Begonias are a large family of plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They are popular houseplants, and many varieties are grown as annuals in gardens. Most begonias have large, showy flowers and attractive foliage. Most begonias prefer bright, indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.
Planning Your Garden With Begonias
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Begonias are typically annual or perennial, depending on the variety. |
| USDA Zone | Begonias are generally hardy in USDA Zones 10-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Begonias are a warm season crop and can usually only tolerate temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest begonias is usually around 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown begonia plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and width. |
| Spacing requirements | Begonias prefer a spacing of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) between plants, depending on the variety. |
| Sun tolerance | Begonias are generally considered to be semi-shade loving plants and should not be placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. They prefer bright indirect light or filtered light. Prolonged exposure to direct sun can cause the leaves to burn and fade in color. |
| Shade tolerance | Begonias are generally considered to be semi-shade tolerant plants. They prefer bright, indirect light and will do best in a spot that gets some morning sun and is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. |
| Water requirements | Begonias prefer moist, well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure that the soil is not drying out too quickly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing begonias depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the type of begonia you are growing. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended. For liquid fertilizers, use at half the recommended strength. For slow-release fertilizers, use at the recommended rate. Begonias should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. |
| Soil pH | Begonias prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. |
Why Begonias are Popular
People like to grow begonias because they are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Begonia plants are also known for their long-lasting blooms and ability to tolerate shade and humidity.
Companion Plants For Begonias
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for begonias include:
Common Pests For Begonias
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow begonias, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leaf miners
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
