Begonias are one of my favourite plants. The blooms on them are so pretty, and I love growing them. They come in so many different colours and varieties, they are a true delight to have in your garden. To ensure that your begonia thrives in your garden flower beds, baskets or containers, you want to ensure you are using the best soil surface for them. So I’ve pulled together some of my top tips around growing these beauties, including the best soil for begonia. By following these tips, your begonia will flourish in your garden for years to come – no matter the types of begonias you have in your garden.
Best Soil for Begonia
Did you know that begonias come in quite a different number of varieties? Each type of begonia has its own particulars, including the way it wants to be cared for. You’ll find that the stunning foliage of rex begonias and the delicate tuberous begonias with their captivating blooms require quite specific conditions to ensure they show their flowers to their full potential, so it’s essential to tailor your soil mix to their specific requirements.
Tuberous Begonias
Do you have these begonias in your garden? If so, you’ll know that tuberous begonias boast showy, often double blooms, but they are more susceptible to root rot. I’d suggest selecting a well-draining soil mix with lots of lovely organic matter. This will help stop your begonia from getting waterlogged.
Foliage Begonias
Foliage begonias like the Rex begonia are known, quite rightly so, for their striking foliage. These beauties prefer a well-drained soil mix which rich in organic matter to show their true patterns and colours. You’ll find that foliage begonias are best grown inside as houseplants in the UK. This is down to them needing it a bit warmer and a bit more humid.
If you are growing foliage begonias, you’ll be thrilled to know that they are happy in loamy, sandy or clay soil. You’ll find they will do best if the soil is well-draining, though.
Fibrous-rooted Begonias
Fibrous-rooted begonias or wax begonias can be grown in containers and window boxes or as bedding plants – and believe me, they look fantastic!
These gorgeous plants will thrive in moderately moist soil. A balanced potting mix with good drainage is key to preventing fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Rhizomatous and Tuberous Begonias
Rhizomatous and Tuberous begonias, including the eye-catching Begonia maculata, much prefer a soil mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. You’ll find that if you add in some coco coir, this will help to improve the water retention for your plants.
Best Soil for Begonia >>
Try RocketGro BlackGold Container & Basket Compost for your begonias this year.
The Best Begonia Varieties to Grow in the UK
Begonia ‘Non-Stop’ Series
You’ll find that the Non-Stop series is a favourite among UK gardeners for good reason. I love these tuberous begonias as they produce large, rose-like blooms in super bright colours like red, yellow, pink, and white.
As you would imagine, they flower continuously from late spring until the first frost. You’ll find that these will do best in pots, hanging baskets, or shaded borders and prefer a spot protected from strong winds and direct midday sun. They like good draining soil, which is why they do well in pots and hanging baskets.
Begonia Rex
You’ll find these inside the home in the UK, and this is one variety which is grown primarily for its dramatic foliage rather than flowers.
There are so many different colour combinations that can be found on the leaves of the begonia rex. Silver, burgundy, purple, and green – often with spiral or textured patterns. You’ll find these beauties more sensitive to cold and humidity fluctuations, so think about where you place them inside.
Begonia ‘Illumination’ Series
You’ll find that this is another excellent trailing tuberous variety. The Illumination series is ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes. I love the cascading stems and bright flowers, which you can get in gorgeous orange, salmon, apricot, and white.
These begonias prefer partial shade. You’ll find they will do better if you regularly deadhead them. This will help them to flower again and again.
Begonia Boliviensis
This is a variety which is gaining more popularity in the UK, but is still relatively unknown. You’ll find they have delicate, lantern-like flowers. They are perfect for tall containers and cascading displays. Varieties like ‘Santa Cruz Sunset’ offer fiery orange-red flowers that contrast beautifully with bright green foliage – they really are quite the showstopper when it comes to begonias in the garden.
Soil Composition for Begonias
You’ll find that creating the perfect soil mix for your begonias is super important. This will not only increase the vitality of your plants, but it’s actually really important for the overall health of your begonias.
Here’s what I suggest you need to ensure that your begonias thrive in your garden.
Well-Drained Soil
You’ll find that begonias absolutely hate sitting in soggy soil. So you’ll want to put the fact that your soil should be well-draining at the top of the list when you are looking at the best soil for begonia. I’d suggest ensuring your potting mix and any pots you are using have lots of drainage holes. This will stop any water from accumulating and bogging down your begonias.
Organic Matter
Proving your begonias with some essential organic matter will not only enrich the soil, but it will also provide your begonias with the nutrients they will need throughout the growing season. Peat moss, leaf mould, or coconut coir are excellent choices. These will enhance the texture and fertility of the soil, which your begonia will love.
pH Levels
You’ll find that your begonias will do better in a slightly slightly acidic to neutral soil. You could even plant them with your camellias or azaleas, as these also like an acidic or ericaceous soil. Aim for a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
Watering
Water quality is actually quite important for begonias. If you can, you could use distilled water, as this will help maintain the ideal pH levels. Rainwater is also a good option as it will help to keep pH levels more on the acidic side, as tap water, particularly in hard water areas, can turn the soil more to the alkaline side of the pH scale.
Care Tips for Begonias
We’ve had a look at the best soil for begonias, and by now, you’ve probably potted up your plants. So I’m going to share with you some of my top tips for keeping your begonias looking fabulous all summer long.
Light Requirements
Did you know that most begonias actually prefer partial shade – this makes them great as houseplants or indoor plants. I’d suggest that you ensure they receive bright, indirect light for at least six hours a day. Pop them in a spot which avoids intense, direct sunlight.
Humidity Levels
You’ll find that begonias, especially those native to tropical regions, thrive in high humidity. If you are growing more of the tropical varieties, you might want to consider placing a tray of water near your plants or even using a humidifier to maintain the optimal humidity levels.
Watering
I’d suggest sticking to a regular watering routine as this will keep your plants happy. You’ll find that the best way to do this is to keep the soil in your begonia pots consistently moist but not waterlogged.
You should only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water more in drier conditions and less when it has been raining and the soil is still damp.
Preventing Fungal Diseases
If your garden suffers from powdery mildew, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your begonias, especially in humid conditions. If you can, try to give the plants plenty of air circulation and try not to overcrowd your pots and hanging baskets.
Temperatures
You’ll find that your begonias will do well in moderate temperatures. If we hit a cold spell, you may want to protect them from the lower temperatures, as exposure to frost can damage their delicate tissues.
In colder climates, say for example, the north of the UK, you may consider growing begonias as annuals or bring them indoors during the winter months.
Soil Inspection
You’ll want to regularly inspect your begonia’s soil for signs of compacted or waterlogged conditions. If you do spot any drainage issues or waterlogging, you’d be best to repot your begonia in fresh soil, ensuring proper drainage.
Propagation and Pruning
If you want to grow more begonias, you can expand your collection via stem cuttings. Here are some tips on how to propagate your begonias.
You’ll want to take your stem cuttings during the growing season, ensuring they have at least one node. Then dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
You’ll find that regular pruning helps maintain the shape and size of your begonias. Go through and remove dead or yellowing leaves, whilst also pinching back stems to encourage bushier growth. Adding begonias to our homes or gardens is a wonderful idea, and with these top tips for the best soil for begonia plants, you’ll be well armed to ensure that your begonias grow, thrive and bloom all summer long.
