The wide variety of begonia cultivars includes literally thousands of old and hybrid species. Several types are native to Central and South America, Asia and Africa. They were cultivated in China in the 1300s, and in the West they were documented as cultivated by Brazil in the 1600s. In Europe, they were imported from both Brazil and India in the 1800s.They are original subtropical perennials but are often grown as annuals in more temperate regions.
How to grow begonias
Begonias are a plant that prefers shade or partial shade. They are perfect as potted plants or for use in the garden. There are several main types, all with different “looks”.”There are two main types that are the most familiar. The first is tuberous begonias, which are started from tubers in after spring in the garden. The second is that of begonias Semperflorens, often called wax begonias, from seeds in containers. These can be transplanted into long-term pots or in the garden. There are many other types, including shrub-shaped, thick-stemmed and reed-shaped begonias. Popular potted plants include trailing and rhizomatous begonias and the magnificent leafy Re Cult
Begonia
Perennial (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Partial shade
Sandy and clay soil well drained slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5).
Start seedlings or cuttings indoors in after autumn.
Plant in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost in spring.
Plant 48 ” apart for healthy shrubs.
Growing in containers:
Start individual plants in pots at least 12 “deep and 16” wide
The pot should be as wide as the foliage, switch to a larger pot as it grows
Ensure good drainage and acidic soil
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist.
Most species can be grown as a perennial plant in climatic zones 8-11
Grown as annuals in temperate zones, or in containers and introduced indoors in winter.
Begonia Hard Beg
Tuberous begonias can be germinated early before planting in the garden. The tubers themselves are slightly bowl-shaped. It is very important that they are planted with the pot facing up. Most flowering strikes will grow from the pot, but the roots can grow anywhere. In early spring, keep them in a heat place away from direct light, without planting them. Small strikes will sprout, which will grow slightly. Once they have a couple of leaves and the outside temperature is at least 50 F These should be planted in partial shade, in mottled shade under a tree, or in a place with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much sun will damage the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and damaging the flowers. Tubers should be planted about 6 inches apart, in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Sandy and/or loamy soil is preferable, but they will grow very well in loamy soil. At the peril of being repetitive, make sure the soil is well drained! Too moist soil can lead to rotting of the roots and stems of this plant. A variety of tuberous begonias, begonia hard beg, can be grown as a perennial in zones 6 to 9, which makes it very popular in the southeastern and mid-western regions of the United States.
Wax begonias can be started from seeds or cuttings. About three months before the last spring frost, start the seeds indoors, planted shallowly in the ground. Unlike tubers, these seeds need sunlight or grow lights to get started. Once planted, the soil should be kept moist and the air moist using a “moisture dome” or simply a large transparent plastic bag. heat temperatures can help them germinate a little faster, but they take a long time to get started. Once you have a few strikes with a few leaves, transplant them into a small container. Keep them heat and lit, and after the last frost, plant them about 6-8 inches apart in the garden bed. The soil must be well drained and slightly acidic. Wax begonias can get full sun in colder climates, but in regions that have hot summers, plant in partial shade. In heat climates or for potted plants, wax begonias can also be started from cuttings in spring, cutting a stem about 3-4 inches long, with a few leaf nodes. Bury the cut end in the ground and a new planting will begin.
Shrub begonias can be quite large, and reed-like begonias resemble bamboo stems and can be very tall. Reed-like plants are the easiest to start from cuttings, and by this way they should be the same as the mother plant. They can be started from seeds, although they can be hybrids and can grow flowers other than the mother plant. Planting and caring for these plants is similar to that of other types of begonias.
Growing begonias in containers
For potted plants, first use small containers. Plant and replant gradually into larger and larger containers. pots 6 to 8 inches wide are usually the largest size. Small plants in larger containers can increase the peril of root rot. A long, large pot can be used for several plants, but the plants hold them 6 inches apart. All containers should be well drained, and seedlings or tubers should be planted firmly, but not firmly in the pot. Loose soil can lead to uneven water distribution, and well-pressed soil can sometimes damage the roots. Potted begonias should be watered often, but still make sure that the pot is well drained. Potted plants must be fertilized regularly, throughout their life. The best is a 20-20-20 slow release balanced fertilizer (with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus), to help prevent fertilizer burning. Give up fertilizer for about a month if the leaves are stained.
