When to Plant Begonias?

When to plant begonias? The right time for these colorful bloomers

Begonias are rewarding, colorful plants that brighten up your borders, window boxes, and shady spots from spring until late autumn. But when is the ideal time to plant begonias, and what's the best approach? This guide explains it all in detail – for both open ground and greenhouse use. Even if you don't have a green thumb.

Planting begonias in the open ground

Most begonia varieties are not winter-hardy in Belgium and the Netherlands. Therefore, ideally, you should start planting begonia tubers from mid-April to early May. Wait until there's no longer any chance of frost, as these fragile bloomers absolutely hate cold nights.

Ideally, choose a cloudy or rainy day to transplant the plants. This way, you'll prevent their young leaves from burning and they can slowly acclimate to their new location. Make sure you plant the tubers a few centimeters deep, with the concave side facing up. Cover them with soil, water them, and voilà – spring can begin.

Starting with begonias in the greenhouse

Want to start a little earlier or are you worried about night frost? Then a greenhouse is your best friend. Here, you can "force" your begonia tubers from early March onwards. That means planting them in pots with airy, well-draining potting soil. Water them regularly, but never let the tuber sit in water – root rot is just around the corner.

Begonia tubers need warmth and light to thrive. Place them in a bright spot in your greenhouse, but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, you'll see the first shoots emerge. Once they've grown sufficiently—usually by the end of May—you can safely move them outside.

What types of begonia are there?

There are many varieties of begonias, but the most common ones are:

• Tuberhybrida – the well-known tuberous begonias with double flowers.
• Begonia semperflorens – the bedding begonia, with smaller flowers.
• Hanging begonias – ideal for hanging baskets or planters.

For those looking for something unique, Begonia 'Purple Blush' is a real eye-catcher. Its deep colors also make it a fantastic addition to indoor flowerpots.

The right location for begonias

Begonias love light, but not direct midday sun. Too much sun can damage their leaves. A partially shaded spot—for example, on an east-facing patio or under a tree—is ideal. Indoors, they also thrive in a north- or east-facing window.

Make sure the soil remains slightly moist. Wet feet are a no-go. Therefore, use a good potting soil with drainage, possibly supplemented with perlite for extra aeration.

Combining begonias with houseplants

Do you love variety and color? Then begonias are ideal for combining with other plants. They look beautiful next to shade-loving plants like a ZZ plant or the Dracaena Marginata .

For a playful look, you can also place them near the cheerful Fittonia or a Dischidia hanging plant . This way, you create a true urban jungle that fits perfectly into any interior.

Pots and accessories for your begonia

Whether you plant your begonias outdoors or prefer to keep them indoors, the right pot is crucial. They should have drainage holes, and water should never remain at the bottom. Browse our collection of houseplant pots for stylish and practical options.

Want your plant to grow in an airy environment? Consider adding a moss pole to support larger specimens. It's not only practical, but also decorative!

And then? Care tips for long-lasting blooms

Begonias aren't the most demanding plants. Water them regularly, but sparingly. Remove deadheads to encourage new blooms. And give them a little flowering fertilizer every few weeks to keep them strong. Don't forget to keep the leaves dust-free – read here how to do that best .

When autumn arrives and the weather gets colder, you can remove the tubers from their pots and let them overwinter in a dry, frost-free place. This way, they'll be ready for another flowering season next year.

Other plants? Discover them all

Are you ready to plant? Then check out our tips on when to plant dahlias or learn more about planting a raspberry bush . We offer advice on the ideal planting times all year round.

And for indoor plants, we recommend browsing our collection of easy-care houseplants . They'll turn any home into a green oasis.

Summary: When to plant begonias?

• In open ground: from mid-April to May, after the frost.
• In greenhouse: from March, grow in pots.
• Choose a cloudy day for planting.
• Location: partial shade and sheltered.
• Not too wet, not too dry.
• Overwinter tubers in a dry place.

Begonias are perfect for anyone who wants to bring color into their home or garden without worrying about complicated care. Enjoy planting!