Growing Wax Begonias

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.