The Care of Wax Begonias

The wax begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) is a hardy, low-maintenance annual ideal for beginning gardeners. This long-blooming, drought-tolerant specimen displays red, pink or white flowers from late spring until mid-autumn. The flowers have single or double blooms. The plant derives its name from its waxy, shiny leaves, which reduce water loss in the heat of summer. Wax begonias grow in all USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and reach up to a foot tall and wide. This annual performs best in an area with a mix of sun and shade. Though the plants will grow in complete shade, they flower best in partial sun.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Wax begonia seedlings
• Oak leaves, compost or coffee grounds
• Well-drained soil
• Peat mix
• Clay pots
• Liquid fertilizer

1. Buy wax begonia plants from a nursery after the threat of frost has passed. This is preferable to growing them from seed, which requires spreading the tiny particles on top of the soil and covering them with plastic or glass until germination. If started from seed, transplant the seedlings in four to six months.
2. Add rotted oak leaves, compost or coffee grounds to the garden before planting, as wax begonias require slightly acidic soil. Space the seedlings about a foot apart in well-drained soil. For potted begonias, use a peat-based mix and a clay pot.
3. Water the begonias immediately after transplanting, but wait to fertilize. After a week or two, use a liquid fertilizer and repeat the process monthly.
4. Do not over water wax begonias. This plant, native to Brazil, has succulent qualities. The soil must dry out between waterings or the begonia will grow leggy and spindly.
5. Cut the mound back halfway in September to refresh and encourage a couple of extra weeks of bloom.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring wax begonias grown outdoors into the house at the end of the growing season and use as houseplants. Bring them indoors before the year-end frost and keep them near a window.

• Do not use granular fertilizer on your wax begonia plants. It can burn the waxy leaves if it comes into contact with them.