How to plant potted begonia seedlings

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How to plant potted begonia seedlings

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 24 April 2019 at 3:00 pm

Begonias quickly bulk up into good-sized plants, from seedlings. Find out how to give them a helping hand, in our guide.

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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

Planting begonia seedlings - removing the seedlings from the pot

Gently knock the seedlings out of the pot. If the compost is dry, water it first, to soften it.

Step 2

Planting begonia seedlings - teasing the seedlings apart

Carefully tease the seedlings apart, using a pencil, holding the plants by their leaves.

Step 3

Planting begonia seedlings - planting the seedlings into a seed tray

Plant them individually into a cellular seed tray. Water well, allowing the water to drain.

Step 4

Planting begonia seedlings - planting the seedlings into 7cm pots

When roots are visible through the bottom of the tray, transplant plants into 7cm pots.

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