Giant begonia FAQs

Get the most from your giant begonias with a little help from our FAQs...

What will I receive?
You'll receive 14 extra-large tubers in the following colours: white, yellow, copper, salmon, orange, pink and red.

How big does each begonia grow to?
The begonias will grow up to 30cm (12") in height and the blooms will reach up to 15cm (6") across.

Are begonias perennial?
You can lift your begonia tubers, place them in dry peat, and keep them in a cool, dry, frost-free position over winter. Restart your tubers into growth the following March.
 
How long will my begonias flower for?
They'll flower from June through to October.

Can you plant them outside straight away?
We'd recommend growing your tubers as soon as possible. Plant the tubers in shallow trays 5cm (2") apart, or plant them individually in 7cm (3") pots. Keep them indoors in gentle warmth.
 
How can they be planted?
These begonias are great for beds and borders, patio containers and window boxes. However, they get a bit too big to grow successfully in hanging baskets.
 
What's the best position to plant these begonias?
You can plant them in a sunny or shady spot.

What soil do they like? 
The ideal compost for these begonias is rich yet free-draining. If you have a heavy clay soil, mix some grit and compost into the soil, or simply grow the begonias in containers. If you do decide to plant in containers, use a multi-purpose compost.

How deep should I plant the tubers?
Pot on first, pressing the tuber into the surface of the compost.
 
Which way up should I put them in the ground?
Tubers have a saucer-like shape. Plant with the ‘dip’ upwards.

What fertiliser should I use?
We'd recommend feeding the plants every two weeks during the growing season. Use a high potash food like Flower Power.
 
How often do they need watering?
You should water your begonias regularly throughout the summer, but try and avoid water on the foliage as this can cause scorching. Always keep the top soil around your plants broken up so
that water can penetrate the roots. Although begonias enjoy regular watering, be
careful not to let them continually remain saturated as this can cause mildew.
 
What other plants complement begonias?
Plant your begonias alongside geraniums and fuchsias to create stunning mixed border displays.
 
How long will they last in their plastic container?
We'd recommend replanting every year.

Are begonias poisonous to cats? 
No.

See our range of begonias

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Comments

[Joy Hopkins]

Hi Richard
I bought the apricot shade begonias in the spring and they turned out glorious, everyone who passed by commented on them. It is now october and they are starting to die off, what do i do with them now if i want to keep them for next year? regards Joy

[Lyn Hayden-Toon]

Hello Richard
I purchased the hardy amarylis and the mini gladioli amongst many plants that i have ordered, I was disapointed with these 2 lots as only one amarylis flowered and one gladioli did I do something wrong with these.

[Mr Brian Macklin]

Hello Richard.
I recieved the 54 plug plants "Begonia Molten Lava" and have had them potted on for a couple of weeks.I'm now ready to put into hanging baskets but can you tell me how many to a 12inch basket and if I should angle them to hang over the edge.
I look forward to your response.
Keep up the great work.
Kind regards.

[Gil Pereira]

is it possible to tell a trailing from upright Begonia when the first leaves appear?

[John]

Back to the begonias I'm afraid. How long should they stay in the airing cupboard and when I plant them out do they remain sitting on top of the compost or should theb be covered and if so to what depth. Probably silly questions but I am not good with gardening and would like to get this right.

[John]

Mine arrived nearly three weeks ago and I have tried to remember what Richard said. I thought he said to push them into compost, water, cover them with cling film and place in a warm dark cupboard. Problem is my airing cupboard is like a cooker, very, very warm so I wonder if anyone has tried another solution indoors? Also, how long should they be kept covered and in darkness please.

[rebecca baker]

I too can't remember if you need to cover them. Did he not say to put them in the airng cupboard untill they start shooting? or was this for something else? I placed mine on the surface and watered them, spray every other day with water. Mine are in the shed but thinking that maybe they should be in the greenhouse.

[Linda Carpenter]

Ordered 561229 Begonias & they have arrived. Wanted to watch video to make sure of what I was doing but they have sold out so no video. Know you press the tuber into surface of the compost, do u cover it at all ? & how much water do I use when I pot them up ? (dont want to rot them ) thankyou