Begonias make great container garden plants, and they come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. While it can be fun to experiment with new container plant designs, it’s important to remember that all plants need care and maintenance. To ensure that your container plant thrives, follow these tips:

Hardiness zones

When it comes to container gardening, begonias are some of the easiest plants to grow. These tropical plants thrive in containers and fill their pots with colorful blooms.

Begonias can be grown as indoor houseplants or planted outdoors. These plants can tolerate a wide range of light and temperature conditions. Many varieties are native to tropical or subtropical regions. The genus includes more than 1,800 species.

The first step in planting a container garden is choosing an appropriate location. Choose a spot with a sunny or partially shaded area. It’s also important to ensure the soil is moist. Soggy soil can cause root rot.

Begonias prefer rich soil with good drainage. Make sure to add a small amount of slow release fertilizer to the soil mix at planting time. Keeping the soil well-nourished will ensure that the plant flowers throughout the summer. If you plan to plant begonias in containers, re-pot them periodically.

In winter, protect the plants from heavy foot traffic and cold temperatures. You can do this by placing them in a shed or building. Keep in mind that the foliage of hardy begonias will turn black in freezing temperatures. A thick mulch will help to keep the plant’s roots warm.

The foliage of hardy begonias will die back in the fall. This is why they should be mulched heavily during the winter. Otherwise, the plants will grow slowly and may even break.

Hardy begonias are primarily grown as annuals. They can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Some plants, such as angel-wing begonias, are hardy as perennials.

Begonias grow best in light, moisture-rich, and humus-rich soil. These plants are tolerant of extreme temperatures and humidity, but not extremely cold weather.

Begonias can be planted in full sun or in partial shade. They are generally best in zones 3-10. However, some begonias can be grown in zones 6-9 as annuals.

To store begonia tubers, make sure they are kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap them in newspaper or paper bags. Place them in a cool, dark place. Plant them in a hole as deep as the container.

Watering

Whether you’re planting begonias in the ground or in a container, you should know how to water them properly. Generally, begonias prefer a light, fluffy soil that drains well. They can survive short periods of dryness but they can’t tolerate prolonged drought.

Begonias are known for their amazing foliage patterns and color. Some types even have pretty flowers. However, the plant itself can be vulnerable to a number of common pests, including mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites.

In addition, begonias can suffer from powdery mildew. This disease can kill begonias if it reaches the leaves. The good news is that you can prevent this from happening by treating the plant with a fungicide. For example, you could use Serenade or a copper fungicide.

You should also make sure your begonias are not overwatered. Overwatering can cause rot and fungus growth. Make sure your begonias are given at least one inch of water a week. It’s best to water from the bottom of the pot, rather than spraying the foliage.

When potting your begonias, be sure to fill the container with a mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. African violet potting soil works great.

If your begonias are indoors, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from hot air heating vents. Use a humidifier to help keep the air humidity at a comfortable level.

Watering begonias in containers can be tricky. The best way to know whether your plant needs water is by checking the moisture levels at the top half an inch of the soil.

In addition, begonias are susceptible to rhizome rot, stem rot, and powdery mildew. To combat these, you can use a horticulture oil such as neem oil or a fungicide such as Serenade. These can be bought at your local garden center.

While begonias can be fun to grow, they do require a few care steps to ensure their health. Proper potting, watering, and storage are all important.

A container with begonias can highlight your home’s design elements, but you’ll need to keep the plants in an area where they will get indirect light.

Fertilizing

When it comes to fertilizing container gardening with begonias, it is important to make sure you use a good quality fertilizer. This will help your plant grow healthier, produce more blooms, and prevent it from getting diseases and pests.

Using an organic fertilizer with trace minerals can help give your plants an extra boost of energy. Adding compost can also benefit begonias with alkaline soil. In addition, begonias respond well to fertilizer solutions sprayed directly on the leaves.

One way to keep your begonias healthy and disease free is to spray them with a pyrethrin/soap combination. You can also use a slow-release plant food to help your plants with drought issues.

Begonias prefer a pH range between 5.5 and 6.2. They do not grow well in overly wet soil. It is best to water your begonias early in the morning. This allows the soil to dry slightly throughout the day.

Rex begonias need to be watered regularly. Also, these flowers should not be placed in direct sunlight or near a draft.

Tuberous begonias can be used in hanging baskets. They can produce single or double flowers, and their foliage can be trailing or picotee-edged.

The Nonstop series features white, yellow, and emerald green leaves. These plants are perfect for adding color to your garden.

Begonias are easy to grow. Many varieties are rhizomatous, which means that they are able to root at the base of the stem. This makes them a good choice for container gardening.

For best results, plant your begonias in pots that are a few inches wider than the root ball. If your begonia is planted too close to the rim of the pot, the soil can become soggy and cause rot.

If you find that your begonias are losing their leaves, try pinching the foliage back. Pinching the leaves back can help encourage new growth. Alternatively, you can prune them down in early spring. Keep in mind that some begonias can take up to two months to produce a full bloom.

When you are ready to fertilize your begonias, choose a formula that is safe for children and pets. You can purchase a product made from 100% organic ingredients.

Overwintering

Begonias are great for a container garden, but they can be tricky to keep alive in the winter months. They are especially sensitive to freezing temperatures, but there are steps you can take to ensure their survival.

First, be sure to bring begonias indoors before the first frost. You can either place them in a heated garage or basement, or you can store them in a cool, dry location until spring.

Once your begonias are indoors, they will need a light filtered source of light. A grow light, if available, can provide this. If not, you can use a copper fungicide to prevent problems with powdery mildew.

If you are using a grow light, you may want to move your plants to a brighter, indirect light spot. The light provided will help them break dormancy.

To ensure the health of your begonias, you should avoid watering them until they are lighter in weight. This will prevent standing water, which can cause root rot. Make sure to let the excess drain away, so you don’t overwater your container plant.

After the initial period of adjustment, your begonias will be ready to begin growing new leaves. When the foliage begins to fade, remove it and trim off any sprouts.

Before you put the tubers back into storage, make sure to remove all of the soil. This will allow the roots to get their natural amount of oxygen. In addition, you should use a paper bag to wrap the bulbs in. Fill the bag with vermiculite and then cover the bag with a piece of brown paper. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place.

If you are storing the begonias in a box, you should be careful to remove any rotting or moldy roots. Also, be sure to remove any leaves or other growth that may be damaged.

If you are not able to overwinter the begonias, you can leave them outdoors. But, you should be aware that this will likely mean they will not survive the winter. Be sure to move them slowly over a couple of weeks to a permanent location in the garden, so that they can acclimate to life outdoors.