Planting begonias in the garden is not particularly difficult. However, the right location and subsequent care is important.
Begonias are easy-care, flowering plants. Depending on the variety, they are suitable for the garden and balcony boxes. The begonia also works well as a houseplant. You can't go wrong when planting and caring for begonias either. In the right location, the hardy plants provide lush flowers all summer long. Indoor begonias bloom even in winter. Here you can find out how to choose the right type of begonia and what you should consider when planting.
Over 1000 species - A decision-making aid for choosing begonia
Begonias belong to the saffron family, of which there are more than 1,000 different species and over 12,000 varieties worldwide. With so much variety, it's not easy to choose! The individual species differ in leaf and flower shape. There are begonias with double and single flowers, in all colors and many different sizes.
Tuber begonias, ice begonias and elatior begonias are good outdoor begonias. They thrive in beds, in tubs and in balcony boxes. Ice begonias are annual plants, the other species develop tuberous roots or rhizomes and can easily be overwintered. Tuber begonias, which are also available as scented begonias, or Eliator begonias are suitable for living rooms.
The ideal time to plant begonias
In February, bring your begonia bulbs out of hibernation. To do this, place the tubers in pots with the dent up and cover them with a thin layer of soil. The plants will sprout again from the dent. Direct sunlight, too much heat and too much water are not good for the floating begonias. So put it on a bright window sill, avoid the midday sun and only water moderately!
From May the plants are allowed outside. Make sure that the begonias that have been pushed forward do not get frost. It is better not to leave pots and window boxes outside if there is a risk of frost. It is important with all begonias that no waterlogging forms. If you put the plants in the balcony box or in a bucket, provide drainage,so that excess water can drain away. The planting distance is about 20 centimetres.
If you buy begonias that are already in bloom, the same applies: only put them outdoors when there is no longer any danger from the forest. Cover bedding plants loosely with sticks or air-permeable sheeting if the temperature dips below freezing on May nights.
Soil conditions and location
Begonias like moist, nutrient-rich soil. A special balcony potting soil or a mixture with compost is suitable for boxes. Weekly fertilizers or a long-term fertilizer promote flowering. Water regularly. In warm weather, a lukewarm leaf shower is also good.
The right location is in the partial shade and shade. It is usually too hot for begonias on the sunny south side of the balcony or terrace! Although the plants are quite robust, the location should be sheltered from the wind because of the relatively thin stems.
Planting begonias: The best tips at a glance
- Pulling up tubers in the room after winter
- put outside after the ice saints
- Keep soil moderately moist, avoid waterlogging
- fertilize regularly
With tuber begonias, you can be sure of a rich bloom year after year with little effort! In addition, the begonias are easy to divide and propagate - this turns the begonia into a flowering savings plant!