can begonias grow in hanging baskets

Can Begonias Grow in Hanging Baskets? A Detailed Guide

Begonias are one of the most popular flowering plants for hanging baskets Their colorful blooms and cascading growth habit make them an excellent choice to grow in suspended planters and pots. But can all begonias thrive in hanging containers?

The short answer is yes, most types of begonias will grow well in hanging baskets. However, some varieties are better suited than others. Trailing or cascading begonias that naturally have a spreading, overhanging shape are ideal picks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing gorgeous begonias in hanging baskets:

• The best types of begonias for hanging baskets
• Preparing and planting your basket
• Caring for hanging basket begonias
• Tips to maximize flowering and fix common problems

Let’s get started!

Best Begonias for Hanging Basket Displays

While wax begonias and rhizomatous begonias can work, tuberous begonias are generally the top choice for cascading basket displays. Look for these ideal varieties:

• Nonstop: Vigorous, large-flowered hybrids in bright colors; bloom continuously. Great cascading habit.

• Whopper: Heat-tolerant with big 4-5 inch blooms. Stunning in baskets.

• Million Kisses: Early blooming with masses of petite blooms;trailing growth.

• Illumination: Vibrant bicolored blooms on a mounding, spreading plant.

• Cocktail/Bonfire: Medium-sized blooms in unique bicolor shades on trailing plants.

• Picotee: Beautifully edged blooms on vigorous, spreading plants.

• Trailing/Cascade: Selection of trailing types perfect for spilling over basket edges.

When selecting begonias for hanging baskets, prioritize trailing or cascading varieties with spreading growth habits that will beautifully spill over the sides. The most floriferous, vigorous varieties will give you the biggest flower display.

Preparing and Planting Your Hanging Begonia Basket

A properly prepared basket planted with young, healthy tubers or plants is key to growing thriving cascading begonias. Follow these tips:

• Choose a basket 10-14” wide and 6” deep for best results. Line wire baskets.

• Fill with well-drained potting mix for hanging plants. Improve drainage if needed.

• For tuberous begonias, start tubers indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside after danger of frost has passed.

• Plant tubers concave side up, 2” deep and 4-6” apart for full cascading effect. Or plant 3-5 young starter plants instead.

• Place plants along the edges as well as the center for maximum fullness. Gently firm soil.

• Water thoroughly after planting and let excess drain out the bottom.

Caring For Hanging Basket Begonias

With proper growing conditions and care, your basket begonias will thrive and flower profusely all season long. Here are the keys to success:

• Site begonia baskets in bright, filtered light or partial shade. Avoid hot midday sun.

• Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Don’t let plants wilt badly.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to fuel flowering and growth.

• Prune or train wayward stems for best cascading effect.

• Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers.

• Bring baskets indoors before frost if wanting to overwinter dormant tubers.

Troubleshooting Common Begonia Problems

Monitor your plants closely to catch issues early. Here are some potential problems and fixes:

• Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation. Remove infected parts promptly.

• Few/small flowers – Increase sun exposure and fertilize more regularly.

• Leggy growth – Prune long stems by 1/3 to encourage bushy regrowth.

• Wilting – Check soil and water thoroughly if dry. Don’t overwater.

• Leaf spots/holes – Treat fungal or bacterial diseases. Control pests like caterpillars.

Achieving Gorgeous Hanging Begonia Baskets

With the right begonia varieties, proper planting techniques, and attentive care, you can easily grow stunning cascading baskets filled with cheery flowers. Trailing tuberous begonias are sure to provide a spectacular display spilling gracefully over the edges all season long. Position them in bright, partially shaded spots and care for them properly to keep the blooms coming. Soon you’ll have beautiful hanging begonia baskets to enjoy!