When To Plant Begonia Seeds
The beautiful half-hardy annual/perennial needs to be sown between December and February under glass in a gentle heat for flowering between June and September.
How To Grow Begonias From Seed
- Begonias tend to have very small seed so mix it with silver sand to make sowing easier. Do not cover seeds as they need light to germinate. Sow peat-free compost and use a tamper to lightly firm the compost before sowing seed. Begonias are tender plants so sown in controlled conditions like a greenhouse or propagator.
- Prick out when first true seed leaves are visible. Use a dibber to gently lever the seedlings out ,only handling the leaves not the roots or stems. Plant out in 6 by 8 rows in a seed tray and label.
- As the begonia plants put on growth a little and often foliar spray with Seaweed extract will make for strong plants. Once plants reach a decent size switch to a Tomato or Potash feed to encourage heavy flowering. If in containers mix slow-release balanced fertiliser into the compost.
- Watering is very important so check daily, best to do it early in the morning as this will properly dampen the soil. Begonias can get pick off infected leaves or mildew spray organic deterrent fungicide.
- These are fantastic looking plants that an incredible floral display, non-stop all the way to the first frosts. To encourage this constant flowering pick over dead or finishing flowers.
How Long Does It Take Begonia Seeds To Sprout?
Begonia seeds take about 15 to 50 days to germinate. As the begonia seedlings develop, transplant as necessary and grow on. The Begonia plants need to be acclimatised to outside condition before planting out at 20cm apart.
Begonias are slow to germinate but really worth the patience and will quickly grow quickly once established. Sowing from seed will is a money-saving way to have a handsome collection of Begonias. Will love a sunny spot either side of the door and you can bring them indoors for the winter.
Browse our begonia tubers and plants for more ways to grow this beautiful flower..
