| Botanical Name: |
| Begonina x semperflorens-cultorum |
| Life Cycle: |
| annuals, tender perennials |
| Planting Time: |
| spring and summer |
| Height: |
| 12" to 18" |
| Exposure: |
| sun (if kept moist), partial shade to shade |
| Soil: |
| average, well-drained soil |
| Hardiness: |
| zones 8-11 depending on cultivar |
| Bloom Time: |
| late spring to fall |
| Flower: |
| white, pink, red, salmon, orange and yellow; singe or double flowers |
| Foliage: |
| shiny bronze or green, wing-shaped, rounded leaves |
| Propagation: |
| seeds or cuttings |
| Suggested Use: |
| beds, mass plantings, borders, containers and hanging baskets |
| Growing Hints: |
| Starting annual begonias from seed can be difficult. You're better off buying them unless you need several dozen. If starting indoors, sow the tiny, dust-like seeds 4 to 6 months before you want to transplant them. Do not cover seeds, just broadcast them thinly over the surface and press them gently into the soil. Seeds need to be covered with glass or plastic and kept at temperatures between 60º and 70º F. Remove cover after germination and continue to keep soil moist. Seedling should be planted 12 inches apart. Leaf spot is an indicator that plants are too crowded. |
| Interesting Facts: |
| The tiny, dust-like seed of Wax Begonias is available in a pellet form for easier handling. |
