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Velvet Digest

Can you grow begonia from seed?

Author

Emily Wilson

Updated on April 14, 2026

Begonia seeds are extremely tiny. In fact, each seed isn't much bigger than a speck of dust. You'll also need new sterile potting soil that's formulated specifically for seed starting. Once your seed trays are filled with sterile potting mix, it's time to plant your begonia seeds.

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Also know, how long does it take to grow begonias from seed?

Begonia Germination Information Expect the small, dust-like seeds to germinate in 15-20 days. For indoors use, sow the seeds at any time. For outdoor use, sow wax begonias 12 weeks before planting out and tuberous begonias 12-16 weeks before planting out.

Beside above, do Begonias have seeds? Begonias (Begonia spp.) are difficult to grow from seed, but the seeds themselves are quite easy to retrieve from plants at the end of the flowering period. These annual plants can flower throughout summer, but produce seeds in small seed pods toward the end of the growing season.

Thereof, when should I plant begonia seeds?

The beautiful half hardy annual/perennial needs to be sown between December and February under glass in a gentle heat for flowering between June and September. Begonia seeds should germinate within 15 to 50 days. As the seedlings develop transplant as necessary and grow on.

How do you grow begonias from Non Stop seeds?

Sprinkle the dust-like begonia seed on the surface of pre-moistened seeding mix such as Jiffy Mix. Water gently, cover with clear plastic wrap, and place on a germination heat pad closely under fluorescent lights for 14 to 21 days until tiny seedlings appear.

Related Question Answers

Are begonias easy to grow?

Bedding begonias are more commonly found and quite easy to grow. If you love to grow flowering houseplants, tuberous begonias are one of the showiest of indoor plants, both for their flowers and also their pretty leaves.

How do you overwinter begonias?

How do I overwinter tuberous begonias?
  1. Question: How do I overwinter tuberous begonias?
  2. Answer: Carefully dig up the tuberous begonias within a few days of a killing frost. Leave a small amount of soil around each tuber. Cut off the stems about 1 inch above the tubers. Place the tubers in a cool, dry area to cure for 2 to 3 weeks.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Following some general growing tips common to most begonias, however, probably will encourage your plants to bloom.
  1. Grow begonias in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight, preferably in an area with high humidity.
  2. Water begonias thoroughly when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of their soil feels dry.

Do begonias come back every year?

Like Impatiens, Begonias are actually tender perennials (come back year after year) that are usually treated as annuals (gone forever at first frost). In deep shade situations, Begonias will stretch and become leggy, so do give them a spot with at least a few hours of sunlight for the best results.

Can you root begonias in water?

If you would like to propagate more pots of begonias, fill out the original pot with more plants, or just share with friends, begonias are some of the easiest to root from cuttings. No need to use a soilless mix and rooting hormone, these plants want to grow. You can start them in a glass of water.

Can begonias take full sun?

Most begonia varieties prefer partial shade and indirect sunlight. Even Rex begonias (Begonia rex, hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12), with their decorative, swirling leaf designs, prefer a partial shade location. Their intricate leaves do not need a full sunlight position for optimal photosynthesis.

Can begonias live indoors?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

How big do begonias get?

12 to 18 inches tall

How do you plant begonias from seed?

Once your seed trays are filled with sterile potting mix, it's time to plant your begonia seeds. Begonias need light to germinate, so simply broadcast the seeds across the surface of the potting mix and press them against the surface of the soil with your fingertips or a flat piece of cardboard. Do not cover the seeds.

How do you start begonias indoors?

Start by filling a pot or tray with 2 to 3” of moistened growing mix. Place a tuber on the soil surface, with the hollow side up and cover it with another 1" of soil. Water thoroughly. Begonia tubers grow more quickly in a warm, humid environment.

How do you transplant begonias?

How to Transplant a Begonia
  1. Step 1 – When to Transplant. For begonias kept indoors during the winter (either tuberous or in begonias in pots), transplanting outdoors after frost is gone in the spring is one way to do it.
  2. Step 2 – Prepare the New Location.
  3. Step 3 – Remove Begonia From Current Pot Or Location.
  4. Step 4 – Transplant.
  5. Step 5 – Water.

How do you grow begonias wax?

Ideally they will get a few hours of morning sun to flower best. Plant seedlings in well-drained, moist soil in a part sun or shade location after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 8 inches apart in beds and closer together in containers. Keep the plants well watered.

How do you grow lobelia from seed?

Sprinkle the lobelia seeds on the surface of a good seed compost and do not cover the tiny flower seeds with anything, the lobelia seeds need light to germinate. Gently firm the compost down after you sprinkled the seeds. Keep the seed trays, pots at a temperature of 18-24 Celsius. The germination can take 14-20 days.

How do you start a begonia tuber?

Tuberous begonia
  1. Start tubers into growth in March or April at 18°C (64°F)
  2. Fill a seed tray 7.5cm (3in) deep with moist sandy potting compost.
  3. Place tubers on the surface of the compost, hollow side uppermost, 2cm (¾in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep.

How do you plant bedding seeds?

Growing bedding plants from seed
  1. If you have time, most bedding plants are easy to grow from seed.
  2. To germinate, put in a heated propagator or cover with a clear plastic bag held in place with an elastic band.
  3. Some smaller seeds, such as begonia, are trickier to grow from seed and are better bought as young plants.

How do you grow rex begonias from seed?

Because rex begonia seeds are so tiny, you need to take special care in planting them. Use a light, well-drained potting mix and relatively dim lighting to prevent the light from scorching the young leaves. Avoid opening the seed packet or handling the seeds until the packet is directly over the growing medium.

What does a wax begonia look like?

Wax Begonias Most are tidy, mounding plants that have cheery little blooms in shades of red, pink, and white. You can commonly find varieties with bronze-flushed foliage, as well as types with adorable, rose-like double blooms.

Can you grow tuberous begonias from cuttings?

A common way to propagate tuberous begonias is to root cuttings. If you thin out the stems when they are about 3 inches tall, you can use those cuttings. Take a 2- to 3-inch unglazed clay pot and cork the drainage hole in its bottom. Fill a 10-inch plastic pot with vermiculite.

Do Begonias need a lot of water?

General Rules. The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.