How to Grow Begonia
Annual
Begonias are among the most dependable warm-season flowers for American gardens, prized for their nonstop bloom and colorful, often glossy foliage. US gardeners grow them because many types thrive in the shade and part-shade spots where other bedding flowers struggle. The most common garden groups are wax (fibrous) begonias, tuberous begonias, and the tough Rex and rhizomatous types grown mainly for their leaves.
Planting
Begonias are frost-tender, so wait until the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors, usually one to two weeks after your average last spring frost date. Set nursery transplants in the garden or containers spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety, in a bed rich in organic matter that drains well. Wax begonias tolerate more sun in cooler regions but generally prefer part shade, while tuberous, Rex, and rhizomatous types do best in bright shade to part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Plant so the crown sits at soil level, and start tuberous begonia tubers indoors in shallow trays several weeks before your last frost, setting the hollow side up just below the surface.
Care
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, watering when the top inch feels dry and aiming water at the base to keep foliage dry. Feed lightly and regularly through the growing season with a general-purpose plant food, easing off as the weather cools. Wax begonias are largely self-cleaning and need little deadheading, while pinching spent blooms and leggy stems on tuberous and other types keeps plants tidy and encourages more flowers. Large tuberous begonias may need light staking to support their heavy blooms, and in fall you can lift and store tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free place to save for the next season.
Bloom time
Begonias bloom continuously from late spring through the first fall frost, giving several months of color across most US regions.
Garden uses
They are excellent for shady borders, hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed container plantings, and the flowers of many types are edible as a garnish. Single-flowered forms also draw bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Tips
Avoid overwatering, since begonias resent wet feet and their fleshy stems rot easily in soggy soil. Provide good air circulation and morning sun to help leaves dry quickly, and bring container plants indoors as houseplants before the first frost to overwinter them. In hot southern climates, give even the sun-tolerant wax types some afternoon shade to prevent scorched, faded foliage.
General guidance for US gardens. Timing and hardiness vary by region; check your local frost dates and hardiness zone. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.