249 saves
Begonia
We track 52 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Begonia varieties
See all 52 Begonia varieties →Search this genus →
6 species of Begonia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Begonia in Sow
Save the Begonia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Begonia
Whats common across all Begonia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Begonia year
- FertilizeMay–September95% of varieties
Feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer
- PlantMay and June73% of varieties
Plant tubers outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- DeadheadJune–October45% of varieties
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Lift & StoreOctober and November45% of varieties
Dig tubers after first frost, dry and store in a cool, dark place
- Check for PestsJune–September30% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Provide partial shade during hot afternoons
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid direct harsh sunlight ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
What goes wrong with Begonia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil or wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use neem oil spray |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and dusty, speckled foliage under dry indoor conditions. | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, increase ambient humidity, and treat with horticultural oil if needed. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Reduce watering and ensure proper drainage |
Making more Begonia
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain high humidity and mist regularly for 6 weeks.
Division
- Divide clump in early spring
- Plant divisions in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly
- Maintain humidity for best results
Begonia questions
How many types of Begonia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 52 distinct Begonia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 249 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Begonia grow in?
Across its varieties, Begonia covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Begonia bloom?
Most Begonia varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Begonia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.