Originating from subtropical and tropical climates, begonias are the perfect plant for a long-lasting display of showy, exotic flowers. With spring planting season coming up, discover the best times for planting begonias, as well as our top tips on how to plant them in beds, baskets and pots.

When to plant tubers

A tuber is an enlarged storage organ that grows beneath the soil surface. They are super easy to plant and easy to care for. Start growing begonia tubers in early spring, between March and April.

When to plant begonia plants

Plant begonia plug plants outdoors in late spring after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

How to plant begonias in beds and borders

For tubers:

• Plant tubers 5-7.5cm (2-3in) deep in fertile well-drained soil and in a sunny, sheltered position.
• Space tubers 2cm (¾in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep.
• As a general rule, plant out in the garden once danger of frost has passed.

For plugs:

• Plug plants require potting and growing on for a month or so if you want filler plants for beds and containers.
• Pot on into larger pots as soon as possible.
• Place them in a well lit, ventilated and reasonably warm such as a greenhouse or windowsill to grow on.
• Once the plants have rooted into the compost, and the risk of frost has passed, your plugs are ready for planting out in the garden.
• Simply dig a whole wide enough to hold the plug plant, place the plant inside the hole and cover the edges with soil.
• Finally, gently firm the plug into the hole and water.

How to plant begonias in baskets & pots

For tubers:

• Fill the pot or basket with a moist sandy potting compost about 2 inches (5cm) from the top.
• Place the tuber rounded side down and gently push into the compost, fill the pot to the rim with compost and water in.
• Try planting three 5/6cm tubers into an average hanging basket or 5 tubers in a 30cm container.

For plugs:

• Pot plugs on into larger pots as soon as possible.
• Place them in a well lit, ventilated and reasonably warm such as a greenhouse or windowsill to grow on.
• When they have grown sufficiently, they will need to be transplanted into pots and slowly hardened off before planting into hanging baskets and pots outside.
• A rough guide is one plant per inch of hanging basket diameter. This would mean you would need 12 plants to a 12” or 30 cm hanging basket.
• A 12” pot or patio container will look well filled with 8 rather than 12 plants.

Shop our full range of begonias online.