Bring long-lasting colour to shade and patios
Begonia Seeds deliver a dependable route to shade-loving flowers with luminous petals and handsome foliage. This category of Begonia Seeds spans wax begonia for bedding, tuberous begonia with double and ruffled blooms, and trailing begonias ideal for baskets and tall containers. Together, these Begonia flower seeds create an extended flowering display from early warm spells into cooler evenings, with options from bronze leaf varieties to refined pastels and vivid tones. Compact habits suit containers and window boxes, while fuller forms anchor borders and patio troughs, adding texture, foliage interest, and biodiversity in mixed plantings.
Raising plants from Begonia Seeds is straightforward with indoor seed starting and a gentle approach. Provide partial shade to bright shade and keep fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil evenly moist. Sowing can begin in late winter to early spring in warm, bright conditions, then transplants move outside after last frost once growth is sturdy. Consistent moisture and light deadheading or pinching encourage branching, steady bloom, and a tidy habit across wax begonia, fibrous-rooted begonia, and tuberous types.
Within Begonia (Begonia spp.), pelleted begonia seed options help with very fine seed, while modern selections balance lush canopies with weather-tolerant blooms. Begonia semperflorens seeds offer dependable part shade annuals for edging and mass planting, and Begonia x tuberhybrida seeds provide larger, ruffled flowers for statement pots. As container flowers, many cultivars remain naturally compact and floriferous, ideal for patios and shaded entrances. Whether trailing, bedding, or tuberous, Begonia Seeds reward with an elegant, low-fuss flowering display that complements ferns, hostas, and other companions in dappled light.
Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Browse related flower seed categories and genera connected to begonia-friendly planting schemes. These links cover options for sunny or shaded beds, compact choices for containers, and seasonal mixes that pair well with foliage-forward displays. Use them to compare bloom times, habit, and site preferences when planning borders, pots, or mixed plantings. In mild climates, some selections may be started earlier; elsewhere, sow after the last frost for reliable establishment.
Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias thrive in partial to bright shade, tolerating gentle morning sun when soil moisture is even. Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring; surface sow fine or pelleted seed, as germination requires light and steady warmth. Transplant after the last frost into fertile, humus‑rich, well‑drained soil, and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Commonly grown as part shade annuals or tender perennial bedding, they suit beds, borders, and containers. Expect compact wax and fibrous‑rooted types to mound, while tuberous and trailing forms cascade for hanging baskets. Allow room for airflow and continue light feeding; routine deadheading and pinching maintain foliage interest and neat bloom displays.
- Surface sow fine seeds or pelleted begonia seed; do not cover—light-required germination; provide warm conditions of about 21–24°C.
- Keep seedlings evenly moist with a fine mist; avoid splashing to limit damping-off, and ensure gentle air movement.
- Harden off gradually and transplant after frost into rich, well-drained soil in bright shade or gentle morning sun; mulch lightly to conserve moisture.
- Well suited to containers and hanging basket flowers; trailing begonias spill, while wax and fibrous-rooted types make compact container flowers.
- Primarily ornamental: valued for shade-loving flowers and foliage interest, including bronze leaf varieties and double and ruffled blooms; deadheading and pinching help shape plants.
How to grow begonias from seed
Sow Begonia seeds indoors on the surface of a fine, sterile medium in late winter to early spring. The seeds are dust-like and should not be covered; gently press to ensure contact. Provide bright light, steady warmth, and high humidity until emergence. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged. Once seedlings develop true leaves, pot on carefully and grow in partial to bright shade with consistent moisture and a humus-rich, well-drained medium. Harden off gradually and transplant only after the last frost. Tuberous types from seed generally take longer to flower than fibrous-rooted wax begonias.
When to sow begonia seeds indoors
Start indoors in late winter to early spring, allowing ample time for slow-growing seedlings to size up before transplanting after the last frost. Earlier sowings benefit from supplemental light to prevent stretching. In mild conditions with reliable warmth and good light, slightly earlier sowings can work, provided seedlings remain sturdy and not pot-bound. Aim to maintain steady temperatures and a consistent daylength so growth is even, then acclimate plants gently before moving them outside once frost risk has passed.
Do begonia seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. Begonia seeds generally require light to germinate, so surface sow and do not cover with compost. Use a clear dome or humidity lid to maintain moisture, and bottom-water or fine-mist to avoid displacing seeds. Warm, bright conditions encourage uniform sprouting, which often occurs in about 10–21 days, though cooler or dimmer setups can take longer. For pelleted begonia seed, ensure the coating is thoroughly moistened so the embryo hydrates evenly; avoid burying pellets and keep humidity high until the first tiny leaves appear.
Can you direct sow begonia seeds outdoors?
Direct sowing is possible but seldom ideal because begonia seeds are extremely fine and need warmth, light, and consistent moisture. If attempting, wait until after all frost has passed and the soil is reliably warm. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed, surface sow, and keep it evenly moist with gentle irrigation. Expect slower and more variable germination, and be mindful of weed competition. Most gardeners achieve more reliable results by starting indoors and transplanting once seedlings are robust.
Spacing for wax begonia plants from seed
For fibrous-rooted wax begonias, spacing depends on vigor and the desired look. In borders, a general guide is about 15–25 cm between plants for good airflow and a cohesive canopy. For tighter edging or bedding displays, spacing can be closer at roughly 12–15 cm, accepting a denser fill. Larger, more vigorous selections may appreciate more room. Always adjust based on growth habit, light levels, and soil fertility, maintaining even moisture in a fertile, well-drained, humus-rich bed.
Begonia seeds for hanging baskets and containers
Begonias suit containers well: trailing selections excel in hanging baskets, while compact wax or fibrous types perform reliably in pots and window boxes. Use a high-quality, well-drained, humus-rich medium and position in partial to bright shade; gentle morning sun is typically tolerated with even moisture. Choose containers with adequate drainage and sufficient volume to buffer moisture swings. Pinching young plants can encourage branching, and removing spent blooms on heavy-flowering types helps maintain a tidy display through the season.
Seeds and plant material are sourced from vetted suppliers and accredited growers. Lots are processed and tested for purity and germination in line with industry and phytosanitary requirements. Cultivar availability can vary by season and production cycles. Guidance provided is general; outcomes depend on microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. For precise sowing windows, spacing, and treatment, refer to the specific instructions on each product page.
Bring long-lasting colour to shade and patios
Begonia seeds offer a versatile route to shade-friendly displays, ranging from compact wax types for bedding to tuberous and cascading forms for containers and hanging baskets. The seeds are dust-fine; sow on the surface of a sterile, well-drained medium and do not cover, as light aids germination. Keep evenly moist under warm, bright conditions, and transplant once true leaves develop. Harden off carefully and plant outside after the last frost into humus-rich soil with good drainage. Provide dappled shade to filtered sun, steady moisture, and gentle airflow to reduce fungal issues. Blooms span red, pink, apricot, orange, and white, often contrasted by glossy green or bronze foliage, offering long-lasting colour through the growing season. Deadhead to keep plants tidy, and feed lightly during active growth. Begonia seeds are part of the broader Flowers Seeds category and are suited to borders, window boxes, and patio containers.