Tips on How to Successfully Grow Begonias
Begonias are garden beauties that can brighten your gardens, landscapes, and interior plantscape. I have worked with begonias over the years and have seen the results they bring. These plants are truly amazing and will give that much-needed flavor with their beautiful flowers and soft texture making begonias a must for your garden. Begonias can be planted directly into the soil, can be installed in containers, and can also be placed in hanging baskets that look so great. The foliage or leaves of the begonias are like none other, set in a style that grows uniquely.
If you think these plants are worth the investment Then I encourage you to continue reading as we discuss how to grow and care for begonias that have made a name for themselves and are used in so many gardens and interior plantscape designs to give that WOW which I believe is so amazing.
Planting Location
When installing begonias look for an area that gets full sunlight.
Soil Type
The soil of begonias should be an organic-rich soil that drains well.
Watering Methods
When watering your begonias ensure that the soil is moist then allow it to dry out somewhat before watering again. Overwatering will cause root rot also when watering water at ground level or the soil surface. Don’t allow the water to get on the foliage or flowers.
Fertilizing Methods
To keep your begonias blooming and performing at their best the use of a fertilizer that is high in phosphorous will help. Before fertilizing read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of begonias
You may have these uninvited guests show up at your doorstep.
- Mealy Bugs
- Whiteflies
- Scales
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
These garden insect pests cause injury by sucking the plant’s fluids which can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves followed by leaf drop. To bring these garden insect pests under control the use of insecticidal soap will offer some help.
Diseases of the begonia plant
Keep an eye out for these diseases so that your begonias can stay healthy and striving.
- Powdery Mildew
- Viruses
- Botrytis Blight
- Fungal Rot
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew appears as a powdery substance on the plant leaves, this disease is encouraged by excessive fertilizing with water-soluble fertilizers, poor air circulation, and warm and damp conditions. Ensure that your begonias have proper air circulation, monitor the amount of fertilizer you are using, and do not overwater. Plant parts that are infected should be removed. Remember to sterilize your pruner after each use.
Viruses
Viruses will cause the leaves to develop mosaic partners along with turning yellow and stunted growth. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Before installing plants the soil should be soil that is fresh and healthy. Plant pots that were previously used should be sterilized with bleach and water, also before purchasing the plant ensure that begonias are healthy and disease-free by looking for symptoms.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis Blight damage shows up as soft brown rot on the stems, flowers, and leaves, you will also notice a growth that is gray and fuzzy. To bring this disease under control keep the plant bed free of debris, and remove infected plant parts which include leaves, stems, and flowers also avoid overhead irrigation, water your begonias from the ground or soil level this way water will not get on the leaves, stems or flower and give plants proper spacing for air circulation.
Fungal Rot
Fungal rot shows up as stunted growth, the plant’s roots may be discolored along with water-soaked stem at the ground level or soil line. Remove infected plants and dispose of them, before replanting in the same spot the soil should first be sterilized or treated with a fungicide, make sure that your begonias are not getting excessive amounts of water. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial Leaf Spot show up on the undersides of the older leaves as lesions that are small near the main veins. As the disease persists the spots enlarge and become brown, as the disease is allowed to spread the leaves will wilt followed by the leaves dropping. The petioles and stems that are infected develop streaks that are water-soaked and may also split at this stage your begonia may die.
Remove and destroy infected plants, give the proper spacing of plants for good air circulation and humidity, do not wet the leaves and when purchasing plants ensure that they are disease-free.
Container grown begonias
Container-grown begonias are a great way to grow these garden beauties, ensure that the container has drain holes for water to drain after plants have gotten a drink. The soil should be well-drained soil that will hold the right amount of water but will allow excess water to drain through. When installing your begonias don’t install too deeply, only the entire root ball should be covered with soil, from the base where the stems are joined to the root ball should be above ground.
Give your container a good soaking and allow the water to drain, place the container in an area that gets indirect bright light. A saucer should be placed under the container so when watering in the future the saucer can collect the water. The use of a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus will keep the flower bloom. Keep an eye out for garden insect pests and diseases as discussed earlier.
Growing begonias from hanging baskets
Growing begonias from hanging baskets is a great way to have these garden beauties growing, there are many basket types and sizes to choose from. What I love about growing these plants in baskets is that once installed in baskets the baskets can be hung from your porch or patio, from the wall by the front door, in fact with hanging baskets garden plants can be hung from just about anywhere provided that there is sufficient sunlight.
When installing begonias from baskets you would follow the same procedure as when planting in containers. Water and fertilizer also as with containers, a word of caution when installing begonias don’t crowd the basket because your begonias need room to grow. On average, I would install about 2-3 in a basket depending on the size of the plants along with the size of the basket. Keep an eye out for garden insect pests and diseases as stated earlier.
Growing begonias indoors
The temperature
When growing begonias indoors, the temperature plays an important part in for your plant to thrive. A temperature anywhere from 65°-75° will work.
Humidity
For your begonias to grow it is best indoors place them in an area that gets bright indirect light, begonias love humidity, to increase the humidity level place your begonias on a wet pebble tray, the use of a humidifier is also good to have.
Deading Begonias
Deadheading begonias involve the removal of spent flowers, to promote flower bloom when the old flowers begin to fade remove the old flower by pinching this will encourage stem and flower growth. As you continue with this method regularly you will have a bushy plant with beautiful flower bloom.
The final word
Begonias are a great choice to give that bloom and soft touch with their texture so if you are looking for a plant that will work wonders both in the landscape and on the interior then this is the plant for you. I have worked with these plants on many occasions and to be honest, they are amazing. But be careful because as much as they are beautiful they are fragile so handle them with care and you will do just fine.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.