Growing Begonia Flowers
Tips for Nurturing Pretty Begonias!
Now here’s one of the prettiest flowers there is! No wonder why wherever there are flowering plants growing in a house, there is at least one pot with a Begonia in it. Begonia flowers can grow both outside and inside.
Many gardeners and plant enthusiasts love them because they are easy to grow and do well in low light conditions.
Plus, maintaining Begonias is a breeze too as they only require periodic watering.
Begonias have over 1500 species, all of which have a vivid yellow center.
Begonia flowers bloom in white, red, yellow, pink and purple shades, which make it ideal for interior decorating. Yes, it can instantly make a dreary come to life!
They grow at approximately 6-9 inches tall and are tightly grouped. Begonias are used in flower beds, as container plants, for indoor houseplants and hanging baskets.
2 Types of Begonias
Sempiflorens / Wax Begonias – These are the most common type of Begonia by far. Sempiflorens are frequently used as bedding plants. Wax Begonias are grown outdoors as annuals. But if your location does not get frost, you may grow them all year-round.
Tuberous – As the name suggests, these are grown from tubers (bulb-like structure). They have attractive flowers and interesting foliage. Tuberous begonias require moist and humus-rich soil for optimum flowering. They can tolerate partly shaded place outdoors.
Begonia Propagation
From Seed – Begonia seeds are dust-like and usually take 14-21 days to germinate. This is why many consider buying seedlings rather than trying to germinate these very fine seeds.
By Cutting – It is easier to propagate a few Begonia plants by leaf or stem cuttings.
Tuberous Roots – As for Tuberous varieties, Begonias are typically propagated by sorting out and replanting tuberous roots.
How to Grow Begonia Flowers
Location – Begonias require moist and well-drained soil. They will not survive living in wet soil, so if you notice water puddles 6 hours after the rain, better look for a different planting site. Another option is to improve the drainage by adding 2-3 inches soil level. Make use of compost, ground bark, decomposed manure or peat moss to do this. Additionally, scout out location with partial shade.
Spacing – Plant Begonia tubers by slipping them into the soil 8-12 inches apart, with indented side facing upwards. This side is where the leaf sprouts will eventually form. Remember to only partially cover the tubers with soil.
Watering – Sprinkle your Begonias with generous amount of water, soaking the soil. Expect roots and sprouts to emerge in a few weeks.
Cuttings – Go ahead. It’s not bad to pinch off a few blooms or cut some foliage of your Begonia. Just make sure to take caution because the leaves are needed to nurture the bulb for next year.
Care – Begonias love attention. Take time to remove dead stems, leaves and flowers. Re-pot the plants if they are already crowded. More care will reward you with lush blooms and greener foliage. Adding a general purpose fertilizer for outdoor Begonia plants once a month is recommended. However, a dose of liquid fertilizer once a month is better for container/house plants.
To stress again, Begonias won’t survive a light frost, so please bring your Begonias indoors if one threatens your area.
