Begonias

Begonias for Sale from K. van Bourgondien

K. van Bourgondien has been supplying gardeners with bulbs, tubers and bareroots for more than 175 years and takes pride in offering a wide selection of top-performing and unique varieties. We have a wide selection of begonia bulbs for sale, so you can find the perfect color and form for your garden or patio. When you buy begonia tubers from us, we'll deliver top-quality products right to your door.

Choosing the Right Begonias

When selecting begonias for planting, first make sure you have the right growing conditions for these tender tubers (commonly referred to as "bulbs"). Begonias thrive in shaded or partially shaded conditions and most don't care for direct early afternoon sunlight. While they need well-drained soil, they aren't drought tolerant. This means that you'll need to regularly water them. Finally, begonia bulbs aren't cold hardy. You can either grow them as annuals, bring them indoors during the cold weather or lift the tubers in the fall and store them over winter.

When selecting the right begonias for your patio space, window box or garden, take into account their growth habit. Some begonias, particularly our Hanging Basket Begonias, have a cascading habit, making them absolutely stunning in hanging baskets--or other places where you want a cascading look. Also, consider their flower color. Begonias bloom a lot, so they'll provide colorful flowers for months.

Finally, consider how you want to use your begonias. Many gardeners love to plant begonias in patio pots and window boxes. They are colorful, easy-to-grow container plants. Begonias also look lovely in the garden, especially along walkways or in transitional areas from the sun to shade gardens.

Begonias: Getting the Most out of Your Purchase

Begonias are some of the easiest shade plants to grow and begonia care is minimal, requiring only light deadheading and well-drained soil. However, they don't care for cold weather, and in most parts of the country, they can't be overwintered outdoors. They can either be treated as annuals, or, if living in zones 3-8, the tubers can be lifted in the fall, stored over winter and planted again in the spring. If growing them in a container, they can be brought indoors over winter.

When to Plant Begonia Bulbs

Because they are not cold hardy, begonia bulbs should not be planted directly into the ground until after the danger of spring frost has passed. Many gardeners living in northern regions start the begonia tubers indoors about six weeks before their area's last spring frost. They then transplant the begonia bulbs to the garden after the danger of frost has passed.

How to Plant Begonia Bulbs

Begonia bulbs can be started indoors in potting soil. To do this, place the round side down about 1" below the surface. Water well and keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Keep in a warm, semi-shady area. When all danger of frost has passed, transplant the begonias outdoors, being careful not to disturb the roots.

If planting the tubers outdoors and directly into the garden, plant about 1" deep and 10-12" apart. In containers, tubers can be spaced 4-5" apart.

How to Care for Begonia Plants

Begonias need rich, porous, well-drained soil and shelter from the wind. They are not drought-tolerant and should be watered regularly. Begonia plants also should be fertilized regularly, preferably with a slow-release fertilizer. We recommend Van Bourgondien 100% Natural Perennial Food.

When Do Begonias Bloom

Begonias start to bloom in summer. You can expect to see your begonia's first bloom at the end of May, or early June, depending on your location. The bloom will last until the first frost of winter. Begonias are only winter hardy in zones 9-10.

How To Store Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias are not winter hardy and should be lifted, or dug up, in the fall in zones 3-8. Before digging them up, prepare the tubers for dormancy by reducing watering and fertilizing in late summer. You may also want to remove flower buds that form in the fall.

After the first frost, dig up the begonia tubers, cut the stems to about 5" and gently brush off the dirt around the tuber. Allow the tubers to dry (away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures). Store the tubers in peat moss or vermiculite over winter. The ideal storage temperature is about 40-50 degrees F.