How to grow begonias in pots and in the garden

There are 1.600 species of this plant, a symbol of welcome and friendliness. The most beautiful are the white begonia. They can be grown in pots or on the balcony: the important thing is to form a bush.

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how to grow begonia
Beautiful flowers, which appear in spring and last throughout the summer season. A welcoming, warm and welcoming plant: the begonia It is easy to grow, both in outdoor spaces such as a garden, or simply in a pot. It belongs to the family of Begoniaceae Its flowers are asymmetrical, another highly aesthetically pleasing feature. It is the flower of welcome and cordiality. Perfect for adding color to a terrace, garden, or balcony. The begonia owes its name to Michel Bégon, 17th-century governor of the island of Santo Domingo, where this plant originates. Today, there are 1.600 species of begonias, varying based on their roots and flower color. A great gardening expert, Paolo Pejrone, categorizes begonias by color: pink is more beautiful than red, while the white begonia is number one. Pejrone particularly recommends growing begonias in groups; alone, they are dreary, and he reminds us that this can also be done in a pot, where, once planted together, the begonias should form a true bush.

Garden cultivation

To grow begonia, choose a very shady, humus-rich soil photo2

Semina

To grow begonias in the garden, it's important to choose a spot with a cool, humid climate in summer. The plant prefers the humid climate characteristic of its native country and shady locations. Therefore, choose a spot in the garden where the begonias are not directly exposed to sunlight. The best times for planting are spring and autumn. Flowering can occur from late April to early October.

Land

The soil must be calcium-free and suitable for tropical plants. It should also be rich in humus to promote plant nutrition and flowering. You can also grow begonias from seed.

Watering

Water your begonia every two or three days, more often in summer and when it doesn't rain. Begonias also require frequent pruning and removal of dead leaves. Pay attention to two things: wait until the soil surface is dry between waterings, and avoid wetting the foliage. Tuberous begonias require the least water.

Cultivation in pots

To grow begonia, choose a very shady, humus-rich soil, photo 1

Semina

To grow begonias in pots, you need a balcony that doesn't get much sun. In fact, begonias are among the plants best grown on shady balconies. After purchasing a seedling from a nursery, use a larger pot to transplant the begonias and a specific potting mix for flowering plants. It's always recommended to use medium-sized pots, about 15-30 centimeters tall and varying in diameter.

Land

To encourage the flowering of new colored flowers it is very important to use fresh potting soil or soil from garden It should preferably be enriched with nutrients such as compost, a fertilizer obtained from plant waste. In summer, the soil or leaves should be fertilized every 15 days and once a month in winter.

Watering

Water the potted begonia every two or three days. After watering, let the soil dry, making sure to always empty the saucers. Otherwise, the roots could rot and the plant could be starved of water and nutrients.

How to treat it

Avoid heavy watering, which can cause root rot and mold. Specific products are available to combat weevils, mites, and rot, which can attack tubers, roots, leaves, and flowers, damaging buds and encouraging the appearance of various types of spots. To combat mold, in particular, remove the soil and affected plant parts and apply a fungicide.

Characteristics and groups of begonia

To grow begonia, choose a very shady, humus-rich soil, photo 2
There are three basic groups of begonias: tuberous, fasciculate, and rhizomatous. The first, tuberous, has very colorful and vibrant flowers; it's not well-suited to outdoor spaces, but grows well indoors if properly cared for. The second group is fasciculate begonias, which are best suited for outdoor spaces. Their flowers appear in spring and last throughout the summer. Rhizomatous begonias have a root composed of a rhizome and an evergreen shrub. Their flowers aren't particularly vibrant, making them better suited for indoor cultivation. Remember, begonias are one of the fifty plants recommended for purifying indoor air.

Illnesses

Begonia is a delicate plant and can be affected by certain diseases and insects. In particular:

  • Gray mold. A fungus that attacks the stem, leaves, or flowers. It can lead to the death of the plant.
  • Collar rot. Another fungus, usually caused by excess moisture, nestles in the plant's collar, the area that separates the crown from the rest of the plant.
  • Black rot. Attacks begin at the top, and the leaves turn yellow. If left untreated, the plant, too, risks dying.
  • Aphids and mites. The former are plant lice, and attack the begonia During the warm season: they are very small and not easy to eliminate; the latter are small insects that attack flowers and leaves, leaving behind dark spots.
  • Thrips. Small animals, fond of buds and buds: they deform plants and flowers.
  • Weevils. These are small beetles that attack tubers and roots.
  • Whiteflies. These are essentially small flies. They attack leaves and suck their sap, causing irreparable damage to the plant.

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