The internet has the best articles, videos, and Instagram stories about begonias. In fact, you can learn everything you need to grow your own plants.

We asked the experts for their advice: professional gardeners, garden designers, and gardening bloggers who grow begonias. Here’s what the experts have to say.

This article has been reviewed and updated by the T&M Horticultural Team on 14th December, 2023.

Begonias are excellent houseplants.

Begonias make brilliant indoor plants! Steve Rosenbaum of Texas-based Steve’s Leaves says they are available in a variety of leaf shapes, colours, and habits. Jane Perrone and Steve Rosenbaum discuss how to care for these beautiful plants in her excellent gardening podcast, On the Ledge. Jane Perrone, former gardening editor for the Guardian, has a wealth of information to share.

Keep indoor begonias away from direct sunlight.

After falling in love with the begonia “BeLeaf Lima Love,” Pumpkin Beth offers some great information about how to care for this beautiful indoor plant. It thrives in bright, shady, or even cold temperatures. However, it does not like direct sunlight or cold drafts. Beth advises: “Believe Lima Love thrives in humid environments; they even flourish in a steamy bath.“

Containers are the perfect place for tuberous begonias.

Alexandra from DIY garden says that there are two types of begonias. ” Tuberous begonias grow best in hanging baskets and containers, and can be purchased as dormant tubers from January until the end of March. Fibrous-rooted begonias work well in summer bedding arrangements and are available in seeds, plugs, or container-grown plants.

Begonias with fibrous roots are commonly used for bedding.

Begonia boliviensis is a plant that can grow to great heights with the right care. Image: Begonia Bossa Nova Night Fever Papaya from Thompson & Morgan

It’s hard not to be impressed by Peter Seabrook’s excellent video on GardenDotHelp. He concisely describes the different varieties and gives tips for growing them from cuttings. Peter Seabrook’s Begonia boliviensis is surrounded by a variety of stunning blooms, proof of his expertise.

Begonias prefer a shady spot.

Alison, who blogs at Blackberry Garden, is a lady with a green thumb. You wouldn’t think so, considering the close call that one of Alison’s favourite begonias suffered. Remember that begonias like shade and will not thank you for spending time in a greenhouse. Once you begin reading Alison’s Blog, you will not want to stop.

Begonia plugs are a great shortcut.

Begonias can be purchased as plug plants or in jumbo-sized plug plants.

Begonia ‘Catrin jumbo plug plants’ from T&M

Michelle from Veg Plotting says that you shouldn’t be worried about people who believe real gardeners can only grow plants from seeds. She was happy to try Begonia Glowing Embers when she received a starter plant. She says plug plants ” are a great alternative if my seeds have failed or I’ve fallen behind with my seed-sowing.”

White begonias can create a stunning scheme.

Dan Cooper, The Disgruntled Gardener, says that when it comes to growing begonias, he “Only occasionally, I exercise restraint, and limit myself to one single variety. But it must be a cracker.” Check out his blog to find out which variety he chose – the photos are worth it alone. Think drifts of sumptuous, white blooms.

The first cluster of buds should be removed to improve the flowers.

Tejvan from Gardeners Tip says, ” Begonias can flower too early. Lift the first small cluster of buds when it is the size of a 10p piece and snap off. This article is excellent – it’s a masterclass in growing begonias.

Non-stop begonias are worth the effort.

Are you looking for begonias that can grow in containers and pots? Pyracantha John Moore recommends ‘Non-Stop-Begonias ‘. John Moore says these varieties are ” compact plants with large, green or bronze leaves and stunning double blooms from late spring/early Summer onwards.“

Cut the leaves into pieces to propagate plants.

I love the leafy begonias because of their beautiful patterns, colours and shapes. Jack Wallington, a RHS-qualified garden designer, says he can’t get enough of these begonias. Jack Wallington’s easy-to-follow instructions will show you how to select, prepare and propagate the best begonias.

Plants can be propagated from the leaves.

Visit the YouTube channel PlantingMemories to learn another easy way to grow begonias using leaf cuttings. Jerry, the presenter, shares gardening tips. He shows you how to plant the cutting, and he also has a previous one. Jerry claims that it takes only three weeks to see the magic happen. So what are you still waiting for?

Winter tender begonias next year

Jim Stephens, Garden Ruminations, plants his B. luxurians in the ground. He claims that this beautiful architectural plant flourishes in the summer, but dies at the first hint of frost. As he has found, cuttings or small plants can be easily overwintered.