Repotting Begonias

Repotting begonias

The best time to repot is in the spring, but only do it once they've outgrown the container. Begonias like to be root-bound, and can struggle if repotted too often.

What is the best potting mix for begonias?

Begonias will grow in any good soil that drains well. For potting, use a mixture of approximately four part well-decayed leaf mold, one part garden loam, and one part coarse sand. If decayed leaf mold is not available, any good potting mixture well suffice.

Do begonias need deep pots?

Begonias need small and preferably ceramic pots that are only 3-4 cm in diameter larger than the plant's root system. The container you plan on planting your begonia into makes all the difference. Make sure, make sure, make sure, it has drainage holes in the bottom.

Do begonias like being root bound?

Over-potting will lead to the soil mix staying too wet, souring, and rotting the roots. Begonias like their roots crowded and well-drained. For small plants, only move them up in 1 inch increments until you get to about 6 inch size.

How long do begonias last in pots?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.

Do potted begonias like sun or shade?

They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.

Is Miracle Grow a good fertilizer for begonias?

Begonias do not need a lot of fertilizer, especially when they are very small. Try watering seedlings with ¼ strength fertilizer. You can use premade soluble fertilizers like Miracle-Gro™ or Peter's™ as they are the easiest to dissolve and apply initially.

Do coffee grounds help begonias?

Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Do begonias like shallow pots?

Begonias have shallow root systems. Except for tall-growing canes and shrubs, they prefer shallow pots. Re-pot only to the next larger pot as begonias do not like overpotting.

Do begonias do better in pots or in the ground?

Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it's no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.

Do begonias need direct sunlight?

Culture: Flowering houseplant begonias should be located in a bright spot and receive some direct sunlight. Early morning sun in an east window works well. Many of the cane and shrub-types flower best with some direct sun. Several hours of winter sun are beneficial.

Can you leave begonias in pots over winter?

Yes, you can overwinter begonias in pots. Fibrous types can be kept as a houseplant, while tuberous varieties should be stored dormant in a cool, dark location. What is this? Overwintering begonias is easy, and it's a great way to save your favorite varieties every year.

Should I deadhead begonias?

Removing dead flowers reduces the chance of infection from diseases if the fallen flowers remain on the ground or the container soil surface. Cutting back leggy growth on overgrown begonia stems rejuvenates the plant into producing new healthy growth.

What can I do with leggy begonias?

So some of the troopers begonias just get used so you really don't have to worry about it and some

Where is the best place to put begonias?

Begonias grow well in dappled or partial shade – avoid south-facing spots as the foliage can burn in direct sunlight. If you're growing begonias in a greenhouse, shading may be required. Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets.

How do I know if my begonia is tuberous or fibrous?

Gently dig up your begonia and take a look at the roots. Fibrous-rooted begonias will look stringy; rhizomatous will have creeping surface stems and roots; and tuberous begonias have a round, flattened brown tuber that looks, well, a lot like a cow pie!

How do I save my begonias for next year?

Put them on screen trays or pack them in dry peat, sawdust, sand or other insulating material. Store tubers in a dry, dark, cool (above freezing) area. In the spring, start begonia plants by placing the tubers on damp potting soil in a warm environment.

What size container for begonia?

Spacing: Begonia tubers should be spaced about 1 foot apart in the garden, but can be planted closer together in hanging baskets and window boxes. For one begonia plant, a 6 inch pot is the smallest recommended size.

How often should I water potted begonias?

A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it's hot and dry you'll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.

How do you keep potted begonias blooming?

For maximum blooms, begonias should be lightly fertilized every 10 to 14 days when grown in pots and containers. For bedding plants, fertilizing every three to four weeks is enough to do the trick. But the real key is to use a light dose of nutrients in place of full strength applications.