Begonia Flower Basics
There are several types of begonia popular among nurseryman for their potpourri of flower colors , shade tolerance , and the fact that they flower all throughout the summertime . Wax begonia and tuberous begonia are among the most rough-cut character .
Wax begonias do well in sunnier areas , and are preferred by southern gardener for their drought and heat up tolerance .
Tuberous begonias prefer shade , and do n’t do as well in rut and humidity . Begonias can range between 8 inches and two invertebrate foot improbable . They farm well as bedding plants , in pots , hang baskets , and in window box , but look especially attractive when planted in large masses . They produce well in partial tint , but require some sun for blooming well . They also favour a moist , full-bodied , well - drain soil .
Planting Begonias
expect to establish until filth and air temperature are in the 60s , as moth-eaten planting will adversely bear upon begonias ’ growth . works begonias up to a foundation asunder , as this will allow them to flick out and blossom to their full potential drop . Smaller plants can be localise closer together ; wax begonias , for instance , will be fine about 6 to 8 inch apart .
hardened seedlings or slip out to root in the leap , after any frost risk is retiring . If you are planting tuberous begonia , these are propagated with Tuber , therefore their name . They must be apprehend up in the fall , since they wo n’t last the wintertime outside .
Store tubers indoors through the winter ; they will pullulate shoot in the spring and can then be tended as seedlings until they are big enough to transplant out-of-doors . Do this after frost peril has cash in one’s chips . Check your specific multifariousness of begonia to be certain of its sun or shade requirements , as they do change even within coinage and cultivars , and plant it in an appropriate locating .
Caring for Begonias
begonia do not want a lot of fertilization . Fertilize with a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer once in the early spring to boost raw growth and good blooming , but refrain from fertilizing the relaxation of the maturation hertz . Begonias are pop for the minimal are they require . In shady areas , they ’ll need less piddle , as the sun wo n’t evaporate as much of their water as in full sunshine placements . Water when the dirt at the substructure of the plants dries out to the touch ; keep it moist , but not wet . Overly wet soil can boost mildews and rots .
Begonia Pests and Diseases
Several pests and diseases involve begonias . Among fungal disease possibilities , gray-haired mold and powdery mould are the most coarse . These can be forefend by making sure mulch is not too deep , and not over watering the industrial plant . root and root rot can also happen when soil is too cockeyed , or if you water improperly , splashing water onto leaves and stems rather than manoeuvre it into the land .
Prevent leaf berth and blight by hook off faded or wilting bloom and dried up , curled leaf . Keep an eye out for dead , dying or diseased character of plants , and take away and discard them promptly so as not to give dirt ball and diseases an chess opening into the flora .
As far as vernacular dirt ball , slug and snail are often attracted to begonias , as are mealy bug and wanderer jot . Prevent granular bugs by keeping the area well weeded , and avoid high - N fertilizers . If you get spider pinch , lave the plants thoroughly with a diluted easy lay commixture , to get rid of the egg and larvae . Handling the problem while the plague is small is best , as they can spread to other plants quickly after hatching .
Want to learn more about growing begonias?
Check out these sites for more information :
Clemson University in South Carolina has aguide to many types of begonias .
The American Begonia Society providesarticles and a virtual greenhouse exploring begonias .
Wax begonia areexplained by the University of Illinois Extension .
