How to Grow and Care for Begonia Flowers
Now here's one of America's favorite flowers. With lots of variety, Begonias
are popular in flowerbeds, for hanging baskets, as container plants, and
for indoor houseplants. That's one versatile plant!
Begonias are prized equally for their flower as well as their showy leaves.
When they are not in bloom, which is infrequent once established, their
attractive, waxy green or chocolate colored leaves show themselves off wherever
you have placed them.
Growing Begonias is easy. They make a good indoor houseplants as they tolerate
shade well.
Types of Begonias:
There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and the uncommon
Perennials. The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous
Begonias, Wax Begonias and Everblooming Begonias.
Depending upon type, you can find red, white, pink,or yellow varieties. All
flowers have a bright yellow eye(center).
All varieties will grow compact, dense foliage, and grow about 6-9 inches
tall..
Propagation:
Begonias are propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds are very fine, dust-like,
and take two to three weeks to germinate. Many people will buy seedlings
rather than try to start these tiny seeds. Cuttings are much easier if you
want to propagate a few plants and already have one.
Tuberous varieties are commonly propagated by separating and replanting the
tuberous roots.
How to Grow Begonias:
Begonias are annuals and do not like frost in the spring or fall. Set them
out in containers, hanging baskets ,or your flowerbed after all risk of frost
has past.
Begonias thrive in a range of sunlight from full sun to shade.
They like rich, loose and fertile soil which drains well. Water thoroughly,
then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Begonias like attention. Remove dead flowers, leaves, and stems. Trim off
long stems to help retain it's compact shape. A little care will pay you
back with lusher foliage and more blooms.
Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month. For houseplants and container
plants, give them a dose of liquid fertilizer once a month instead dry
fertilizer.
Insect and Disease:
There's great news here! Your begonias should have few if any problems with
insects or disease.
Bring 'Em Indoors:
Your Begonias can be brought indoors before frost. Remember, they will die
in a light frost, so if one threatens your area, don't wait!
Re-pot the plants if they appear crowded. Use rich potting soil. Help them
in their transition indoors. When first brought inside, keep them near a
sunny window, gradually, reducing the sunlight. This will help them to adjust
indoors. Significant leaf drop is common at this point. But, in a week or
two, they will be well acclimated to lower light levels and dry conditions
in your home. They will brighten up your home all winter!
More Information:
Buy Houseplant Fertilizer your Begonias will
thank!
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
Buy Guarden Raised Garden Bed Frames Perfect for people
who aren't into building their own raised beds. These raised beds are attractive,
long lasting and affordable. Guarden raised bed frames are the strongest
in the industry. A greenhouse system can be added to them, too. |
