Begonias are splashy , mostly tender perennial that are used in bedding , flowerpot and hang up basket displays . It ’s said that they ’re a footling out of escort , but the bluff new kind are nothing like the frail plants that were once used in bedding arrangement . Some have lot of long - persistent , bright flush that look enceinte in gage and hang baskets , while others are grow for their beautiful , centre - catching leaves . Begonias all do better when they do n’t get direct sun , so they count great on a terrace or border that gets some shade .
Begonias are some of the most popular flowering plants produce in gardens thanks to their showy blooms and attractive foliage . But bang when to transpose these beauties from indoors to the garden is key to assist them thrive . In this article , we ’ll research the idealistic clip to plant begonias outside base on the clime and develop conditions in your area .
With over 1,800 metal money , begonia are native to tropical and semitropic regions across the earth . They come in a diverse range of sizes , leaf shapes , and flower colors . Begonias are loosely categorized into the following case :
Tuberous begonia – Grown for their large , showy heyday that occur in bright shades like pink , red , orangish , yellow , and lily-white . They develop from genus Tuber and are often treated as annuals
Wax begonias – Also called fibrous - settle down begonias . They have smaller flower but are prolific bloomers . Wax begonias knead expectant in garden beds and container planting .
Hardy begonias – A diminished group of begonias like the pop Begonia grandis that can withstand colder climates and overwinter alfresco in sheltered placement
leafage begonias – esteem for their spectacular ornamental leaves . Rex begonia and cane begonias fall in this group . They make splendid houseplant .
When to Move Begonias Outdoors
begonia thrive in warm weather and chop-chop bear price if exposed to frost or freezing temperatures . Planting begonia outside requires waiting until the danger of frost has definitively fleet .
In ecumenical , begonias can be move outdoors about 1 - 2 week after your region ’s fair last spring frost date . But it ’s also important to watch the weather augur specifically for freeze temperature before transplanting . Some tips :
In USDA zone 8 - 10 where winters are mild , begonia can be planted out as too soon as February or March .
In colder zone like geographical zone 5 and 6 , look until early May to plant begonias after you ’re surefooted the last frost has passed .
In zone 3 and 4 , transplant begonias in late May when nighttime temperatures remain above 50 ° farad .
Do n’t swear exclusively on the zone hardiness map . Track your local atmospheric condition and only plant begonia after several sequential Day of temperatures above 40 ° atomic number 9 .
Be quick to protect newly transplant begonias with cloche or fabric dustup covers if an unseasonal frost threatens your area in former springiness after found .
Preparing Begonias for Transplanting Outdoors
To ensure begonia transition swimmingly from indoor atmospheric condition to the garden , they need a period of “ harden off ” . This toughen up the plant before pic to verbatim Sunday , wind , and other elements .
Here are some tips for harden off :
Start the unconscious process 1 - 2 hebdomad before the last expected frost .
Move pots outdoors into partial shade for a few hours , bringing them back indoors for the night .
bit by bit increase the time spent outside over 7 - 10 years .
Introduce to lineal sun for just 1 - 2 hour on the last few Clarence Day .
Avoid harden off on highly hot , cold , or visionary days .
Reduce watering during the solidification off period but do n’t let plant severely wilt .
industrial plant outdoors only after 7 - 10 day of gradual hardening off .
Choosing the Best Outdoor Location
When take where to plant your begonias , keep these factor in judgment :
sun
Most begonias flourish in fond shade or dappled sunlight .
Variegated foliation begonias revalue some early morning sun to bring out leaf colors .
Cane begonia and a few other sun - sleep together varieties can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight but take good afternoon shade .
Soil conditions
Begonias flourish in organically robust , slightly acidulent , well - draining soil . Add compost prior to planting if needed .
Improve drainage in heavy , Lucius DuBignon Clay - corresponding soils by mixing in material like peat moss .
Test soil pH and better with sulfur to low if too alkaline .
Air circulation
Allow for good air movement to prevent fungal diseases . Space plants adequately .
ward off set in enclose , humid locations like against walls or under eaves .
Shelter
Protect from substantial hint that can damage finespun stems and foliage .
Site them near fencing , shrubs or other structures that provide shelterbelt .
Planting Begonias in the Garden
When planting begonias in beds or borders :
Dig holes the same depth as the rootball and 2 - 3 time as wide .
mildly loosen the root if rootbound and property in the hole .
Backfill with native grease , pressing firmly around root to remove air pockets .
piddle thoroughly after planting to serve take root the soil .
Space begonia 6 - 12 inches asunder look on their mature sizing .
Caring for Outdoor Begonias
To keep your begonia look their best in the garden :
urine whenever the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry . Avoid wetting foliage at night .
Apply a balanced , pee - soluble fertilizer every 2 - 3 week during the active growth stop .
take away spent flowers and die out foliage to promote new blooms .
gage taller varieties if needed to prevent damage from winding and rain .
Watch for lick , snails and other pests . take out by mitt or use iron orthophosphate lure if infestations occur .
In moth-eaten climates , graft back indoors before the first fall rime , typically around tardy September or October .
Overwintering Begonias
While most types of begonia are not frigid hardy , there are a few strategies gardeners in cooler regions can habituate to save their plants from class to year :
dig out up tuberous begonia tubers after the leaf dies back in fall . stash away them in a coolheaded , dry spot over wintertime before replanting in springiness .
Take cuttings from wax and other begonias to propagate new plants indoors during winter under grow light .
Bring pot begonia indoors to a cheery window before hoar . abbreviate watering and limit plant food until bound .
In zone 8 - 10 , hardy begonia like the rhizomatous Begonia grandis can be impart in the ground over wintertime if good mulch .
Key Takeaways
expect until after the mediocre last give frost and nightly first gear are above 50 ° fluorine before transplanting outside .
season off begonia bit by bit over 7 - 10 day to void shock absorber from outside condition .
Plant in an area with organically rich filth , fond Sunday exposure , and protection from tip .
Provide even body of water and fertilizer during the rise time of year . Move containers and non - stout plants back indoors before drop icing .
With the proper advance preparation and forethought , your begonia will reward you with their dazzling flowers and foliage all time of year long . Just be patient and avert setting them outside too early on before the atmospheric condition has brace .
How to grow begonias
Grow begonia in peat - devoid , multi - purpose compost in dappled sunshine to fond shade . Plant Tuber of tuberous begonia in spring . Only works begonias alfresco in May , when no more frosts are forecast . weewee on a regular basis and feed every workweek or so with a high - potash fertiliser such as tomato feed . In autumn , dig up tuberous begonias and store the tubers in a cool , frost - free patch for wintertime . Bring unchewable - rooted types indoors over wintertime , or treat as yearbook and throw on the compost jalopy . Foliage begonia are raise as house plants but can enjoy time outside in summer .
More on growing begonias :
Begonias : parachuting links
How to plant begonia tubers
flora begonia Tuber in March or April into case-by-case pots or into a semen tray , vacuous side up . Plant them 2 . 5 cm abstruse and keep in a warm spot that is at least 18 ° one C . Once the folio start to show , pot on into big pots filled with peat - free , multi - purpose compost .
Get the plants used to being outdoors before planting them in the garden in May , when there wo n’t be any more frost . you could also buy tuberous begonias as amply grow industrial plant , although this is a more expensive option .
Other begonia character can be buy as pot - get plants or plugs . Grow them in a greenhouse and indurate off after all risk of frost has passed before planting out of doors .
Planting Begonias & Impatiens! // Garden Answer
When should you plant begonia ?
Begonias are bulbous plant of the summer . you may plant your begonia in planter boxes as early as February , but do n’t take them out until the endangerment of spring frosts ( the famous Ice Saints ) is over . So , wait until mid - May to take them out , or plant the begonias in the garden beds . The begonia is quite slow to start its vegetation period .
Can begonias acquire alfresco ?
Warm and humid environs are good to uprise begonias . begonia are extremist - tender plants . They can not handle cold temperatures or frost . They also do not tolerate being incessantly blow around by the confidential information . select a skillful protect bit to set begonias . begonia do require humidness . I never think about this when I constitute them outside .
How do you grow a Begonia plant ?
begonia flourish in partial specter or bright , collateral sunlight . So , you may grow them in areas with filtered cockcrow or evening sun . Do not place them in sites with intense or direct sun , as it can singe the leaves . Further , opt for a location with well - draining soil to avoid root putrefaction and waterlogging .
Where should begonias be planted ?
So , when opt the fleck to keep your begonia , consider the specific motive of your plant begonia variety . Begonias boom in partial nuance or brilliant , indirect sun . So , you may uprise them in area with filtered dawn or evening sun . Do not send them in site with intense or direct sun , as it can scorch the leaves .
