Begonia Hanging Basket Types

More on Begonias, The bulbs are tender in USDA zones 3 - 8. In these zones they are planted in the spring after the last threat of frost. Many people choose to plant begonias indoors in pots six weeks prior to their outside planting date to get blooms that much earlier in the summer. After a long colorful summer, many people bid the their begonias farewell as annuals, while others “lift them” to replant the following year. (The tubers should be stored in a dry, cool area over winter). In USDA zone 9, they are winter-hardy if mulched. In zone 10 they are completely hardy and will easily become perennials.

We mentioned that begonias are temperamental. They are: they don’t like frost, and don’t tolerate too much sun. They reject dry soil, soggy soil or constant wind. But don’t take begonia’s temperamental habit lying down. Dish it right back! Pinch them. Pinch them hard and pinch them often. It’s not cruel. Just good gardening! Pinching back buds will promote larger, more vigorous stems & flowers and a more colorful and satisfying summer for all concerned.

American Hybrid Begonias are well known for the extra large sized flowers they produce. In this case, Picotee describes a flower that is narrowly edged in a color that contrasts the main petal color. An excellent choice for window boxes and patio planters this particular variety will produce elaborately ruffled, double blooms of pink with white edges. To get a jump start on the growing season we recommend starting your tubers indoors for about 4 to 6 weeks. Remember, though, that Begonias are not winter hardy and cannot tolerate exposure to frost. In the fall, before the first sign of frost, dig up your tubers and place them in a loose bag of dry peat or vermiculite. Store them in a cool, dry place until replanting in the spring.