Table of Contents
Fill seed trays, flats, or small pots with a well-drained soil. In late February or early March, plant the tubers (concave side up) just below the soil level. Soil should be somewhat moist. Cover with paper or plastic wrap and place on a window sill or other location with indirect maximum light.
How do you plant begonia bulbs?
Dig holes about two inches deep, spaced eight inches apart. Place the begonias into the holes and lightly pat soil around the tubers. The tubers should be covered with no more than an inch of soil, whether you plant them in the ground or in pots. Water the begonias when the soil feels dry.
When should you start begonia tubers?
Start Begonia Tubers 8 to 12 Weeks Before The Last Frost Use your growing zone to find the proper date for starting the tubers indoors.
How long does it take for begonia bulbs to sprout?
Begonia tubers take 6-8 weeks from planting to sprout, which is another reason that starting them inside during the colder months of the year is a good idea.
Should I soak begonia bulbs before planting?
Plant the tubers with the concave (depressed) side upwards, just below the soil surface. Planting them too deep will result in excessive moisture and rot. Thoroughly soak the area with water once the tubers have been planted.
How do I sprout begonia tubers?
For best results, encourage the tubers to sprout before planting them in pots or in the garden. Put them in a warm (70°F) area with indirect light. Small red buds will appear within a few weeks, followed by sprouts.
Do begonias come back every year?
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 grow well in pots?
Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.
How many begonias are in a hanging basket?
Plant spacing Plant Flower pouch Eezee Hanging Basket Begonia (fibrous, e.g. Organdy) 10 10 Begonia (tuberous, e.g. Apricot Shades) 7 5 Bellis 10 12 Bidens 10 10.
Can I leave begonias in pots over winter?
Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. Pot-grown begonia plants can be stored in their containers as long as they remain dry. They should also be relocated to a protected area that’s cool, dark, and dry.
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.
How often should I water begonia tubers?
Make sure your begonias are watered at least once a week, and more if they are planted in containers. Fertilize every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer to maintain heavy blooming and leaf growth.
How many years do begonia tubers last?
The lifespan of the tuberhybrida begonias can last for severalyears PROVIDED they break dormancy in the spring, have a good growing season, and are allowed to go dormant again in the fall when their light source lessens.
How far apart should you plant begonias?
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.
How do you force begonia bulbs?
WHAT TO DO: Fill the seed trays or small pots with soil. In late February or March, plant the tubers (hollow side up) just below the soil level. Cover with paper or plastic wrap and place on a window sill or other location with indirect maximum light.
Do begonias like sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
Can begonias tolerate morning sun?
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.
Should begonias be cut back?
The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias.
Do begonias need deep pots?
If there is still loose soil, allow the begonia to continue growing. When the plant’s roots hold all of the soil, it’s time for a transplant. A begonia transplant may not always need a larger container. In this case, you won’t be moving the begonia to a bigger pot, but rather a smaller one.
What is the best potting mix for begonias?
Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.
