Begonias grow as perennials in warm areas.
Begonias are classic garden perennials and grow in over 1,000 different varieties, with a wide array of colors, shapes and sizes. All begonias are tender perennials, or perennials that survive winters only with protection. Scarlet and red begonias are widely cultivated for their bright summer coloration, but require the same care and protection as any other begonia. Plant your scarlet begonias according to your growing zone and meet the plant's basic needs for years of blooming beauty.
Instructions
1. Plant scarlet begonia tubers after frost lifts, for both outdoor and potted plants. These plants are sensitive to frost and die if you plant them too early. Plant the tubers in pots or outdoor sites, depending on your personal preference and growing plans. Begonias survive the winter only down to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9 and require winter protection in other areas.
2. Find the right spots for your begonias. Choose spots that offer full to partial or dappled sun and where the begonias will get quick drainage and good air movement. These plants do best with morning sun and afternoon shade or indirect all-day sun. If you plant the begonias outdoors and plan to leave them there all year, make sure that your site maintains these conditions year-round. If you're potting your begonias, use 8-inch pots with drainage holes.
3. Amend the soil in each outdoor bed before you plant. Mix 3 inches of rich organic compost into the top 8 inches of soil to provide rich, nutritious soil that drains quickly but retains good moisture levels. Turn 0-20-0 fertilizer into the top 5 inches of soil, per manufacturer directions, to promote quick rooting and establishment. If you want to maintain an organic garden, use organic fertilizer or bone meal instead of synthetic fertilizer. If you're potting your begonias, use a mixture of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost and fill pots three-quarters full. Mix your fertilizer in as you would in the outdoor garden.
4. Plant the begonia tubers 1/2 inch below the soil's surface, with the round ends pointing down. Give each tuber 3 to 4 inches of space, in both pots and outdoor sites.
5. Water the begonias until the top 4 to 5 inches of soil is wet to help establish the planting and put them on a schedule of 2 to 3 inches of water a week to maintain soil moisture. Do not let begonias go dry. Use 2 inches of organic mulch to help maintain soil moisture and warmth.
Tips Warnings
Begonias are sensitive to winter cold and need protection in many areas of the country. Dig the tubers up and store them for winter if you live in zone 8 or under and replant in spring.
Related Posts:
Grow A Black Pepper Plant From A Black Pepper Seed From The Grocery Store
A variety of dried peppercorns for culinary usePeppercorns are the dried fruits of the Piper Nigrum plant. This plant is a vertical vine native to India, but you can grow the plant temperate clima...
Grow A Bald Cypress Tree From Seeds
The bald cypress tree fills Southern swamp lands.The bald cypress, also known as the southern or swamp cypress, typically grows in the southeastern part of the United States. The trees thrive in c...
Grow Arborvitae From Seed
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is an evergreen conifer native to the northeast North America. The tree is also referred to as Eastern arborvitae and white cedar. Though the most widely used metho...
Care Of A Windmill Palm Tree
The Windmill Palm tree is a very hardy species.The Windmill Palm tree is one of the hardiest of species of palms. This type of palm tree species can even survive outside in parts of Canada during...
Care For A Mandarin Orange Tree
Enjoy tasty mandarin oranges from your own tree.Citrus reticulata trees, also known as mandarin orange trees, are willowy citrus trees that produce easy-to-peel and exceptionally sweet citrus frui...
