Begonia Care Guide: How to Grow Begonias in Your Garden

Begonias are common household plants that have colorful flowers and lush foliage. Begonias are a genus of flowering plants with over 1,000 species. Some of these species are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or flower beds, while others flourish best when potted and kept indoors. Begonias are relatively easy to grow and will continue to flower all summer when properly taken care of.

There are many begonia species and ways of categorizing them, but they generally fall into four categories.

1. 1. Wax begonias: As their name might suggest, wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) often have leaves that appear waxy or glossy. They tend to be hardy plants and come in a wide range of colors.
2. 2. Tuberous begonias: Known for their big, showy flowers, tuberous begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida) require shaded environments and temperate climates.
3. 3. Rex begonias: Rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) have colorful foliage that are streaked in colors from bright pink, to yellow, to violet, to white, and silvery-tones.
4. 4. Cane begonias: Also called angel-wing begonias, cane begonias are named for their stiff and sturdy stems. Cane begonias can grow much taller than other types of begonias—sometimes exceeding eight feet in height.
5. 5. Rhizomatous begonias: Rhizomatous begonias come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They don’t get very tall but can extend wide because they grow from rhizomes, a type of stem that grows horizontally just below the surface of the soil.

There are many types of begonias to choose from, so start by familiarizing yourself with some popular cultivars.

1. 1. ‘Surefire Rose’: The ‘Surefire’ Rose grows to be about 12 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Its bloom time runs from spring until the first frost of the year. This plant features pink flowers and dark green leaves, doesn’t require full sun and is relatively low-maintenance.
2. 2. ‘Dragon Wing Red’: ‘Dragon Wing Red’ begonias have bright red flowers and equally bright green leaves. They can grow anywhere from 14 inches to three feet tall and equally wide. Their bloom time runs from the spring to the first frost in late autumn, and their ideal sun exposure is shade or partial shade. This plant is a popular choice for pots and window boxes.
3. 3. ‘Nonstop Yellow’: ‘Nonstop Yellow’ begonias feature bright yellow flowers and typically grow 12 inches tall and 12 to 16 inches wide. A tuberous type of begonia, it doesn’t need direct sunlight and does well in shaded areas. In the right conditions, its bloom season runs from spring until the first frost.
4. 4. ‘Escargot’: The ‘Escargot’ begonia is aptly named due to its snail-like foliage patterns. It’s a rex type of begonia and ranges from six to 12 inches in both height and width. Its bloom season runs from early summer until frost, and its pink flowers and silvery-green leaves make it a popular houseplant.
5. 5. ‘Summerwings Apricot’: ‘Summerwings Apricot is a tuberous type of begonia. It can withstand heat and full sun, allowing it to bloom all summer and into the late fall. It typically grows eight to 12 inches in both height and width and, true to its name, has apricot-colored flowers.

Directions will vary depending on the begonia you choose, but there are a few general rules of thumb when it comes to planting begonias.

1. 1. Plant them in the spring. Begonias can be planted outdoors once winter is over and there’s no threat of frost. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage them, so plant them in the early spring if it’s consistently warm enough. Planting them indoors gives you more flexibility since you can control the climate.
2. 2. Plant them in a semi-shaded area. A begonia’s ideal location gets filtered morning sun and afternoon shade—the best of both worlds, especially if the climate is hot. No matter what kind of begonia you have, plant it in a place where there’s ample air circulation to prevent a buildup of powdery mildew on its leaves.
3. 3. Give them enough space. Wax begonia transplants should be planted six to eight inches apart to prevent overcrowding. Tuberous varieties, or tubers, can be started inside by placing them one inch apart in a tray of potting mix. Once they sprout and outdoor temperatures are warm enough, you can plant them in your garden with ample space in between.

While some types of begonias might have specific needs, a few tips generally apply to all begonias.

1. 1. Deadhead your plants. Deadheading, the practice of removing dead flowers from your plants, keeps your garden looking tidy and also promotes flower growth.
2. 2. Use soil with good drainage. Overly moist soil can cause stem rot and rhizome rot. Even begonias that thrive in moist soil need that soil to properly drain if they’re going to flourish to their fullest potential.
3. 3. Add fertilizer. Applying water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing months can help keep begonias looking radiant. If you’re growing begonias for their foliage as opposed to their flowers, choose a fertilizer high in nitrogen.
4. 4. Keep an eye out for pests. Snails and slugs can damage outdoor begonias, while mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can invade both indoor and outdoor plants. Insecticidal soaps can help eliminate these issues, but some begonias are sensitive to these products. Test a small area of the plant to gauge its tolerance. If you find that your begonia is sensitive to insecticidal soap, place the infested leaves under running water or spray your outdoor plants with a hose to remove the pests.

Begonias are toxic to pets, with tubers containing the highest concentration of toxins. Although this most poisonous part of the plant isn’t toxic to humans, it can cause allergic reactions. Wear gloves when handling your plants or wash your hands immediately after handling them.

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