Outdoor Begonia Plant

by Michael

Question:

I bought a begonia plant -it says indoor plant, can I plant it outdoors?

Answer:

Begonia plants can be grown outdoors as annual plants in cold climates. Annual plants only live for one growing season. In warmer climates, they can be grown outside as perennials. Perennial plants live for more than two years. If you want to display your begonia plant outdoors, you can either grow it in a container or hanging basket, or plant it in the ground as a bedding plant.

If you live in a cold climate, plant containers are ideal for displaying begonias in the garden or landscape during the summer. Containers can be easily moved indoors during the cold months for over-wintering.

You can also plant your begonia in the ground and dig it up to bring inside to survive the winter.

Steps for Planting:

Choose a location with well draining soil that receives partial shade.

Dig a hole that matches the depth of the original container.

Carefully remove the plant from the container.

After placing the plant in the hole, fill in the hole with soil.

If you are planting more than one begonia, space the plantings twelve inches apart to allow room for proper growth.

Basic Care and Maintenance:

Place a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and prevent weed infestation.

Apply fertilizer twice a month during growing season.

Keep begonia plants evenly moist throughout the growing season.

If it is necessary to bring the begonias indoors for over-wintering, dig up the begonias as soon as the foliage begins to yellow once the weather cools. You can cut the stems down and overwinter the plants in a location that receives bright, indirect light.