How to plant potted begonia seedlings
Begonias quickly bulk up into good-sized plants, from seedlings. Find out how to give them a helping hand, in our guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At its best | yes | yes | yes | |||||||||
| To do | yes | yes | yes |
Injecting summer colour in your garden couldn't be easier, with the introduction of modern varieties of begonia. Though frost tender, they're surprisingly resilient, flourishing in hot and dry, dull, damp and draughty conditions.
Begonias prefer light shade or partial sun, but don't like scorching midday sun, so keep this is in mind when choosing a planting location. Use a peat-free, multi-purpose compost to plant up your seedlings, being sure to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
Many begonias can be bought as potted seedlings, with several plants in one pot. These can be grown on a windowsill or in a cool greenhouse until ready to plant out. Find out how separate them and plant individually, in our step-by-step guide.
You Will Need
- Begonia seedlings
- Pencil or dibber
- Seed trays or modules
- 7cm pots
Total time: 15 minutes
Step 1
Gently knock the seedlings out of the pot. If the compost is dry, water it first, to soften it.
Step 2
Carefully tease the seedlings apart, using a pencil, holding the plants by their leaves.
Step 3
Plant them individually into a cellular seed tray. Water well, allowing the water to drain.
Step 4
When roots are visible through the bottom of the tray, transplant plants into 7cm pots.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our NEW Travel & Events Brochure
Whether it's the vibrant beauty of Madeira's Flower Festival or the quiet luxury of a Cornish shepherd's hut, our NEW Travel & Events Brochure is your guide to unforgettable experiences.
New podcast series
Give your mental and physical health a boost, with our new Wellness podcast series from Monty and the team.
