How to Grow Bedding Begonias (Begonia Semperflorens)

Bedding begonias have waxy green, bronze or red leaves and single or double flowers that appear in small clusters in white or shades of pink or red.

Things You'll Need

• Bedding Begonia Plants In Containers
• Bypass Pruners
• Fertilizers
• Garden Trowels
• Gardening Gloves
• Mulch

Instructions

Choosing Bedding Begonias

1. Look for plants at nurseries in late spring and through the summer.

2. Buy bedding begonias in 4- or 6-inch containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Bedding Begonias

1. Plant bedding begonias in part shade in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. 

   Set the plants 6 to 12 inches apart.

5. 

   Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. 

   Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Bedding Begonias

1. Remove old foliage in spring, using bypass pruners to cut off the old stems.

2. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer on top of the soil; follow package directions.

3. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring.

4. Water well weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.