Annual begonia plants have many uses in the summer garden and beyond. Annual begonia care is relatively simple when one properly learns how to grow begonias. Watering is important in the care of begonias, as is the right location.
Begonias have been favored for shade gardens for years and the large-flowered tuberous varieties represent royal blood. These have much bigger blooms and greater plant strength than the seed-grown types, which tend to be small, fragile and often a bit fussy looking. Like true queens, tuberous begonias aren’t inclined to relinquish their throne after a single season. These tubers are easy to lift and store for many years of magnificent displays. We know a woman who has been growing the same begonia tubers for almost 10 years. Ever wanted to rub elbows with royalty? Here’s your chance.
Most varieties 9-11, but commonly grown as an annual or houseplant.
How to Grow?
When to plant:
Transplant after all threat of frost has passed, as they are extremely frost tender and even temperatures below 50 degrees can cause damage.
Where to plant:
Select a location that gets partial shade or filtered sunlight; with morning sun and afternoon shade being the best, especially where it is exceptionally hot. For sunnier locations, try a dark-leaved variety or one that specifies improved sun tolerance, Plant in a location where they will have good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
How to plant:
Plant wax begonia transplants 6 to 8 inches apart and others according to their mature size. Tubers can be started indoors by placing the tubers, hollow side up, 1 inch apart in a shallow tray with moist potting mix. Place the tray in a dark room and water just enough to keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy. Tubers should sprout in about 4 weeks and be moved to an area with bright light once the sprouts are about an inch tall. Only plant outdoors when there is no longer a threat of frost.
Annual Begonia Care
Once appropriately placed in the flower bed or hanging basket, deadheading spent blooms and keeping the soil moist is the basis of annual begonia care.
Watering correctly is important in the care of begonias. Soil should remain moist, but not too wet. A well-draining soil or potting mix simplifies this task. Water wax begonias at the base to avoid leaf spot and the possibility of fungal diseases.
The most compact and healthy wax begonias result from deadheading and pinching back regularly. Annual begonia plants may be cut back before frost and used inside as a houseplant in winter. Once inside, keep the soil moist, provide humidity with a pebble tray and place in bright filtered light.
Cuttings may be propagated for additional plants. Divide in spring for more outdoor begonia plants.
Now that you’ve learned how to grow begonias each year, you can take advantage of this perky plant in the summer landscape. Foliage may be green or bronze/maroon with single or double flowers in pinks, whites and reds. This easy to grow flowering specimen will flourish in the right place in your garden.