Begonias are popular because of their attractive foliage and colorful blooms.To get the most out of these plants, you need to provide rich, well-draining soil, keep them in partial shade, and fertilize them frequently.If you notice that your begonias aren't growing as well as you'd like, check for common problems like soggy soil or garden pests.
Step 1: Young begonias should be allowed to mature indoors.
If you grow begonias indoors, you can force them to bloom as soon as you plant them outside.Begonias can be grown from seeds, tubers, roots, or rhizomes in a container during the late winter.Once the weather warms up, transplant them into your garden.Since begonias are sensitive to extreme temperatures, you should wait until there is no danger of a late frost.The Farmer's Almanac can be used to find the expected last frost date.
Step 2: Begonias should be planted in partial shade.
During the day, begonias need some light to grow and bloom, but they burn in the sun.If you want your begonias to bloom, plant them in a place where they will get a lot of sunlight in the morning and shade most of the afternoon.Under a tree on the north or east side of your home is a good place to look for good options.If you give your begonias too much shade, they will produce more leaves than flowers.
Step 3: Well-drained soil is what you should provide your plants with.
Good soil conditions will help your begonias grow.If you are planting begonias in a garden bed, make sure the soil is draining well.For container-planted begonias, use a houseplant potting soil that retains some water.To test the drainage of your garden soil, dig a hole that is at least 30 inches deep and equally wide.Wait for it to drain and fill it with water.It should take between 10 minutes and an hour for the water to drain completely.
Step 4: Every 3 weeks you should feed your begonias with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer.
Your begonias will bloom if you have a balanced liquidfertilizer.If you want to pour the solution around the base of the plant, you have to use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 partfertilizer.When you first plant the begonias, be sure to give them a fertilization every 3 weeks.Begonias need to be fertilized more frequently.They should beFertilized every 2 weeks or as often as the instructions say.If you spray thefertilizer directly on the plant, it could burn the leaves and flowers.Adding compost or peat moss to your begonias' soil can provide them with nutrition.
Step 5: Deadheads old flowers to promote new blooms.
You can pinch or cut the flowers with either your fingers or a pair of scissors.Below the old flower, cut back a bud or leaf.This will encourage your begonia to make flowers instead of seeds.You can encourage growth by pinching off the new tips of the old ones.
Step 6: It's a good idea to avoid unbalanced fertilizers.
It is important to use a balanced formula for begonias.Giving too much nitrogen to begonias will encourage them to grow more leaves than flowers.If you are growing begonias in containers, you need to check the label on your mix to find out if it already containsfertilizer and what kind.
Step 7: tuber's can be stored indoors to protect them from the elements during the winter.
Begonias are sensitive to temperature changes.Bring your begonias indoors before the first hard frost to protect them.The root ball should be dried out in a cool, dry spot after the foliage is cut.Pack the tuber away in dry peat for the winter after removing the remaining soil, stems, and roots.The tubers can be stored in a finished basement or pantry.When you are ready to start the plants again in late winter or early spring, put the tubers in some damp moss and keep them in a warm area.When you see roots and shoots, plant them in pots.Wait until the last frost has passed to move the tubers.
Step 8: Between waterings, dry the soil surface to prevent bud drop.
Too much water can cause begonias to drop their buds before they have a chance to bloom.Check the soil at least every other day to make sure your begonia gets the right amount of water.Wait until the surface of the soil is dry.The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.Make sure the soil is still moist by putting your finger into it.
Step 9: Natural pesticides can be used to keep away pests.
Earwigs and caterpillar like to eat begonia blossoms.If you notice that your flowers are chewed on, keep an eye out for begonia pests.B.t is a natural pesticide.Many pesticides are sold as Dipel or Thuricide.Before using or storing a pesticide, read the precautions and instructions.Natural products may be harmful to humans and pets.