About Begonias
Begonias are versatile, shade-loving plants that produce an abundance of waxy, richly colored blooms from spring through fall. Available in shades of pink, orange, red, lavender, yellow, and stunning bicolor combinations, they thrive in the low-light conditions where most other flowering plants struggle. They're perfect for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and shady border edging.
Starting from Seed
Begonia seeds are among the smallest in the flower world — dust-fine and requiring careful handling. Start them 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date, as they are very slow growers. Fill cell trays with moist, fine seed-starting mix. Place 2 to 3 seeds on the surface of each cell and press gently — do not cover, as begonia seeds need light to germinate. Cover trays with a clear humidity dome and place on a seedling heat mat set to 70-75°F. Germination takes 14 to 21 days. Keep the surface consistently moist with a fine mist sprayer. Once seedlings emerge, provide 16 hours of light daily from grow lights positioned 3 to 4 inches above.
Transplanting
Begonia seedlings grow slowly. When they have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves (usually 4 to 6 weeks after germination), transplant to individual 3-inch pots. Harden off gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving outdoors after all frost danger has passed. Plant in partial shade to full shade — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil amended with compost or peat moss.
Watering & Feeding
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged — begonias are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry. Feed every 2 to 3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. In containers, check moisture daily during hot weather, as pots dry out faster than garden beds.
Ongoing Care
Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Begonias are tender — they cannot tolerate frost. In fall, you can pot them up and bring them indoors to enjoy as houseplants through winter. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions; good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent it. Begonias combine beautifully with forget-me-nots and primroses in shady garden beds.