Begonias – Upright Varieties That We Grow

​Lets start with a newer introduction, Dragon wing Begonias that are a fantastic, trailing large flowered blossoms on very bushy plants that can grow to 24 inches or more tall. Full sun to shade with proper soil moisture is not a problem, just remember to use our #21 fertilizer to reduce the amount of “floppy” growth occurs from using a high phosphorous fertilizer. I am not aware of any pests that cause problems for Dragon Wing begonias.

​“Big” Begonias are very large bushy plants with flowers on top. These 2 to 3 inch blossoms are massive extremely stylish in the summer. Plant in full sun with good moisture or in shade. “Big” begonias are available in Big Red and Dark leaf Rose pictured below. They can grow 15 to 20 inches tall

Fertilize with our #21 fertilizer to reduce the amount of “floppy” growth occurs from using a high phosphorous fertilizer. I am not aware of any pests that cause problems for “Big” begonias.

​Rieger Begonias “Solenia” series is a cross between tuberous begonias and wax leaf begonia types. These Solenia are great 8 to 12 inch mounded plants tough enough to be called bedding begonias for part sun to sun with proper soil moisture! These plants have excellent branching habit with semi-trailing blossoms and are mildew and wind resistant. They also are deer and rabbit resistant, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds!        Pictured below: Solenia Red, Dusty Rose and Cherry 

“Non Stop” begonias are grown for their large ​4 to 4.5 inch double flowers in many colors. They grow to 8-12 inches in shade and bloom all summer long. Be careful not to plant outdoors until the nights are above 60 degrees. Keep soils moderately moist never soggy or standing in puddles of water as may encourage diseases such as mildew or stem rot.

Dig the begonia plants after the first hard frost to prepare them for storage for the winter. Dig the plants/tubers then cut the stems, leaving only about 1 inch of stem attached to the tuber. Spread the tubers in a cool, dry room for two or three weeks, and then store between 40 and 50 degrees in a box filled with perlite or dry peat. Slugs can feast on portions of leaves occasionaly use slug bait or diatomaceous earth for non chemical treatment ​to control them.​​​ Avoid overhead watering with spray nozzles to prevent stem or leaf diseases. Use our fertilizers for best results here.