Hanging Begonias

Hanging Begonia Flowers From K. van Bourgondien

The most popular options for hanging begonias have a trailing or cascading form. Few flowering plants look as stunning as hanging begonias in full bloom, dense with clusters of lush flowers and gorgeous foliage that tumble over the sides of their containers and window boxes. K. van Bourgondien offers hanging begonia cultivars in a range of colors, bloom sizes and growth habits, all at our everyday wholesale prices. For a wider assortment of begonias, explore our full selection of begonias today.

How to Care for Hanging Begonias

When planting begonias in a container, fill it with potting soil and then place the round side of the bulbs downward, about 1" below the surface. Allow 4-6" between bulbs and aim to plant 3-4 in a basket with a 16" diameter. Water well and keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Constantly soggy soil can cause root rot, damaging or even killing the plant if not rectified. To boost flowering, give the begonias some plant food, such as K. van Bourgondien 100% Natural Bulb Food, immediately after planting and every 4-6 weeks during the flowering period.

Hanging begonias perform best when they get bright but indirect light, particularly in the morning. They risk being burned if allowed to be in the hot midday or afternoon sun. Keep the begonia hanging basket in a warm, semi-shaded area. When all danger of frost has passed, begonias can be transplanted outdoors, if desired. Take care not to disturb the roots.

You can encourage lateral branching and bushier growth in hanging begonias by frequently trimming or pinching young growing tips. Consider varying the lengths of the stems to give plants a shapelier form. For more mature plants, occasionally remove some old stems to encourage new growth from the plant's base.

When to Plant Hanging Basket Begonias

Many people associate "begonia hanging basket" with summer-flowering plants that display big and colorful flowers, drooping stems and wing-shaped leaves. However, may types are decorative throughout the year, whether grown indoors in cooler climates or outdoors in warmer regions.

When you order begonias from K. van Bourgondien, they will be shipped to you in the spring and arrive at just the right time for potting. Move your hanging begonias outdoors when summer arrives but not until nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F. Put them where they will receive some morning sun but be protected from the hot, direct sunlight of a summer afternoon.

To save your hanging begonias for next year, remove them from their container before the first frost of fall. Shake off the soil and store them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Repeat the process in the following year.

Where to Plant Begonia Hanging Basket Flowers

Indoors, a begonia hanging basket should be placed near an east-facing window, where it can receive good morning light. For livelier leaf texture, keep the humidity level above 50%. Outdoors, a hanging begonia is at home on a covered porch or patio that protects it from direct, afternoon sunlight. If the begonia hanging plant receives too much light, its leaves begin to fade to a lighter green hue, so the plant should be moved to a shadier location. If the stems get particularly long and leggy, and start reaching for the source of light, the hanging begonia needs more sun and should be moved to a brighter spot.

How Often Do You Water Begonias in Hanging Baskets?

Evenly moist soil is recommended for hanging begonias. When growing indoors, water the begonia hanging plant whenever the top 1-2" of soil is dry to the touch. Begonias slow their growth during winter, so cut back on watering then and withhold fertilizer completely. A hanging begonia plant grown outdoors should be watered anytime the surface of the soil feels dry. Remember to check the soil every day or two during summertime because it dries quickly during hot weather. Always try to water the roots, not the flowers or foliage.