Updated at: 03-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Begonias are an excellent choice for flowerbeds, pots, and containers, especially if you can maintain them blooming vigorously from late spring through the end of the year. Begonias have re-emerged as a popular choice for gardeners because to their attractive foliage and a wide variety of vibrantly colored flowers and foliage.

All-year-long blooming power is a solid reason to love this old-time favorite annual. Even while begonias are a popular choice for annual flowers, their growth is much slower than that of many other options. It is common for the plants to continue producing large bloom sets throughout the summer and fall as their foliage fills up with early season flowers.

Begonias, on the other hand, are able to withstand the heat and dryness of summer. This hardy plant can withstand some sunlight or shade. And all of this without losing any of the flowers that cover it. It’s just one of the magnificent plant’s many qualities that make it ideal for so many different spots throughout the house.

Begonia (Angel wing begonia, Begonia, Belgian Begonias, Climbing, Dragon Wings Begonia, Rex Begonia, Rex Begonias, Tuberous Begonias) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

How To Keep Begonias Blooming All Season Long

When it comes to begonias, how can you keep them healthy and blooming all summer long? It all boils down to taking care of the following four things:

  • soil that drains properly and is well-drained
  • deciding on the best site
  • ensuring that there is enough water
  • nurturing the growth of flowers and blossoms.

Begonias thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients and water. There is no better way to give a burst of color to a patio or porch than by planting them straight in the ground.

If those four needs are met, your begonias are almost certain to flourish! A look at each and how to create the ideal conditions for beautiful plants is here.

#1 Planting / Soil

Soil quality is critical for healthy begonia development, regardless of whether you’re putting them in a pot, a basket, or a flowerbed. Overly damp soil is not ideal for begonias. When watered by hand or by rain, their tuberous roots are extremely vulnerable to rot. When and if begonias struggle, poor soil conditions are nearly usually to blame. Soil that is loose, fertile, and well-draining is essential for plants to thrive.

Planting Begonias in pots and containers is a great idea. Instant color can be added to porches and patios because to their compact foliage and enormous flower canopy. A soil mix with a high percentage of vermiculite or perlite will ensure that excess water drains away from the plant.

The best potting mix for pots and containers is one that contains enough of vermiculite or perlite to aid in water drainage. When planting straight into flowerbeds, use a lot of compost to add nutrients and improve drainage.

#2 Selecting A Great Location – How To Keep Begonias Blooming

As long as there is enough cover, Begonias can take a fair amount of direct sunlight. Therefore, the location of your plants has a significant bearing on their success. Choosing a place that receives more sunshine in the morning or evening is preferable. Cooler and less intense rays can be seen in the early morning and late afternoon sunlight. Reduce stress on begonias by keeping them out of direct sunlight during the midday hours.

If you have a flowerbed or a container, begonias will thrive. Their glossy leaves provide a lovely contrast to the dense clusters of flowers.

Nevertheless, newer cultivars have been created that can withstand greater exposure to direct sunshine and higher temperatures. Always check the planting label on your seeds or plants before you buy them to make sure you get the right one. Allow 6 to 8 inches of space between plants in beds. This provides ample space for plants to grow together in a flowerbed. It’s possible to get a more compact look in pots by spacing plants about 2 inches apart.

#3 Watering – How To Keep Begonias Blooming

The tuberous roots of Begonias are dependent on water in the soil for their health and activity. However, as previously said, their roots can rot and disintegrate if they receive too much water. Begonias need around an inch of water per week to grow when planted in flowerbeds. Typically, one or two light rains each week are enough to meet this requirement. If you must water, do it in the morning. To avoid root rot caused by standing or pooling water, this permits the soil to dry out a little during the day. Allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings is critical for container and hanging basket plants. To see if the earth is wet, insert your index finger into the ground. It’s time to water if the soil feels dry to the touch one inch or so below the surface.

In pots and containers, begonias should be allowed to dry out between waterings. If the roots are left damp and spongy, they will eventually rot away.

Most pots and containers require daily or bi-weekly watering, depending on the climate in which you live. Again, it is ideal to water in the morning so that the plants have a chance to dry out over the day..

#4 Fertilizing – How To Keep Begonias Blooming

through fall is to give them a consistent supply of nutrients at a modest rate. The repeated flowering of plants in flowerbeds, pots, or hanging baskets slowly depletes the soil of the resources needed to generate and grow new flowers. Providing even a small amount of assistance can make all the difference in the world. When cultivated in pots and containers, begonias should be lightly fertilized every 10 to 14 days. Fertilizing every three to four weeks is sufficient for bedding plants.

When it comes to using nutrients, the most important thing is to use a small amount instead of a large one. Begonias, like most annual flowers, will grow more leaves and roots if they are fed too much fertilizer too rapidly. Adding excessive amounts of fertilizer not only reduces blooms, but it also causes container plants to outgrow their space before the summer is over.

Instead, apply liquid fertilizer to plants in a weak solution (half to a quarter of the required amount). For even better results, consider diluting compost or worm casting tea to serve as the primary source of power. In addition to being 100 percent natural, both of these products are ideal for use as a long-term fertilizer because of their moderate rate of release.

This year, let’s take advantage of the stunning beauty of begonias and make sure they bloom for the duration of the season! Dedicated to spreading the love and understanding of gardening, This Is My Garden is a website. Each week, we provide two new garden-related articles. Affiliate links may be present in this post.

Garden Help Desk: How can I save my begonias through the winter? | News, Sports, Jobs - Daily Herald

How to Make Begonias Bloom

Begonias are perennials recognized for their beautiful leaves and brightly colored blooms. Fertilize frequently, keep in partial shade, and give rich, well-draining soil if you want to get the most out of these lovely plants. Check for typical concerns like wet soil or garden pests if you notice your begonias aren’t flowering as well as you’d like.

Force blooming by letting young begonias mature indoors.

Begonias can be “forced” to bloom by beginning them indoors before planting them outside. Start your begonias in a container inside in the late winter, whether they are seeds, tubers, roots, or rhizomes. Begin blooming as soon as the weather warms up by transplanting them into your yard.

Plant the begonias outside only when there is no risk of a late frost, as they are extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Check the Farmer’s Almanac or your local weather station for the anticipated date of the last frost.

Plant your begonias in partial shade

To thrive and blossom, begonias require some light during the day, but direct sunlight will burn them. Plant your begonias in a location where they will receive morning shadow and afternoon filtered sunlight to promote good blossoming and flower production.. If possible, choose a location on the north or east side of your house, preferably under a shade tree. [3]

While begonias can tolerate some shade, they will develop more leaves than blooms if it is provided to them in excess.

Provide your plants with well-drained soil.

Your begonias will flourish if they are placed in a well-drained soil. Ensure that the soil drains effectively if you’re going to put the begonias in a garden bed. Potting soil for container-grown begonias should hold some water but not become wet.

Dig a hole 12–18 inches (30–46 cm) deep and as wide as possible to check the soil’s ability to drain. Wait for the water to drain out before using it again. The ideal time for the water to totally drain is anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.

Feed your begonias with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks

Your begonias will thrive if you use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. Using a 3:1 water to fertilizer ratio, mix the fertilizer with water and apply it to the base of the plant. After planting the begonias, fertilize them once every three weeks.

  • In containers, begonias need extra fertilization. Do this every two weeks, or more frequently if instructed to do so on the fertilizer’s label.
  • Spraying fertilizer directly on the plant might burn the leaves and blooms, so avoid doing so at all costs.
  • Adding compost or peat moss to the soil of your begonias can help supply nutrients.

Deadhead old flowers to promote new blooms

Remove wilting flowers with your fingertips or a pair of clean scissors if you see them. A bud or leaf underneath the previous blossom should be cut back to the stem. When your begonia isn’t able to devote energy into developing seeds, it will instead focus on producing new blossoms.

Additionally, pinching off the new tips of any branches you previously pruned helps encourage blooming and healthy, bushy growth.

How to Grow Tuberous Begonias | Garden Gate

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Avoid imbalanced fertilizers.

It’s crucial to apply a well-balanced fertilizer for begonias to thrive. If you feed your begonias nitrogen-rich fertilizer, they will produce more leaves than blooms.

Be sure to read the label on your potting mix before adding fertilizer to your begonias if you’re growing them in containers.

Store tubers indoors over winter to protect them from the elements.

When it comes to temperature, begonias are very vulnerable. Bring your begonias inside before the first harsh frost to keep them safe and to avoid bud drop. Let the root ball dry out in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before planting. Remove the remaining dirt, stems, and roots from the tuber, then store it in dry peat for the upcoming winter months.

  • It is best to keep the tubers in a cool and dry place like a cellar or pantry.
  • Make sure to keep the tubers in a warm, humid spot when you’re ready to start the plants back up again. Whenever you observe roots and shoots emerging, it’s time to transplant them into containers.
  • Relocating the tubers outside again after the last frost has passed should be postponed.

Allow the soil surface to dry between waterings to prevent bud drop

Over or under watering can cause your begonia to prematurely shed its flower buds. At least once a week, check the soil to see if your begonia is getting enough water. Before re-watering your plants, wait until the soil is dry to the touch on the surface.

Never allow the soil to entirely dry out. Make sure the soil is still damp by sticking your finger 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) deep into it.

Use a natural pesticide to keep away earwigs and caterpillars.

Both earwigs and caterpillars enjoy eating the blooms of begonias. Keep an eye out for these common begonia pests if you find that your flowers are looking ragged and eaten up. Pesticides like B.t., neem oil, or pyrethrin can be used in place of conventional pesticides.

Before using or storing any pesticide, always read the product’s warnings and directions. Even when used correctly, natural products can be harmful to humans and pets.

You can also use beneficial insects like praying mantises, ladybugs, and lacewings in your garden to help keep them under control. You may be able to buy these beneficial insects online or from a local garden center, depending on local rules and regulations.