Begonia flower is the perfect plant for interesting arrangements and styles to help make your outdoor living area more unique and fun!
But how do you plant begonias? And are they easy to care for? We’ll cover all of these questions and more below, as we explain exactly how you can start growing begonias today!
What Are Begonias?
According to the Begonia Society of America, there are over 1500 different types of this flower in its ever-expanding genus. And this isn’t even considering all of the hybrids and man-made amalgamations of the plant that also exist out there. This is a massive range of different flowers that all belong to the same genus and there must be a reason why Begonias have become such a popular garden flower worldwide.
Perhaps it is because of the sheer beauty, flamboyancy, and versatility that these plants provide to gardeners and outdoor decorators alike. Begonias tend to have large, flashy flowers that come in an endless variety of colors including yellow, purple, red, orange, and white. These are excellent pot plants but have also been increasingly used in hanging arrangements and along mesh walling to create decorative pieces of flower art.
Despite having so many different species of Begonia, three popular types have emerged as favourites among gardening communities worldwide. There is the wax begonia which has succulent green stems with reddish-brown leaves on the flowers. There is the tuberous begonia which comes with white or green leaves. And finally, there is the angel wing begonia, which, as its name indicates, can be characterised by an attractive year-round foliage of speckled green dark leaves with a dark red underside.
When To Plant Begonias
The most important thing to remember when working with begonias is remembering that these plants are not particularly hardy, and they struggle to stay alive during the cold winter months. For this reason, you should be aiming to plant your begonia bulbs when springtime comes around.
Generally, experts insist that you should wait until the latter end of the springtime when the soil has started to warm up a bit from the sun and there is no danger of frost still existing where you’d like to plant your begonia. Cold is the ultimate deterrent to strong begonia growth.
Where To Plant Begonias?
If you want your begonias to live with full bloom, strong stems, and brightly coloured leaves, it is best that you plant your begonia bulbs in multi-purpose, highly nutritious plant compost. This makes begonias great for plant potting as you can completely control the soil that the bulb grows in.
Begonias also enjoy being planted in an area that is dappled in the sunshine with partial shade throughout the day. These plants will not survive if they do not get enough sun, but they could also dry out if left exposed to direct sun for the entire day. Look for a decent balance of both while prioritising sunshine.
How To Plant Begonias
So, once you’ve decided whether you’re going to plant your begonia bulbs in a pot plant or whether you’re going to plant your begonia in an outdoor landscaping area, it’s time to get started. But you need to understand the different planting methods depending on the choice you make…
Let’s take a look:
- For pot planting: Before you even start filling your container with soil or compost and burying your bulb, you need to ensure that the container you’re using is right for begonias. Select a container that contains enough holes for significant drainage. The container also needs to be large enough so that the variety of begonia you select has space to properly grow and spread its roots. Fill this container with nutrient-rich compost and well-draining soil. Loosen up these contents before burying your begonia bulb within the mixture. Make sure the part of the bulb where the leaves will sprout from is facing upwards.
- For outdoor planting: If you’re planning on planting outdoors, be sure to find a spot that meets all of the conditions mentioned above, but also be sure to find a spot where the soil has adequate drainage. Loosen up the soil a bit and plant the bulbs about 8 -12 inches apart so that each root has adequate space to grow.
- Water: These plants require a decent amount of water so be sure to water around the bulbs generously every day.
What Is The Meaning Of Begonia?
Begonias, as mentioned multiple times above, are flamboyant and colourful flowers that people often use mainly for decorative purposes in their gardens. It only makes sense that his flamboyant flower symbolizes individuality and confidence in most Western cultures.
In more eastern and Asian parts of the world, however, begonias have very different symbolism. In these parts of the world, the begonia represents caution and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions About Begonias
Do Begonias Prefer Sun Or Shade?
As previously mentioned, begonias need a good balance of both sun and shade, whether they are being planted in outdoor landscaping or containers. Many experts would argue that begonias enjoy the sun over the shade but there are contrasting opinions that state that begonias grow equally as well in the shade as they do in the sun. The best course of action, just to be safe when growing these flowers, is to provide them with a healthy balance between the two.
Do Begonias Come Back Every Year?
Healthy begonias plants will bloom every 3-4 months (not including the coldest winter months), and will likely come back year after year. This means that once you purchase begonia bulbs, and plant them in the methods and conditions mentioned above, your garden will be set on these flowers for life.
How Do You Keep Begonias Safe During Winter?
Begonias simply are not winter plants, and they are also not hardy enough to truly survive the harsh realities of the colder months. To ensure that your begonias are safe and sound, and ready to bloom again after the cold has dissipated, be sure to place the flowers in a well-lit area of natural sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not completely wet and keep them away from unnatural heat sources, if you plan on moving them indoors.