonias:

There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and less common Perennials. The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous Begonias, Wax Begonias and Everblooming Begonias.

There are red, white, pink,or yellow flowered varieties. All flowers have a bright yellow eye(center).

All varieties have compact, dense foliage, and grow about 6-9 inches tall..

Begonia Plant Propagation:

Begonias are propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds are very fine, dust-like, and take two to three weeks to germinate. Many people will buy seedlings rather than try to start these tiny seeds. Rooting cuttings is much easier See a friend's begonia that you like? Ask for a cutting. Then, take it home and root it. How to root cuttings.

Tuberous varieties are commonly propagated by separating and replanting the tuberous roots.

How to Grow Begonia Plants:

Most Begonias are annuals and do not like frost in the spring or fall. Set them out in containers, hanging baskets, or your flowerbed after all risk of frost has past. When grown indoors, even annual varieties can be long-lasting.

Begonias thrive in full sunlight or partial shade.

They like rich, loose and fertile soil that drains well. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

Begonias grow and look their best with a little attention. Remove dead flowers, leaves, and stems. Trim off long stems to help retain it's compact shape. A little care will pay you back with lusher foliage and more blooms.

Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month. For houseplants and container plants, give them a dose of liquid fertilizer once a month instead dry fertilizer.

Insect and Disease:

There's great news here! Your begonias should have few if any problems with insects or disease.

Bringing Begonia Plants Indoors:

Bring Begonias indoors long before frost. An unexpected, light frost will kill them.

Re-pot the plants, if they appear over-crowded. Use rich potting soil. Help them in their transition indoors. When first brought inside, keep the plants near a sunny window, gradually, reducing the sunlight. This will help them to adjust to the indoor environment. Leaf drop is common, when the plants are first brought indoors. After a couple of weeks, they will be acclimated to the lower light levels and dry conditions of your home. You begonias will brighten up your home all winter long!

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