Begonia care is simpler than you suppose. The glamorous flowers of double begonias make an actual splash in a flower backyard.
Right here’s a secret: everybody has a flower or two that they only don’t like as a lot as everybody else appears to, and for me, begonias are a type of. So I used to be shocked lately throughout a visit to the Midwest once I identified some lovely flowers and requested what they have been, solely to be advised, “They’re begonias, in fact!”
By some means, I’d by no means realized there was such a factor as double begonias. And I definitely didn’t notice they have been so beautiful, with sensible colours, rose-like blooms, and unbelievable variations. Out of the blue, I knew I wanted to trace down some double begonias for myself. They’ve completely modified my thoughts about these flowers. Right here’s what it is advisable to learn about begonia care.
Begonia Care 101
Begonias (Begonia spp.) are in style old school flowers. Develop them open air year-round in zones 8 to 11; northern gardeners can get pleasure from them as blooming houseplants when the climate turns chilly or deal with them as annuals. Wax begonias are the basic alternative, with sturdy leaves. Angel wing and rex begonias equivalent to Escargot have extra attention-grabbing foliage. If you happen to choose the flowers, search for tuberous begonias.
Get extra knowledgeable suggestions for overwintering begonias as houseplants.
“What is that this plant (above)? I don’t know the way it bought into my yard,” asks Mary O’Donnell of Camarillo, California.
Horticultural knowledgeable Melinda Myers: You’ve bought a begonia, most definitely one of many rhizomatous varieties. These begonias produce a thick, stemlike construction (rhizome) that grows alongside the soil floor. Recognized and grown for his or her ornamental leaves, as you found some additionally produce lovely blossom clusters.
Most are perennial in Zone 10 gardens. The remainder of us deal with them as annuals and transfer them indoors for winter. Develop begonias in wealthy, well-draining and natural soil. Water completely when the highest inch of soil is dry to the contact. Be very aware of overwatering as a result of it might result in root rot. Most rhizomatous begonias choose a shady location open air and vivid mild inside. Fertilize your actively rising vegetation in response to label instructions.
Yard Tip: Take away spent begonia blooms to encourage contemporary progress. As soon as the plant is completed blossoming, lower it again till the climate warms.
Learn how to develop African violets.
Double Begonias
Double begonias are tuberous begonias with blooms that appear like roses. Usually, you purchase them as tubers (kind of like bulbs) and plant them within the spring, for blooms by mid-summer. They’re solely hardy to zone 8, so these in colder zones should elevate the tubers within the fall for winter storage. These tubers will be pretty costly, relying on the type you select, and often can be found solely within the spring.
Right here’s every thing it is advisable to learn about planting and rising dahlias.
Can You Develop Begonias From Seed?
I’ve discovered one supply for double begonia seeds. Park Seed notes they need to bloom in about 5 months. Since I count on to have a little bit hassle rising these vegetation in Florida (they like humidity however dislike the warmth, preferring cooler nights), this looks as if one of the best ways for me to begin. My plan is to develop these in containers on my again porch, since they like morning daylight however must be shielded from scorching afternoon solar.
Subsequent, uncover the 4 forms of flower bulbs that gardeners ought to develop.
