Begonias are flamboyant, mostly tender perennials that are used in bedding, pot and hanging basket displays. It’s said that they’re a little out of date, but the bold new varieties are nothing like the delicate plants that were once used in bedding arrangements. Some have lots of long-lasting, bright flowers that look great in pots and hanging baskets, while others are grown for their beautiful, eye-catching leaves. Begonias all do better when they don’t get direct sun, so they look great on a patio or border that gets some shade.
Begonias are some of the most popular and beautiful flowering plants for gardens, prized for their showy blooms and attractive foliage. But knowing the optimal time to transplant these beauties from indoors to the garden is key to helping them thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about when and how to plant begonias outside.
With over 1,800 species, begonias are native to tropical and subtropical regions across the world. They come in a diverse range of sizes, leaf shapes, and flower colors. Some of the major types of begonias include:
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Tuberous begonias – Grown for their large, showy blooms that come in bright shades like pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. They grow from tubers and are often treated as annuals.
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Wax begonias – Also called fibrous-rooted begonias They have smaller flowers but bloom prolifically Great in beds and containers,
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Hardy begonias – A small group that can withstand colder climates and overwinter outside in sheltered spots.
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Foliage begonias – Prized for their spectacular ornamental leaves, Rex and cane begonias fall in this group, Excellent houseplants
Knowing When It’s Safe to Plant Outdoors
Begonias thrive in warm conditions and suffer damage if exposed to frost or freezing temperatures. Planting begonias outside requires waiting until all danger of frost has passed.
As a general guideline, begonias can be moved outdoors about 1-2 weeks after your area’s last average spring frost date. But also watch the weather forecast specifically for freezing temperatures before transplanting.
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In USDA zones 8-10 with mild winters, plant out as early as February/March.
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In zones 5-6, wait until early-mid May after the last frost.
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In zones 3-4, transplant in late May when lows stay above 50°F.
Only plant after several consecutive days of temperatures above 40°F. Be ready to protect new transplants with cloches or fabric row covers if frost threatens.
Preparing Begonias for the Outdoors
To ensure begonias transition smoothly from indoor conditions, they need a period of “hardening off” to toughen them up before exposure to sun, wind, and other elements:
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Start 1-2 weeks before last expected frost.
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Move pots outdoors to partial shade for a few hours, taking them back in for the night.
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Slowly increase outdoor time over 7-10 days.
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Introduce to direct sun for just 1-2 hours on the last few days.
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Avoid hardening off on extremely hot, cold, or windy days.
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Reduce watering but don’t let plants severely wilt.
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Only plant out after 7-10 days of gradual hardening off.
Selecting the Best Outdoor Site
When choosing where to plant begonias, keep these factors in mind:
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Sunlight – Most thrive in partial shade or dappled sun. Variegated types appreciate some early morning sun. Cane begonias tolerate a few hours of direct sun if afternoon shade.
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Soil – Begonias thrive in organically rich, slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Improve drainage in heavy clay soils. Test and amend pH if needed.
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Air circulation – Allow good airflow to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid enclosed, humid locations.
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Shelter – Protect from strong winds that can damage delicate stems and leaves. Site near fences, shrubs or other windbreaks.
Planting Steps for the Garden
When planting begonias in beds or borders:
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Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and 2-3 times wider.
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Gently loosen bound roots and place in hole.
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Backfill with native soil, pressing firmly to remove air pockets.
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Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
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Space plants 6-12 inches apart depending on mature size.
Caring for Begonias Outdoors
To keep begonias thriving in the garden:
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Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Avoid wetting foliage at night.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during active growth with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
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Remove spent blooms and dying leaves to encourage new flowers.
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Stake taller varieties to prevent damage from wind/rain.
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Watch for pests like slugs and snails. Remove by hand or use iron phosphate baits if needed.
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In cold climates, transplant non-hardy begonias back indoors before first fall frost, typically around late September or October.
Overwintering Tender Begonias
While most begonias aren’t cold hardy, gardeners in cooler regions can overwinter them:
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Dig up and store tuberous begonia tubers in a cool, dry spot over winter before replanting in spring.
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Take cuttings from wax and other begonias to propagate new plants indoors under grow lights over winter.
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Bring potted begonias indoors to a sunny window before frost. Reduce watering and fertilizer until spring.
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In zones 8-10, hardy begonias like Begonia grandis can be left in the ground over winter if thoroughly mulched.
Key Takeaways
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Wait to plant begonias outside until after your area’s last spring frost when temperatures warm.
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Harden off begonias gradually first to avoid transplant shock.
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Select a site with organic soil, partial sun, and shelter from wind.
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Provide consistent water, fertilizer, and pest monitoring during the growing season.
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In fall, dig up or take cuttings of tender varieties to overwinter indoors until spring.
With proper timing and care, your begonias will thrive outdoors and reward you with their dazzling flowers and foliage throughout the season. Pay close attention to your local weather and plant only after the risk of frost has definitively passed.
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How to plant begonia tubers
Plant begonia tubers in March or April into individual pots or into a seed tray, hollow side up. Plant them 2. 5cm deep and keep in a warm spot that is at least 18°C. Once the leaves begin to show, pot on into larger pots filled with peat-free, multi-purpose compost.
Get the plants used to being outside before planting them in the garden in May, when there won’t be any more frost. You can also buy tuberous begonias as fully grown plants, although this is a more expensive option.
Other begonia types can be bought as pot-grown plants or plugs. Grow them in a greenhouse and harden off after all risk of frost has passed before planting outdoors.
Where to plant begonias
Begonias do best in parts or light shade; keep them away from south-facing areas where the leaves can get burned. If you’re growing begonias in a greenhouse, shading may be required.
Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets. They have fairly brittle stems and heavy flowers, so grow them in a sheltered spot. Flowers will go over very quickly if they’re too hot. Fibrous rooted begonias can be packed quite tightly into mixed summer displays of other bedding plants.
Foliage begonias are best grown as house plants, in a bright room but not in strong, direct sunlight. They will enjoy a holiday in the garden in summer, in dappled shade.
Planting Begonias & Impatiens! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What month is best to plant begonias?
What is the lowest temperature begonias can tolerate?
Do begonias like sun or shade?
When can I put potted begonias outside?
Can begonias grow outside?
Warm and humid environments are best to grow begonias. Begonias are ultra-tender plants. They cannot handle cold temperatures or frost. They also do not tolerate being constantly blown around by the wind. Choose a nice protected spot to plant begonias. Begonias do require humidity. I never think about this when I plant them outside.
When should you plant a Begonia?
Typically, begonias are warm-season plants. They like temperatures over 60°F (15°C). They are usually planted outdoors once the last frost date in the spring passes. It is when the soil has warmed up. You must ideally wait until the frost risk has passed and the weather is mildly consistent.
Do begonias need winter care?
Winter care is imperative to guard the plants against adverse weather and cold temperatures. Otherwise the lifespan of begonias gets cut short. Here are some crucial tips for winterization: 1. Frost protection: Typically, begonias are frost-sensitive. So, during a frost forecast, cover the plants with frost blankets.
Where should begonias be planted?
So, when choosing the spot to keep your begonias, consider the specific needs of your planted begonia variety. Begonias thrive in partial shade or bright, indirect sunlight. So, you can grow them in areas with filtered morning or evening sun. Do not place them in sites with intense or direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
Can begonias be propagated?
Propagating begonias is possible, but it may be more convenient to purchase small plants for growing as an annual. Propagating begonias takes more time for them to get started, which may shorten your growing season. Here’s a quick overview of how to propagate begonias: Cut about a 4 inch stem off the mother plant.
When can I plant begonias outside in Central PA?
In Central PA, it’s recommended to wait until after Mother’s Day to plant begonias outside. If you are growing them in more southern parts of the nation, you’ll be able to plant them earlier than Mother’s Day. If you are planting them in pots or hanging baskets, you have some flexibility.