Begonias – How Do You Transplant Begonia Young Plants?
Begonias are easy to grow indoors or outside and can be grown from seeds, rhizomes, tubers or roots. You can also buy ready-to-plant plants or plugs of various begonia varieties.
When growing begonias from seed, it’s important to start them indoors in late winter or early spring. This will allow them to mature and bloom before they are transplanted outdoors in warmer weather.
Planting Instructions
Begonias are popular garden begonia young plants for their large colorful blooms and ease of care. They thrive well in dappled shade, but they can also tolerate some sun. If you’d like to grow them in containers, plant them in a location that gets morning or afternoon sun and water regularly.
They prefer to be kept evenly moist, but they won’t tolerate being overwatered. Check the soil frequently for moisture levels and stick your finger in to see if it is dry or moist. If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water again.
Transplanting begonia young plants is easy if you follow the right planting instructions. Lift a section of the plant out of its pot, allowing the roots to remain intact, then transplant it into nursery 4 packs or small plastic pots filled with new sterile potting soil. Repeat this procedure until the young plant has developed a full set of leaves.
Depending on the variety, begonias can be propagated by root cuttings, leaf cuttings or seed. For most, the easiest way is to take a cutting from an adult plant. These cuttings are then rooted in a mixture of equal parts sand, peat and leaf soil. The roots grow quickly and new begonias are ready to plant in about a month.
For tuberous begonias, the best way to propagate is by tuber cuttings. The top of the tuber is hollow with roots, and the bottom side has a round shape. Often the tuber will have already sprouted buds at this stage, so you can plant it with the round side down and the hollow dip up.
After your new begonia plants are established, you can enjoy their beautiful flowers from late spring through fall. When the foliage wilts in the fall, remove them from the ground and store them in a cool, dry place indoors for the winter.
To keep your begonias blooming all year long, follow these tips for optimum growth and flowering. You’ll be rewarded with vibrant flowers that will brighten up your home and garden for months to come.
Preparation
Begonia young plants are easy to transplant and grow well when planted in the right conditions. The first step is to prepare your growing area with soil or a seed-starting mix that’s specially designed for begonias. Germination may take weeks, or even months, but don’t give up if it seems like you’re getting nowhere fast.
When transplanting a begonia in the ground, choose a location where the soil is not wet or soggy and that has plenty of sun. You can also plant them in pots, as long as the soil is not too dry. Water your begonias regularly during the summer and less often in winter.
You can also start begonias from seed indoors, using new sterile trays and potting soil that is specially formulated for seeds. Some varieties can take weeks to germinate, so it’s a good idea to cover the trays with clear plastic or a humidity dome and place them under a light source for about 14-18 hours per day.
If you’re growing begonias in containers, use a coir-based potting mix that will help retain moisture while allowing the roots to breathe. Make sure the potting mix is loose and well-drained, and that you leave about an inch of space between the tubers.
Next, place the tubers in the potting mix and water them gently until they begin to sprout, which will happen about four weeks. When the sprouts are about an inch tall, move them to a light, warm spot where they will receive plenty of sunshine.
As begonias grow, they send out new leaves that can be up to 6 inches long. To encourage fuller growth, pinch back any new growth tips that are less than 3-6 inches tall. This will allow the buds to produce larger flowers. Repeat this pruning monthly until mid-summer.
Begonias are heavy feeders, so fertilize them in the ground and in containers regularly with an organic balanced fertilizer (Look for 20-20-20 fertilizer mixes). When planting begonias in a garden, mulch around them to protect them from drying out and help prevent weeds.
Transplanting
Begonia young plants can be transplanted into larger containers as soon as their roots begin to bind to the soil. If you want to move a plant that has been in its current container for several years, however, it may need to be repotted before it has enough roots to fill the pot completely.
For begonias that are starting to develop true leaves, transplant them when they have at least a few of these green leaves growing on their roots. Transplanting when the roots are still growing and forming is a good idea since this can prevent root rot from developing in the new container.
Transplanting begonias into a larger container can also help them grow healthier and faster as they have more room to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. If the container you are transferring the plant into is too small, though, the plant could end up withering and falling over because its roots are not getting enough food or water.
The best time to transplant begonias is in the spring when their leaves are about a foot tall and they have sprouted from the tuber. Some tubers start to grow right away, while others take weeks to a month to sprout.
You can also grow begonias from leaf cuttings, either whole leaves or leaves that are only a few inches long with a few leaf nodes on the cut. To propagate leaf cuttings, place the main vein of a begonia leaf in moistened sand. After two months, roots will form from the veins and the leaves will grow into new begonia plants.
Another easy way to grow begonias is to purchase ready-made started plants that have been grown from tubers. These are available at nurseries and greenhouses in the spring and are a great way to get new begonias growing quickly.
In cold regions, you can overwinter tuberous begonias by moving them indoors in the fall after the first frost kills off their foliage and leaves. Once they are indoors, they can be positioned near a humidifier to keep the air moist.
Care
If you’re planning on bringing begonias indoors to overwinter, there are some things you need to know about how to care for them properly. These include how much water they need, what humidity level is best for them, and how to avoid pests like fungus gnats and mealybugs.
Begonias are easy to grow and will add a splash of color to any garden space, whether you want to plant them in a container, window box or hanging basket. They do well in both sunny and shady spots, and they’re available in a huge range of colours and foliage types. They also make a great choice for attracting birds to the garden and can be used as a focal point in your landscape.
When planting begonias outside, ensure they’re in fertile, moist soil that is free draining and sheltered from direct sunlight. If you’re using a potting mix, apply fertilizer after all risk of frost has passed and give the plants regular watering.
Most begonias are able to overwinter in pots, but some species will need to be dug up and brought inside before the first hard freeze. These include rhizomatous and fibrous begonias. Alternatively, you can plant them directly in the ground if you live in an area where it is milder during winter.
A common houseplant problem with begonias is powdery mildew, which can be easily cured by trimming the affected foliage. Likewise, fungal diseases like botrytis rot can be avoided by providing adequate moisture and good air circulation.
Another common problem is yellow leaf spots, which can be caused by too much moisture in the soil or lack of light. If this happens, move the plant to a warmer place and prune off the leaves.
You can also encourage fuller growth and flowers by pinching back the newly formed stems in spring to create a more bushy habit. Keep the leaves tidy by deadheading regularly and removing rotting old flowers, which will also help keep the plant healthy and attractive.
Some begonias are very susceptible to fungus gnats and mealybugs, so they need special attention. If you notice these insects in your begonias, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and then wipe the leaves.
