Whether or not you should cut back your begonias depends on the type of begonia you have. Tuberous begonias require cutting back at the end of the season after the leaves have died down. Generally, this is done in late autumn or early winter, when the temperatures are cool.
However, some tuberous begonias will benefit from the removal of spent flowers and stems. This helps the plant stay neat and encourages fuller and more compact growth.
Fibrous begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) can benefit from cutting back during the season too, as this helps promote bushier growth. Trim the tips of any tall growth to encourage more fullness in your begonia.
If your begonia is planted in a container, you may need to cut back more often to keep the growth in check and restrict the begonia’s root system.
In general, it is not necessary to cut back begonias, however, it can give them a nice shape, promote fuller growth, and extend the blooming season.
How do you prune begonias?
Pruning begonias helps to keep them healthy and looking their best. Begonias are generally pruned at any time, however, the best time to prune them is in the late winter or early spring season when the plant is dormant.
To prune begonias, start by removing any dead or diseased stems and leaves. If your begonia has become leggy, you can trim the stems back to encourage more compact, bushy growth. Cut the stems back to a point just above a node (where the leaf attaches to the stem).
This will encourage branching and more flowers. It’s also important to remove any spent blooms to promote new blooms to take their place. Pruning can also help to control the size of your begonia and encourage more flowering.
Lastly, if your begonia hasn’t been pruned for a while, it’s important to prune it back quite heavily to promote new growth. Overall, pruning your begonia encourages healthy, full growth and regular blooming.
Can you cut back leggy begonias?
Yes, you can cut back leggy begonias. It is best to cut back the stems that are too tall and leggy. You can make a shallow cut back to an outward-facing leaf or stem node. If the stem has gotten too long and thin, it is a good idea to cut the stem back close to the soil or its base.
Additionally, make sure not to cut back too much at once or it can shock the begonia and adversely affect its health. With the stems that are cut back, you should remove any spent blooms or foliage to encourage new growth and blooms.
Cuttings from the cut stems can be taken and rooted to propagate new begonias, if desired. After cutting back, it is important to water the begonia properly and to provide a warm, sunny location if possible.
The begonia may take some time to adjust to the new environment, but it should start growing and blooming again soon.
Do you cut begonias back in the winter?
No, you should not cut begonias back in the winter. The begonia plant is a tender perennial, meaning that it does not grow well in cold weather and can suffer damage from frost or temperatures below 45F.
In the winter, it is best to leave the begonia alone and let it rest until the weather warms up in the spring. You should only remove any dead stems or leaves that appear, as these can harbor diseases.
When the last frost has passed and the temperature begins to rise into the 50Fs and 60Fs, you can feel free to trim the plant in order to shape it or to encourage new growth. Pruning should occur in late spring or early summer and should be done judiciously as overdone pruning can damage the plant.
Finally, be sure to sterilize your tools between uses by dipping them in rubbing alcohol or a 50/50 solution of bleach and water.
What should I do with my begonias in the winter?
It is best to keep your begonias indoors during the winter. When the temperature drops too low (usually below 40°F or 4°C) the leaves and stems of the begonia may start to droop and die. To prevent this, place them in a spot that receives plenty of indirect sunlight and keep the soil slightly moist.
When the days start to lengthen and the temperatures rise into the 50°F or 10°C range, gradually transition your begonias to an outdoor environment. Make sure to water them often and use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Additionally, you can consider bringing them indoors each night, and back outside during the day. This can help to protect the begonias from any sudden temperature drops and heavy winds.
Can I leave begonias in pots over winter?
Yes, you can leave begonias in pots over winter, however you need to take some steps to ensure the pots provide enough protection. If the temperatures fall below freezing, you will need to place the pots in a sheltered area such as a greenhouse or indoors.
Otherwise, it is best to move the pots to a sheltered area outdoors or to a place that is protected from rain and wind.
Once in the new location, make sure to apply a thick layer of mulch on top of the soil. This can help insulate the begonias and protect them from the cold weather. Additionally, it is important to make sure the pots are not in an area where the temperatures will fluctuate between hot and cold.
Finally, you should check the pots periodically for signs of rot, such as soggy soil or yellowing leaves. If you see any signs of rot, you should remove the begonias from the pot and repot them in fresh soil.
This will help ensure that the begonias are able to make it through the winter in good health.
How do I save begonias for next year?
If you want to save your begonias for next year, you should begin by removing any dead foliage, as well as any diseased plants. Trim back the stems, and then transplant the begonias into a larger pot or container to allow for more growth.
Ensure that the pot or container you choose provides adequate drainage and that you are using potting soil.
Once your begonias have been transplanted into a larger pot or container, lightly water them and then place them in an area that has plenty of indirect sunlight. During winter, you will want to make sure to keep the begonias dry to help them rest.
Avoid fertilizing the begonias during winter, as this can cause the plants to become stressed.
When warmer weather approaches, ensure to begin fertilizing your begonias again to help keep them healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer and make sure to water the begonias more frequently during the summer months.
Now you can place your begonias in a spot where they will receive full sun, making sure to water them thoroughly each week.
By following all these steps, your begonias should remain healthy and vibrant all year round, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.
Do begonias come back every year?
No, begonias are not generally considered to be perennial plants, meaning they do not come back every year. Most begonias are tender perennials and those most commonly grown as houseplants, including wax begonias, are annuals.
They will flower for one season and then die. However, some species of begonias are hardy perennials and can survive in outdoor gardens in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11 where there is no frost. In areas inside these zones, certain begonias might come back from year to year but this is not guaranteed.
Therefore, it is important to take care of your begonias and replant them each year to ensure a beautiful blooming display.
How do you store tuberous begonias for the winter?
If you are looking to store tuberous begonias for the winter, you will need to take several steps. First, you will need to stop feeding your begonias three weeks before you plan to store them in order to allow the foliage to die back.
Next, prepare a container with moist potting soil or sand and place the tubers in the container. Make sure to spread out the tubers to prevent overcrowding and touching each other. Make sure to label each tuber so that you will know which is which when you replant them.
Then, place the container of tubers in a cool, dry area of your home, such as the basement or an attic. Make sure that the temperature in the room remains between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and that there is low humidity.
During the winter you will need to check on the tubers every few months and make sure the tubers are still in the soil, as well as add additional soil or sand if needed, to keep them covered.
When the time comes to replant the tubers for the next growing season, open the container and make sure that the tubers are still in good condition and haven’t rotted. If they look good, replant them in either a pot or in the garden.
Make sure to space out the tubers when replanting in order to give them room to grow. Water the tubers and fertilize them at least once a week until you start to see some growth. With the right storage and care, your tuberous begonias should survive the winter and bloom in the spring.
Do you cut dead flowers off begonias?
Yes, you should cut dead flowers off begonias. Begonias produce flowers through the summer, and regular deadheading can help them keep blooming. Deadheading means removing dead flowers when they have withered.
To do this, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears and cut away the old flower. Do not pull the flower off with your hands, as this could damage the stem. Additionally, it is best to remove the flower stem all the way down to the junction it makes with the leaf stem.
This prevents the stem from regrowing and becoming a weak spot for damaged stems.
Where do you pinch off begonias?
When pinching off a begonia, you should always pinch at a 45 degree angle just above the node (the part of the stem where the leaves and stems emerge). Make sure that you are just pinching off excess stems and leaves and not removing the entire branch.
This will help stimulate the plant to become bushier and fuller with more blooms. In addition, when pinching off begonias, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant.
After pruning, be sure to water the begonia frequently as the drier soil (after pruning) can cause the leaves to wilt.
What to do with begonias when finished flowering?
When finished flowering, begonia plants can be pruned to maintain their health and maximize their bloom times for the next season. Pruning should begin immediately after the last flowering stems have withered and died.
Cut off any dead or dying stems from the base of each stem near the ground. Prune any fading flowerheads and leaves away to encourage new growth. Some species may need to be cut back to 2-3 inches to allow for healthy new growth.
If the plant has become too large and has become unruly or unmanageable, it can be cut back more drastically to maintain its shape. In addition to pruning, begonias should be fertilized and watered regularly—once per month with a balanced liquid fertilizer—as well as deadheaded and properly spaced to maximize air circulation and light reaching the plant.
This combination of pruning, fertilizing, and deadheading are vital for begonias to thrive and be in optimal shape for the next flowering cycle.
How long do begonia leaf cuttings take to root?
The exact amount of time that it takes for a begonia leaf cutting to root can vary depending on the type of begonia. Generally, begonia leaf cuttings take between 6 to 8 weeks to root and begin forming new growth.
This can also depend on the temperature and humidity of the environment where the cutting is being grown. As such, it is often best to keep the environment as stable as possible while they root and be patient while they develop.
Do begonias grow back?
Yes, begonias typically grow back. Most begonias have a life cycle of 1-2 years, but can come back for many years, primarily when cared for correctly. Begonias are typically grown as annuals, meaning they grow in one season and then die.
However, they will usually self-sow, reproducing new plants, so they can come back to the same spot each year, or can be transplanted to other areas of the garden. Begonias can also be overwintered inside, where they may be able to re-bloom throughout the year.
Begonias can also be propagated through cuttings or division. When propagated, they can be replanted with the correct care, and can grow back quite easily.
Can begonia grow from cuttings?
Yes, begonia can grow from cuttings. When it comes to growing begonia from cuttings, the process is quite straightforward and easy. All you need is a healthy begonia stem that is not dried out, a good quality potting mix, and a good container to plant your cuttings in.
Ideally, you should take your cuttings from a healthy stem that is a few inches long. Cut just below a node (the area where the leaves are located) with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. To help the new cutting root quicker, you can dip it in a rooting hormone.
After that, put your cuttings in the container of your choice and make sure to fill it with moist potting mix. Place the container in an area in partial- shade and mist the soil with a spray bottle until the newly planted begonias are established.
It is best to water them at the root zone instead of providing overhead watering. Once 3-4 weeks pass, you should see your cuttings start growing and thriving.