Begonias are beautiful; begonia blooms add a touch of elegance to any garden, flower bed, or even a hanging basket. However, to keep your begonias blooming all season long, you must care for them properly. The key to maintaining healthy, blooming begonias is providing them with the right growing conditions and begonias care.
This includes planting begonia flowers in well-draining soil with good soil moisture, as soggy soil or dry soil can cause stunted growth and root rot. Adding peat moss or garden soil can improve the soil quality and help retain moisture. Most plants require proper watering and fertilization, but high levels of nitrogen or fertilizer can result in blooms becoming less frequent and plants grow leggy.
Instead, use liquid fertilizer and neem oil to control pests and promote flower production. Providing partial shade in the afternoon and protecting the flowers from strong sunlight can also prevent wilted flowers and powdery mildew. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias have different growing requirements, with tuberous begonias needing more summer-long care and rhizomatous begonias being hardier plants.
By following these tips and tricks, you can see how to keep begonias blooming strong, producing new flowers and beautiful blooms all season long. By the end, you’ll have enough information to get the best begonia blossoms and more blooms for longer. (Learn How Much Sunlight Does Lettuce Need)
Why Are Your Begonias Not Blooming?
Begonias are popular for gardeners because of their beautiful blooms and ease of care.
However, sometimes even the healthiest of begonias fail to produce flowers. Here are some common reasons why your begonias flowers may not bloom:
- Too much nitrogen: Begonias require a balanced fertilizer to produce blooms. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush green foliage but stunted flower production.
- Improper watering: Begonias prefer slightly moist soil, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilted flowers.
- Poor soil quality: Begonias thrive in well-draining soil. The plants may struggle to produce blooms if the soil is too compact or lacks nutrients.
- Too much strong sunlight: While begonias require adequate sun exposure, too much direct sun can lead to fewer blooms coming and leggy growth. Providing partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can help.
- Pests and diseases: Begonias can be susceptible to powdery mildew and other pests to damage plants and reduce flower production. Proper pest control is essential.
If your begonias are struggling to produce blooms, it’s essential to identify the underlying issue and take corrective action. You can keep your begonias blooming all season long by providing proper care, including adequate water, fertilizer, and sun exposure.
Why Are Your Begonia Flowers Falling Off?
Wilted or falling flowers are one of the most common problems gardeners face when growing begonias. Young begonias growing now are especially prone to this issue, as their delicate flowers can quickly be damaged by harsh weather or improper care.
One of the leading causes of falling flowers is poor soil drainage. Begonias have tuberous roots to rot if exposed to too much moisture. To prevent this, ensure your begonias are planted in quick-draining soil and that the soil is slightly moist but not soggy.
Another cause of falling flowers is high levels of nitrogen or too much fertilizer in the soil. While nitrogen is vital for healthy plant growth, too much can lead to stunted plant growth, and fewer plants bloom to their fullest.
To avoid this, use a balanced liquid fertilizer and apply it sparingly. To keep your begonias blooming all summer long, it’s crucial to provide them with proper care.
This includes planting them in a location that receives partial shade, watering them regularly, and controlling pests and diseases like powdery mildew. You can also use neem to help prevent pest infestations.
Finally, ensure to deadhead your begonias regularly to encourage the growth of new flowers. This involves removing spent blooms to make room for new blooms to grow. Your begonias will produce beautiful flowers all season with proper care and attention. (Read When Do Irises Bloom)
How Do You Get More Begonias to Bloom?
Begonias are known for their dainty flowers and stunning colors but getting them to bloom can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get more begonias to bloom:
Planting and Soil Care
Plant begonias in good draining soil to prevent root rot, which can stunt their growth and fewer colorful blooms. Use garden soil mixed with peat moss or other organic matter to improve soil quality and retain moisture.
Keep the well-drained soil slightly moist but not soggy to promote healthy plants and flower production. Don’t plant begonias in full sun, as they prefer partial shade.
Fertilizing and Watering
Fertilize begonias with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 10-14 days when growing begonias in pots and containers.
For bedding plants, fertilize once a month. Avoid using lots of nitrogen or fertilizer, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Water your begonias regularly, but be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause root rot and other problems. Water in the morning or late afternoon to avoid cold, dry soil and direct sun.
Pest and Disease Control
Keeping begonias blooming means, you need to control any pests and diseases. Use neem oil or other natural remedies to treat powdery mildew, spider mites, and other common problems. Remove wilted flowers and dead leaves to prevent the spread of disease and promote new blooms. Provide good air circulation and avoid overcrowding your plants.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your begonias blooming strong all season long. Whether growing begonias in garden beds, hanging baskets, or containers, proper care and maintenance will help you produce beautiful flowers and healthy plants.
5 Tips to Keep Begonias Blooming
Provide Some Shade
Begonias thrive in some shade, so make sure they are not exposed to direct light for extended periods. Too much sun can cause flowers to wilt, resulting in fewer blooms. Plant your begonias in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If you are growing begonias indoors, place them near a window that receives filtered light. (Read Why Aren’t My Morning Glories Blooming)
Keep Soil Moist
Begonias need consistent moisture to produce blooms. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Water your begonias when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. If you plant begonias in garden beds, amend the soil with peat moss to improve soil moisture retention. For container plants, choose a quick-draining soil mix.
Deadhead Old Blooms
To encourage new flowers to form, remove spent blooms regularly. Deadheading redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms instead of developing seeds. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just above the first leaves below the dead flower.
Give Your Begonias Fertilizer
Begonias need regular feeding to keep blooming strong. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to three weeks during the growing season. Avoid using lots of nitrogen, which causes leggy growth and fewer blooms. For tuberous begonias, stop fertilizing after the flowers appear.
Spray Begonias With Natural Pesticides
Begonias are susceptible to pests and diseases such as powdery mildew. To control pests, spray your plants with a natural pesticide such as neem oil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid spraying in direct sunlight or when the soil is dry. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or disease and act promptly to prevent further damage.
How To Keep Begonias Blooming All Summer Long
Pick The Right Location
For begonias, it’s vital to pick the right location to ensure they bloom all summer long. Most begonia varieties prefer dappled shade, so look for a location that receives sunlight early in the morning or later in the evening. Direct sunlight can damage delicate flowers and cause fewer blooms.
Proper Soil
Planting begonias in good soil is essential for keeping them blooming all season. Whether planting in garden beds or containers, use quick-draining soil that is slightly moist. For tuberous begonias, use a soil mix high in peat moss. Use a good quality garden bed or soil for fibrous and rhizomatous begonias.
Fertilize Frequently
To keep begonias blooming strong, fertilize them frequently. Use a liquid fertilizer every 10 to 14 days for potted begonias and bedding plants every three to four weeks. Avoid using nitrogen-based nutrients or fertilizer, which can lead to stunted growth and fewer blooms.
Adequate Watering
Proper watering is crucial for healthy begonia plants and flower production. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent this type of mildew and root rot. Water container plants more frequently than garden beds.
By providing the right growing conditions, regularly fertilizing, and controlling pests, you can keep your begonias blooming from late spring to summer. With proper care, these beautiful plants will continue to produce new flowers and blooms throughout the season, making your flower garden or hanging baskets a sight to behold. (Read When Do Bird Of Paradise Bloom)
Begonia Types
Begonias are a diverse group of plants, with over 1,500 species and countless cultivars. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, making them popular for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Here are some of the most common types of begonias:
- Tuberous Begonias: These begonias have tuberous roots and produce large, flowers in a range of colors. They are often grown in containers or hanging baskets and do best in some shade with well-drained soil. Note: this variety doesn’t like cold soil.
- Rhizomatous Begonias: These begonias have thick, fleshy stems and grow horizontally, producing clusters of small, colorful flowers. They prefer moist quick draining soil and provide partial shade.
- Fibrous Begonias: These fibrous begonias have fibrous roots and produce small, dainty flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They are often used as bedding plants and do well in garden beds or containers in partial shade.
Regardless of the type of begonia you choose to grow, proper care and maintenance are vital to keeping your plants healthy and blooming from late spring after the last frost date until fall.
This includes providing adequate water and fertilizer, ensuring drained soil, and protecting plants from pests and diseases.
