Botanical Name:
Begonina x semperflorens-cultorum
Life Cycle:
annuals, tender perennials
Planting Time:
spring and summer
Height:
12" to 18"
Exposure:
sun (if kept moist), partial shade to shade
Soil:
average, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
zones 8-11 depending on cultivar
Bloom Time:
late spring to fall
Flower:
white, pink, red, salmon, orange and yellow; singe or double flowers
Foliage:
shiny bronze or green, wing-shaped, rounded leaves
Propagation:
seeds or cuttings
Suggested Use:
beds, mass plantings, borders, containers and hanging baskets
Growing Hints:
Starting annual begonias from seed can be difficult. You're better off buying them unless you need several dozen. If starting indoors, sow the tiny, dust-like seeds 4 to 6 months before you want to transplant them. Do not cover seeds, just broadcast them thinly over the surface and press them gently into the soil. Seeds need to be covered with glass or plastic and kept at temperatures between 60º and 70º F. Remove cover after germination and continue to keep soil moist. Seedling should be planted 12 inches apart. Leaf spot is an indicator that plants are too crowded.
Interesting Facts:
The tiny, dust-like seed of wax begonias is available in a pellet form for easier handling.