Begonia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Begonia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Begonia: Cultivation & Garden Use

Although Begonia is a half hardy or hardy perennial it is normally treated as an half hardy annual by gardeners.

It is a very large genus, with over 1800 species, and therefore contains numerous plants that are commonly grown in gardens, these include Painted Begonia, Fuchsia Begonia, Bonfire Begonia, Tiger Leaf Begonia, and Tuberous Begonia.

Description of Begonia

The Begonia plant can vary from between 15 and 60 cm in height. Begonia flowers from the summer through Autumn.

It makes an ideal border or container plant.

Begonia by Withrow.

The leaves of Begonia tend to be red or green in color and are often striped.

Flowers are usually red, pink, yellow or white.

Begonia grandis by Tannaka Juuyou.

How to Grow Begonia

When growing Begonia it is best to start the plants off indoors.

When growing from seed then they should be prepared four months before planting out

Begonia tubers should be planted in the early spring.

Begonia seeds should be planted just below the surface

They should take around 15 days to two months to germinate at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.

Once fully established Begonia seedlings should be planted outdoors after the last frost of spring with a spacing of between 20 and 35 cm depending upon the size of the variety.

Ideally they should be planted into sunny or lightly shaded areas of the garden into a rich moist soil of pH 6 to 7.

Begonia Plant Care

It is important to regularly water Begonia plants; also supply a light monthly dose of fertilizer.

In cooler areas supply the plant with a mulch.

Also in cold areas, where Begonia species are not hardy, it is important that you do not expose them to frost. Dig up the tubers in the Autumn once leaves have started to turn yellow. Allow the Begonia tubers to dry, then store them in a cool place that will always remain above freezing.

If you require more plants then tuberous species can be divided; or you can take leaf or stem cuttings in mid-spring.

Begonia Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Begonia. Cultivators include: Angel Wing Begonia; Fibrous Rooted begonia; Roseform Begonia; Tuberous Begonia.
Family Name: Begoniaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 6 to 24 Inches (15 to 60 cm).
Native: South Asia, South America, Central America, Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10. As a perennial in zones 7 to 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Red, pink, yellow, orange, white. Showy. Large variation due to cultivation.
Foliage: Asymmetric. Red, green. Glossy. Variegated. Striped.
Sow Outside: Start annuals indoors. Start tubers indoors. Perennials: surface. Early spring. Spacing: small species 8 to 12 Inches (20 to 30 cm); large species 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to eight weeks. Temperature 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Start four months in advance. Transplant into the garden following the the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight in cool areas, partially shaded in warm areas. Soil pH 6 to 7. Rich soil. Moist soils. Mulch in cooler areas. Regular watering. Light monthly feed. Bring indoors in the winter, by lifting tubers once leaves become yellow in the autumn, allow to dry then store in a cool place free of frost. Plants can be propagated by taking cuttings from the stems or leaves in the spring. Tuberous forms of Begonia can be divided.

Specific Plant Information and Tips for Growing Begonia in the Garden

Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia)

These are Tuberous plants come into bloom in mid summer with wonderful pink flowers. The foliage may be blue or green and is often veined.

Seeds can be planted outdoors in the autumn, or started off indoors. Ideally Begonia grandis should be spaced about 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) apart in a slightly acid soil of pH 6 to 7.

They are able to grow successfully in lightly shaded areas, and reach an height of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).

In the USA, they are able to grow in zones 6 to 11, it is best to take tubers indoors in the winter if your area is prone to frost.

They require watering regularly, but do not overdo it. If you are in a region that does not require bring the tubers indoors then provide a mulch for the plant in the winter.

You can propagate by harvesting seed, splitting the tuber, taking stem cuttings or easiest of all by collecting and potting the bulblets that form in the autumn.

Begonia semperflorens (Fibrous Rooted Begonia, Wax Begonia)

These plants reach an height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and bloom from mid spring to mid autumn with red flowers.

Ideally they should be grown in a slightly acidic soil of pH 6 to 7, and spaced at a distance of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).

Dependent on the area they are grown, Begonia semperflorens can tolerate full sunlight (cooler regions) to light shade (hotter regions).

Information on Begonia and Commonly Grown Garden Species

The Begonia genus is very large and includes upwards of 1,500 species. It is a member of the Begonicaea family, and therefore is closely related to the other member of this genus Hillebrandia; this genus only includes one plant (Hillebrandia sandwicensis) and has the local Hawaiian name of Pua Maka Nui.

Begonia are herbaceous in nature and are native to South Asia, Africa, and Central and Southern America. They usually have large asymmetric leaves that may have markings and are often variegated with some species having many different colors. One of the interesting things about Begonia is that they are monoecious, and therefore have different male and female flowers on the same plant.

Some of the well known Begonia species that are grown in gardens include:

Begonia boweri: Tiger Leaf Begonia
Begonia semperflorens: Wax Begonia; Fibrous Begonias
Begonia grandis: Hardy Begonia
Begonia albopicta: Cane Stemmed Begonia
Begonia coccinea: Cane Begonia
Begonia reniformis: Grape Leaf Begonia
Begonia peltata: Fuzzy Leaf Begonia

Cultivars include:
Angel Wing Begonia: Begonia aconitifolia x coccinea
Fibrous Rooted begonia: Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum
Roseform Begonia: Begonia x tuberhybrida
Tuberous Begonia: Begonia x tuberhybrida

Common Questions

How many members does the Begonia genus have?

The Begonia genus is one of the largest, with over 1,800 species.

Do members of Begonia make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Begonias are a favourite among gardeners for their vibrant flowers, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in shade.

Which Begonia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Begonia semperflorens (Wax Begonia) and Begonia tuberhybrida (Tuberous Begonia) are commonly grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Begonia plant genus fragrant?

While some species have a slight fragrance, Begonias are generally not known for their scent.

What is the perfect location to grow Begonia?

Begonias do well in a location with filtered light or partial shade and rich, well-draining soil.

Is Begonia invasive in the USA?

Presently, Begonia species are not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Begonia plants from my garden?

To remove Begonia, carefully dig around the plant base to uproot it, ensuring you get all of the tuber or rhizome.

Summary

The Begonia genus, part of the Begoniaceae family, is one of the most diverse genera of flowering plants with over a thousand species. They are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates and are known for their showy flowers and foliage.

Begonias can be grown indoors or outdoors, in a spot with filtered light or partial shade. They prefer well-drained, rich soil and require consistent, but not excessive, watering. Many species are sensitive to temperature extremes, so they're best grown in moderate conditions.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Begonia. You may also enjoy the following houseplant growing guides: How to grow Ficus benjamina and Setcreasea plants.