How to Grow Begonias in Texas

grow-begonias-texas-800x800

There are more than 1,000 species of begonias in the world, according to Clemson University. The majority of begonia varieties are grown as houseplants. A few, such as the wax begonia, are grown in hanging baskets or as shade plants in milder climates. Because no variety of begonias can withstand hot, dry Texas summers, all varieties of begonia should be grown as indoor plants. Begonias in hanging baskets or containers may be moved outdoors in spring or fall for added color, but should be moved indoors again when temperatures become either too hot or too cold for the plant to survive.

Difficulty:
Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:
  • Begonia plants
  • Container
  • Peat moss
  • Compost
  • Vermiculite
  • Window screen
  • Scissors
  • Garden trowel
  • Watering can
  • Liquid fertilizer (3-1-2)
  • Water bottle
    1. Select a begonia species that produces the characteristics you desire. Tuberous begonias produce rose-like blossoms on trailing stems. Wax begonias have upright waxy leaves and numerous blossoms. Rex begonias produce foliage in bright, unusual color patterns.
    2. Choose a container for your begonias that provides just enough space for the plant’s roots and soil. A good container is one that is between 1 and 2 inches wider than the diameter of the root ball. Commercial begonias are typically sold in containers that range in size from 4 to 8 inches across. If a begonia is placed in a container that is too large for the plant, the soil may become waterlogged and the plant may rot at the roots.
    3. Mix a potting mix for your begonias containing 1 part peat moss, 1 part compost and 1 part vermiculite. Never use dirt for your containers. Dirt from a garden contains microbes that can harm the plant.
    4. Cover the bottom of the container with window screening to help hold soil in. Fill the container 1/3 of the way with soil. Place the begonia’s root ball into the soil. Fill in around the sides of the root ball with soil.
    5. Fill a watering can with water. Add a liquid fertilizer (3-1-2) in the amount recommended by the fertilizer packaging. The fertilizer amount will vary depending on the brand.
    6. Water begonias to keep the soil as damp as a wrung out sponge. Allow the soil to become almost dry between waterings.
    7. Mist the leaves and foliage daily with a plant misting bottle. Begonias thrive best in a slightly humid environment.
    8. Move the begonia container to an east-facing windowsill. Begonias thrive when they receive direct sunlight in the morning and shade the rest of the day.
    9. Move begonias outdoors in spring and fall in Texas for seasonal color. Many varieties of begonia blossom in spring and fall. Move the plants indoors in winter and summer to protect them from extremities in temperature. Most begonias thrive best in a temperature range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.


Deprecated: strpos(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($haystack) of type string is deprecated in /home/agriviek8Qv/agriviet.net/public_html/wp-includes/comment-template.php on line 2522

Leave a Comment