How to Grow Begonias

In my new job working at my local plant nursery I get to wander around the greenhouses during my lunch break. And I have to admit that I am developing a Begonia obsession. Above is my new Begonia. It’s a relatively new one called Fragrant Falls. I just love the delicate peach color and it smells like a mix of lemons and peaches.

My grandmother always grew Begonias. So, in my mind, they were a little old-fashioned and perhaps even out-of-date. But when I saw their amazing array of colors (both leaf and flower) and their, frankly crazy, variations of leaf texture and leaf shape I started to understand why so many people love Begonias.

Take this one below. It’s name is Escargot (you know, like Snail in French). And you can see why it’s named that. The swirl on the leaf is almost mesmerizing. These Begonias do have flowers but you would buy this one for the leaf shape alone.

I also love the names. Below is Begonia Rex, Jurassic Watermelon. Whoever named this plant was bang on the money. It looks like a watermelon exploded in a scene from Jurassic Park. Doesn’t it?

They look particularly good in hanging baskets and planters. This one is Begonia Solenia Salmon Coral with Creeping Jenny. I love the coral color.

The reds and pinks are particularly vibrant. This one below is Begonia Solenia Dark Pink.

As I understand it, some Begonias like to be in bright conditions but not in direct sunlight. They like their soil moist but not water logged as they are prone to fungal infections. My aim is to try to propagate my own Begonias. I think I’ll try a leaf cutting first and see how that goes. I’ve heard that you need patience, so I’m prepared to wait for my baby Begonias. The Begonia below is Iron Cross.

I’ll let you know how the propagating goes. I found this very useful video on how to propagate Begonias, so I’ll be trying this method.