How to plant Begonias? The ultimate planting guide for Begonias

Whether you want to plant Begonias in your garden or a container, knowing how to plant them correctly is crucial for their growth and success. Known for their vibrant blooms and easy-to-care nature, these plants are perfect for beginners and experts alike.

This ultimate planting guide for begonias will provide you with all the necessary information you need to grow and care for these beautiful plants. From selecting the right variety to providing them with the right soil and water requirements, we will cover everything you need to know to get started. Let's dive in!

 

How should Begonia bulbs be planted?

While begonias can be grown from seeds or cuttings, planting bulbs is one of the most efficient ways to ensure a beautiful and abundant bloom. Here's how to plant begonia bulbs for optimal growth and success.

1. First, select the right location for your begonia bulbs. They thrive in areas with partial or full shade, as too much direct sunlight can damage their leaves and flowers. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
2. Next, plant the begonia bulbs. Dig holes about 2-3 inches deep, and place the bulbs with their concave or indented side facing downwards. Don’t place them too deep, but plant them right below the surface. Ensure the bulbs are spaced at least 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
3. Once the bulbs are in place, cover them with soil and lightly pat them down to secure them in place. Water the soil thoroughly, but avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause the bulbs to rot.

Begonia bulbs can take a few weeks to sprout, so be patient. Once the plants start to grow, ensure they receive adequate water and fertilization to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Best time for Begonia planting

Begonia bulbs should be planted in the spring, once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This is usually between April and May, depending on your region. Planting too early can expose the bulbs to frost while planting too late can result in a shorter growing season and smaller blooms.

Begonias are absolutely not hardy and they thrive in a warmer climate. Their USDA hardiness zone is 9-10, which means that Begonias are hardy within these zones. So if you live in hardiness zones 9-10, you can plant your Begonias earlier. If you live in a colder climate, you should wait until the threat of frost has passed.

 

Pre-planting soaking for Begonia bulbs

Soaking begonia bulbs is not necessary but can be beneficial. Soaking can help soften the bulb's outer layer and encourage the plant to sprout more quickly. It can also help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the bulb.

To soak begonia bulbs, place them in a container of water for 2-4 hours before planting. Be sure to use lukewarm water, as hot water can damage the bulbs. After soaking, remove the bulbs from the water and allow them to dry before planting.

 

Optimal locations for planting Begonias

Begonias prefer partial to full shade, making them ideal plants for areas that receive filtered sunlight or dappled shade. They thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil is heavy or compact, add some sand or peat moss to improve drainage.

It's crucial to select a planting site that is protected from harsh winds and extreme temperatures. Begonias are sensitive to both heat and cold, and exposure to these conditions can damage or kill the plant. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, consider planting begonias in containers that can be moved indoors during harsh weather conditions.

Planting depth for Begonia bulbs

Begonia bulbs should be planted at a depth of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). It's important not to plant them too deep as this can prevent the bulbs from sprouting and growing properly. Planting too shallow, on the other hand, can cause the bulbs to dry out and become damaged.

Begonia bulbs are one of the most difficult bulbs to plant because it can be unclear which side is up and which is down. The smooth, round side is down. And the concave side is up. A begonia bulb has the shape of a bowl.

 

Soil preparation tips for Begonias

Begonias prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. They also need soil that is rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. The best soil for begonias is a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mixture provides the right balance of nutrients, drainage, and aeration.

Before planting your begonias, it's crucial to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. You can do this by hand or by using a garden hoe or rake. Once the soil is clean, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. Mix the compost or manure into the soil thoroughly.

Next, add a layer of the soil mixture to the planting hole or container. Place the begonia in the hole or container and fill in around it with the soil mixture. Water the begonia thoroughly to settle the soil.

 

Determining the number of Begonia bulbs to plant

The answer to this question depends on the variety of begonia and the size of the planting area. Generally, it's recommended to plant 3-5 begonia bulbs together, with a spacing of 8-12 inches between each bulb. This allows enough room for the bulbs to grow and spread, while still maintaining a dense and attractive appearance.

For larger planting areas, you can increase the number of bulbs to create a more dramatic effect. However, it's important to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to resource competition and stunted growth.

Receiving and handling Begonia bulbs: essential steps

If you have recently received Begonia bulbs, it's essential to know how to handle them to ensure their success.

1. Firstly, unpack your Begonia bulbs and check for any damage or signs of disease. Discard any bulbs that appear rotten, moldy, or soft. Healthy Begonia bulbs are firm, plump, and free of blemishes.
2. Secondly, it is important to know when to plant your begonia bulbs. Do you live in a colder climate, such as USDA hardiness zone 8 or below? Then you should store your begonias until planting time. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place such as a basement or a garage. 
3. Do you live in a warmer climate, such as USDA hardiness zone 9 or up? Then you immediately start planting your Begonia bulbs. Prepare a planting container or garden bed. Begonias prefer well-draining soil and indirect or filtered sunlight. If planting in a container, ensure it has adequate drainage holes and is filled with a well-draining potting mix.
4. For more planting instructions, see the first paragraph in this ultimate planting guide.

 

Indoor planting of Begonia Bulbs

Planting begonia bulbs indoors can be a great way to get a head start on the growing season. By planting indoors, you can control the environment and ensure optimal growing conditions, such as temperature, light, and moisture.

To plant begonia bulbs indoors, choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the bulbs about an inch deep and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light and keep the temperature between 60-75°F. Once the bulbs have sprouted and the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors.

However, if you live in an area with a long growing season, it may not be necessary to plant begonia bulbs indoors. In warmer climates, begonias can be planted directly outdoors in the spring.

 

Planting dried-out Begonia bulbs

Dried-out begonia bulbs may look dead, but they can often be revived and planted. First, examine the bulbs for any signs of rot or damage. If they appear healthy, soak them in water for several hours or overnight to rehydrate them.

Next, prepare a planting site that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as deep as the bulb's size and place the bulb with the concave side down and the rounded side up. Cover the bulb with soil and water thoroughly.

It's important to note that dried-out begonia bulbs may have a lower germination rate than fresh ones. Additionally, they may take longer to sprout and establish themselves. Therefore, it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist and to provide them with adequate sunlight and nutrients.

Most of the time, we ship bulbs dormant. Please do not mistake dormant bulbs for dried-out or dead bulbs.

Growing Begonias in containers

Growing begonias in pots and containers is a great way to add color to balconies, patios, and indoor spaces. It also gives you more control over the growing conditions, including soil quality, water, and sunlight. Begonias thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the pot or container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

When planting begonias in pots, select a pot or container that is at least six inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant's growth. Fill the pot with soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the center of the pot and fill it with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Water thoroughly, ensuring that excess water drains out.

Begonias require partial shade to thrive, making them ideal for indoor spaces or shaded balconies. Ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight a day but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

 

Ground vs. pots: where do Begonias thrive better?

The answer is that it depends on the individual plant and the growing conditions. Begonias in pots have the advantage of being portable, making it easy to move them around and protect them from harsh weather conditions. Potted begonias are also ideal for those with limited garden space or for those who live in apartments.

On the other hand, begonias planted in the ground have the advantage of being able to spread out their roots, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption. This can result in a stronger, healthier plant that produces more blooms. Ground planting also provides more space for the plant to grow, which can result in larger plants and more abundant blooms.

When planting begonias in the ground, it's essential to choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Begonias prefer moist soil but are susceptible to root rot in areas with poor drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can also improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth.

In conclusion, both potted and ground-planted begonias can thrive with proper care and attention. Potted begonias are ideal for those with limited space, while ground-planted begonias can result in larger plants and more abundant blooms. Ultimately, the choice between pot or ground planting depends on personal preference and growing conditions.

 

Quantity of Begonias for container planting

The size of the container is the most crucial factor in determining how many begonias to plant. A general rule of thumb is to plant one begonia for every 6 to 8 inches of container space. So, if you have a 12-inch container, you can plant two begonias, and if you have an 18-inch container, you can plant three.

It's also essential to consider the type of begonia you are planting. Tuberous begonias require more space than fibrous begonias, so you may need to adjust the number of plants accordingly.

Another factor to consider is the purpose of the container. If you want the begonias to be the main focal point, plant fewer begonias to allow each one to stand out. If you're using the container for a mixed arrangement, you can plant more begonias with other complementary plants.