Growing Begonias - Basic Garden Tips
Begonias may be grown from seed or cuttings. The seeds are very tiny, making it difficult to plant sparsely. The seedlings generally sprout in bunches that must be thinned when an inch or so tall. The seeds germinate in about fourteen to twenty days under suitable conditions. Begonia seedlings are relatively inexpensive so many people choose to buy them from their local garden shop rather than try to start the tiny seeds.
Growing Begonias
Begonias are annuals that must be re-planted each year. They do not tolerate cold weather and will die with the first frost in the Fall. You should plant them outdoors in pots or your garden in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
There are many varieties of Begonias and various varieties will do well in full sun or shade. They should be planted in a loose, fertile soil that drains well.
When watering, soak the base of the plants thoroughly, then allow the top three inches of the soil to dry before the next watering.
For continued blooming, you should remove dead flowers, leaves, and stems at least every two or three days. Occasional light pruning will not hurt the plant and help maintain a compact, attractive shape. Begonias benefit from a once a month addition of a general purpose fertilizer.
Popular Articles: