Growing begonias: A gardener's guide to vibrant blooms
Begonias are among the most popular ornamental plants, admired for their diversity of colours and forms. Learn when it's best to plant them and how to provide them with optimal growth conditions.
Begonias have been popular among gardening enthusiasts for years. Their extraordinary variety of colours and forms allows them to fit into many garden arrangements easily. Begonia varieties can differ in flower colour and leaf shape, making them particularly attractive.
Begonias are perennial plants that can be grown both in pots and directly in the ground. They are easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for novice gardeners. However, to enjoy their beauty throughout the season, it's worth learning a few basic principles about their cultivation.
Optimal conditions for planting begonias
Planting begonias requires proper soil preparation and choosing the right location. Begonias prefer semi-shaded positions, where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Too much sun can lead to leaf burns and weaken the plant.
The soil where we plant begonias should be fertile, well-drained, rich in humus, and slightly acidic. Before planting, it's advisable to enrich the soil with fresh or granulated compost to provide the plants with the right amount of nutrients. The best time to plant begonias in pots is spring. If we want begonias to bloom in mid-May, we should plant them in pots as early as February. Remember that the later we plant, the later they will bloom. After planting in containers, it's best not to place them outside, as they won't have the right conditions to thrive, and even small frosts can damage the plant.
We plant begonia bulbs in the ground no earlier than in the second half of May, when there's no risk of frost. Begonias planted at this time will bloom in the second half of summer. You can also plant ready, blooming seedlings.
How to care for begonias after planting?
After planting begonias, it’s crucial to provide them with appropriate care so they can grow healthily and bloom. Regular watering is essential, as begonias do not tolerate drought well. A lack of water causes flowers to wilt quickly. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot, and begonias do not react well to waterlogged roots. Spraying leaves is also not recommended.
Fertilising begonias should be moderate. It's wise to use phosphorus-rich fertilisers, which support blooming. Fertilising every 2-3 weeks during the growth period will provide the plants with essential nutrients. It's also important to remove wilted flowers to encourage the plants to produce new buds.
