How To Feed Tuberous Begonias - Tips For Tuberous Begonia Fertilizing

Tuberous Begonias in Garden Beds Upon the formation of flower buds, you will want to apply a fertilizer cocktail of the 5-1-1 fertilizer and a bloom (0-10-10) fertilizer. Mix one tablespoon of each into one gallon of water and apply every two weeks per plant.

How do you fertilize tuberous begonias?

For healthy plants and abundant blooms, apply 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer (view example on Amazon) diluted at a ratio of three parts water to one part fertilizer when you first plant (or transplant) your begonias and approximately every three weeks thereafter.

Do Tuberous begonias need fertilizer?

Since most tuberous types are grown for their flowers, they are heavy feeders. This means you must fertilize a lot. The most frequently encountered method is to use a low-intensity complete fertilizer such as fish emulsion (5-1-1) early in the season to get a large, healthy plant.

What kind of fertilizer do Begonias need?

Begonias thrive on fertilizers that deliver consistent and balanced amounts of nutrients. Fertilizers such as 10-10-10 fertilizer contain 10 percent of each of the macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

When should you fertilize begonias?

For potted plants, apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser at the time of potting and liquid fertiliser at half-strength every two to three weeks during the growing period. In the garden, it's advisable to incorporate a general-purpose fertiliser into the soil at planting time.

Is Epsom salt good for begonias?

Do not use any type of leaf shine products on begonia leaves. Some members spray their plants with Epsom salts to keep the leaves healthy. ... When taking plants to shows take special care in looking under the leaves for whiteflies and mealy bugs and also in the leaf axils.

How do I know if I have tuberous begonias?

Begonias with tuberous roots are a large group of complex hybrids involving many species and years of breeding and development. They can often be identified by their prominent flowers, which can be single, double, ruffled, scented or multicolored, and range in size from 1/2-inch diameter to the size of a dinner plate.

How do I get my tuberous begonias to bloom?

Begonias need some light during the day to flourish and bloom, but they burn in full sunlight. To encourage healthy blooming, plant your begonias in a place where they will get filtered sunlight in the morning and be in the shade for most of the afternoon.

Do begonias like coffee grounds?

(soil free is best) Outdoors, growing begonias means adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?

Once a week apply half strength (1/2 T Miracle Grow or other soluble plant food per gallon) fertilizer solution in place of regular watering, being sure to give the basket enough so that liquid seeps from the bottom of the pot. Tuberous begonias are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it.

Is bone meal good for begonias?

The soil mixture this time should be a one-one-one blend of soil, sand and peat or compost. Since both tuberous begonias and caladiums are heavy feeders, bone meal or 5-10-5 fertilizer can be added to the soil mixture. ... Sometimes the begonia stems grow long and floppy.

How do you revive begonias?

Clean the pot with bleach, then add sterile potting mix. Replant the begonia and water it, making sure the water drains well, as root rot is more common in waterlogged soil. If the plant is outdoors, move the plant to new location to help prevent reinfection by the root rot fungus.

How often should you water begonias?

Feel the soil around your wax begonia. If it feels dry, insert your finger just under the surface of the soil, about one-half to 1 inch deep. If this soil also feels dry, water your plant. Water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist.

Do begonias like sun or shade?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies. However, as noted below some begonia varieties might tolerate more sun than others.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. ... Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

What soil should I use for begonias?

Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.

Can I sprinkle Epsom salt around plants?

Epsom salts are pH neutral and gentle on plants, including potted houseplants. To boost nutrient intake, mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts with one gallon of water and spray onto leaves, rather than onto the roots, for maximum absorption.

Is baking soda good for plants?

Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

What plants benefit from Epsom salts?

Epsom salts are known to be beneficial to some plants in some situations. Primarily, roses, tomatoes, and peppers are the key plants that can take advantage of the magnesium levels contained in Epsom salts. However, there are some situations in which Epsom salts should not be used. These are as follows.

Can tuberous begonias take full sun?

Begonias are tropical plants, but their foliage and flowers can be damaged by too much sun, and they will not grow in hot, dry weather. Tuberous begonias prefer the filtered light beneath high trees, or at least 4 hours of morning sun.

When should I start tuberous begonias?

START BEGONIA TUBERS 8 to 12 WEEKS BEFORE THE LAST FROST

Use your growing zone to find the proper date for starting the tubers indoors.

How do you treat tuberous begonias indoors?

Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.