Table of Contents
Begonias are famous for their colorful flowers and attract a great deal of interest. Their flowers are a welcome sign of summer, and they continue to blossom until autumn jelly. Begonias add a bright color and a tropical appearance to courtyards, entrances, and porches with their showy, often ruffled flowers and lush foliage. Perfect for containers, suspended baskets and window boxes. Gardenhow.net has collected some information for planting Begonias in pots. Please follow the following article.
When is the best time for planting Begonias in pots?
The time for planting Begonias in pots is like planting them on the ground. Begonias will not grow in cool soil. Plant them outside in late spring when the soil is warm and any risk of freezing has passed. For the front flowers, the tubers can begin indoors in pots about 8 weeks before you plan to plant them outdoors.
Use your growing zone to find the proper date for starting the tubers indoors.
ZONE 10:
- Indoors: Late December;
- Outdoors February
ZONE 9:
- Indoors: Early January;
- Outdoors: Early March
ZONE 8:
- Indoors: Early February;
- Outdoors: Early April
ZONE 7:
- Indoors: Late February;
- Outdoors: Late April
ZONE 6:
- Indoors: Mid-March;
- Outdoors: Mid-May
ZONE 5:
- Indoors: Mid-March;
- Outdoors: Late May
ZONE 4:
- Indoors: Early April;
- Outdoors: Early June
ZONE 3:
- Indoors: Early April;
- Outdoors: Early June
The best conditions for planting Begonias in pots
Planting Begonias in pots is an easy way to succeed. You don’t need to spend too much time dealing with it. However, you should note some information to help you plant them in suitable condition.
Lights
For frontal flowers, tubers can be started inside pots about 8 weeks before you plan to plant them outside. Some Begonias require more sunlight than others, and there are new varieties on the market today that can even withstand full sun.
But most will suffer if they receive too much light from the sun, and it may burn their soft leaves. Generally speaking, they prefer a partially shaded area where they are protected from intense afternoon rays.
Inside, you should cultivate Begonias in a place where they get bright, indirect light. The window oriented east or west would be the ideal place.
If the leaves begin to become white or withered, or look like burns, then that means there is too much sun. In that case, move it to a shadier location.
On the other hand, if the stalks begin to have legs and reach the window, then they don’t get enough light. Move it nearer the window, or add some light for growth.
Temperature
Begonias are treated as annual plants (planted during only one growing season) or interior specimens. They prefer daily temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit but they can often tolerate higher temperatures with protection by planting Begonias in pots against sunlight.
Begonia plants, regardless of variety, cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and require winter care. However, if you reside in places prone to cold conditions, such as northern climes, you should winter over begonias indoors.
Humidity
Early Begonia growth requires high relative humidity of air, which must be controlled at 80% – 85%. We can spray water on Begonias or put the flower pot above the aquarium to prevent leaf tips and leaf edges from burning due to air drying, but water droplets cannot remain on the leaves for an extended period to avoid rain and exposure to the sun. In the winter, it has to be kept in a bright interior, with less watering. The temperature should not be below 10℃. At noon, we should often water the soil to improve air humidity. If the weather is relatively dry, humidification in the greenhouse is necessary, but attention should be paid to making sure that the surface of the leaves is not stained with water droplets at sunset in the afternoon. Begonia moisture maintained at 70% – 80% can efficiently control powdery mildew and gray mold.
Like most tropical plants, Begonias greatly appreciate moisture. This is generally not a concern when they grow up outdoors, but may be an indoor struggle. Humidity is especially important during the winter months, since the heating of our house makes the air even drier than usual. A moisture monitor inside is a good tool to use to keep track of air dryness. There are a number of things you can do to help raise moisture to a level that will make your Begonias happy. Try to use a humidifier near them, or place them on a plate of pebbles filled with water (don’t let them sit in the water). You could even grow small Begonias in a decorative bell or keep them all in a mini greenhouse indoors for the winter.
Preparation before planting Begonias in pots
Preparing the growing medium
Begonias are not very picky as far as the type of soil in which they are planted is concerned. But ideally, they prefer the one that has rapid drainage and also retains moisture.You may easily use pot soil for general purposes, and it will generally be enough. A blend of African purple pot also works well for Begonias culture. To help the soil retain moisture, or if you have a tendency to go underwater, add peat moss and/or vermiculite to the mixture before planting. Outside, you can modify the soil of your garden with compost, worm dough, or peat.
What kind of pots is best for Begonias?
Choosing the right pot for growing begonias is essential for successful planting. So pot selection needs careful consideration to get beautiful begonias in your home. Clay, plastic, and wooden pots, as well as wire baskets, are the four main types of containers used to cultivate Begonia. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Clay Pots
Because they are porous and enable air and water movement, unglazed clay pots allow the roots to breathe. (Glazed pots act more like plastic.) Many begonias flourish in clay pots, including rhizomatous begonias, which do not survive in damp potting mix. Because the mix in clay pots dries out faster, clay will benefit growers who are chronic overwaterers in particular. Almost all begonias grow nicely in clay pots. Clay pots available in a variety of sizes and forms to suit almost every need. Use only pots that have drainage holes. Clay pots have the disadvantage of being heavier and more expensive, but they look great and endure a long time.
Plastic and Glazed Pots
The most often used pots are made of plastic. They are lightweight, affordable, long-lasting, and suitable for practically all Begonias. The primary issues with plastic pots are proper watering and size. Plastic pots are not porous like the other three pot types and can keep water for much longer. This is typically not an issue, as growers can easily obtain the right size container and potting mix for their plants. Use only pots with drainage holes. Plastic pots are available in any size and form required. Glazed pots function similarly to plastic. White and light-colored pots should be avoided since they disintegrate fast in sunlight and don’t survive very long. They are also frowned upon during Begonia events.
Baskets
Moss baskets are popular for their aesthetic appeal as well as the fact that some begonias grow exceptionally well in them. They are made of a wire frame that has been wrapped and lined with long fibered sphagnum moss. If you decide to create one, make sure to use high-quality sphagnum moss. They are lined, then filled with mix, and the Begonia is placed as normal. These are most commonly used as hanging baskets.
The moss provides for ideal air and water exchange and is almost impossible to kill. They take some time to manufacture and are not suitable for huge collections, but they are ideal for larger specimen baskets since they are lighter than any other pot of that size. Rhizomatous begonias can even produce lovely hanging baskets in this style of container. To form a Begonia ball, they may be taught to grow fully around the pot. They can also be planted through the bottom of the container to form a ball with other species of begonias.
Choosing bulbs for planting Begonias in pots
It is easy to see quality differences when comparing two tuberous Begonias side by side. Larger tubers produce larger plants with more stems and more blossoms. We offer 5/6 cm of tubercles that develop into large solid plants. Begonia Tubers ready to plant should be thick and firm like a potato.
Choosing seeds for planting Begonias in pots
Begonias seeds are exceedingly small. In fact, every seed is a little larger than a speck of dust. Handling these tiny seeds can be difficult, although you can buy granulated seeds to make the job easier. Add to this, the fact that planting Begonias in pots from seeds takes a long time to germinate, and this is probably the reason most people are reluctant to start them. However, once you get the kick to begin planting Begonias in pots from the seed, you will find that your efforts are worth it. Wax Begonias are one of the easiest to grow from seeds.
How to plant Begonias in pots
Planting Begonias in pots from bulbs
Step1: Planting Begonias in a Pot
- Start with a 6 inches (15 cm) pot
Select any pot with drain holes. Begonias easily suffer from root and stalk rot, so make sure they are not too cold or sitting in calm water! Leave a 2.5-cm (1-inch) growth space for small plants until they adjust to a 6-inch pot. After that, you can upgrade your Begonias’ pots a bit faster, like moving them from an 8-inch pot to a 10-inch (25 cm) pot.
- Sanitize your pot
Anything that is not clean exposes your Begonias to minerals and microorganisms that could lead to many problems. To keep your Begonias healthy, dip the jar into 1 portion of bleach mixed with 9 portions of water for 10 minutes. Then dip the jar into a bucket of clean water after rinsing. Hang on to it until you’re ready to use it.
- Use a potting mix with lots of drainage.
Most prepackaged mixtures will function. Your Begonias just need a potting mixture that stays dry but doesn’t become too damp. This way, they will hang on to the water, but their roots will not rot.
- Place Begonia bulbs deep in the pot.
Remove any remaining mixture from the bottom of your Begonias. The roots should sit down in the new pot. This way, your Begonia plant has plenty of space to grow. Wrap the roots in a light layer of new soil.
- Place the Begonia tubercles halfway in the pot.
Fill the pot halfway with the potting mix, then place the tuber on top so that the indented sides are facing upwards. Cover the tuber with a fine layer of soil approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) thick.
Step 2: Finding a spot for your potted Begonias
- Position your Begonia where it can get 2-4 hours of direct sunlight a day.
If you put your plant inside, find a spot that receives the morning light, like a window. If you put it outside, opt for a porch, patio or tall plant. These places are partially shaded and will protect your Begonias. All Begonias require filtered light for the most part.
- Put Begonias outside in the summertime
Additional light and fresh air will stimulate growth and health in your indoor Begonias. When the temperature rises above 55 °F (13 °C), remove it. Shadow the Begonias in your backyard. Ensure they don’t get direct sunlight!
- When the weather is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), bring your Begonias inside.
Wintering, or protecting your plant from extreme cold, begins in the fall. When you put them in your house, your Begonias won’t be in a state of shock when it’s cold.
Planting Begonias in pots from seeds
- Step 1: Prepare the pot and pour the soil mixture in
Fill a pot or tray with potting mixture (a seed mixture would be perfect) and wet it well, allowing any excess water to drain. The soil must also be humid, but not soggy. Level the ground: you don’t need dips or depressions.
- Step 2: Apply the seeds evenly to the surface of the mixture
If they are not granulated, it will be difficult to spread them evenly, but do your best. Firm them slightly with a wooden block to make sure they are in contact with the growth mixture, but don’t cover them with soil: they need light to germinate.
- Step 3: Keep seed surface moist and warm
Place the seed container in a clear plastic bag or mini-greenhouse to ensure the high humidity needed for proper germination. Place the container between 6 and 12 inches (15 and 30 cm) under a fluorescent light. Its soft heat will help germinate and help keep the container warm. Even overnight, it must remain above 70 °F (21 °C).
- Step 4: Divide it into little pots
When seedlings have 2 or 3 leaves, move them to small pots or trays. In view of the fact that they are still very small and fragile at this stage, it can be a good idea to cover them with a dome or transparent plastic bag for a few days until they recover from transplant shock.
How to take care of Begonias in pots
Indoor potted Begonias care
The care of the Begonias inside begins with the right placement. One of the tips for growing Begonias as domestic plants is to place them somewhere where they will get bright, indirect light and have plenty of moisture.
If the air in your home is dry, especially in wintertime, it’s a good idea to put your Begonias domesticated plants on a shallow tray full of pebbles and water. This will allow your growing Begonias to get the moisture they need inside without watering the ground or exposing the leaves to excessive moisture that could cause illness.
Begonias grown indoors are particularly susceptible to root decay and excess. When caring for Begonias, make sure you don’t water them until they need to be watered. A lot of experts suggest that you really wait until the plant shows signs of being dry, like falling leaves, before watering it. This will help prevent incidental crowding, which is the main reason why Begonias die when grown indoors. Also, when watering your Begonia, make sure to water it underneath the leaves to avoid fungal disease.
Another advantage to the cultivation of Begonias indoors is that they are naturally resistant to pests. The development of a pest problem by a Begonia is extremely rare. But, they are still sensitive to fungus problems, such as powdery mildew, which is why it is better to keep the leaves dry.
Planting Begonias in pots as household plants can fill your home with beautiful flowers and foliage. In the right place, domestic Begonias may flower indoors.
Outdoor potted Begonias care
If you’re planting Begonias in pots outdoors, your two main choices are wax Begonias and tuberous Begonias. Wax Begonias are the most heat and sun resistant Begonias, so they are the best choice for places in direct sunlight. A good guideline is that Begonia plants with red or rust-coloured leaves make the best selection for full sun. Tuberous Begonias prefer half-shade, especially during the summer.
When it’s hot and dry, you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools and the soil retains more humidity. Begonia plants in the sunshine will also need more water than shade plants.
Besides, several pests and fungal diseases attack this plant, but you can keep the villains at a distance with the correct information. The most common illness of Begonias is powdery mildew, which usually appears when the leaves are moist, so avoid having water on the leaves when watering your plants. Good air circulation is also key to the prevention of this disease. Also, aphids, thrips, and cochineal insects can weaken Begonias and spread the disease. If you notice any of these pests, wipe them with a damp rag or spray them with insecticide soap.
“Root decay” is what we hear: root decay! Even if you see no soft roots, there are other clues to let you know that your Begonia plant is struggling. Since plants are unable to absorb water or nutrients when their roots are soft, yellow or wilting leaves are a sign of root decay.
Constant soil moisture is the most common cause of root decay, so allow the soil to dry a bit between waterings.
Questions and Answers
How long do potted Begonias last?
Begonias in pots are considered annuals only. Most of them live only 2-3 years, even with proper care. Tubercles of tuberous Begonias often last between 4 and 5 years with particular care. Tuberous Begonias require rest in winter and do not make good winter plants.
Is it okay to plant Begonias in pots over winter?
You should also overwinter an outdoor-grown Begonia inside a container. Potted Begonias may remain in their containers as long as they remain dry. They would also need to be relocated to a protected area where it is cool, dark and dry. The pots may be left in a vertical or slightly inclined position.
Conclusion
The gardenhow.net article offers information about planting Begonias in pots. We believe you will be able to grow your own beautiful Begonias, filling your home and office with a delightful scent. All the best!
Related posts:
How to grow Begonias as a Houseplant?
What are the best Begonias for hanging baskets and how to make a hanging Begonia in your garden
Top Secrect Gardening Tips and Hacks for Tuberous Begonias care
How to keep Begonias blooming?
What are the methods of Begonia Rex propagation?