How to create a Begonia planter?

Begonias begonias are stunning, vigorous plants that produce abundant and spectacular blooms for several months. There is a multitude of begonia varieties: trailing, single-flowered, double-flowered, yellow, red, white... there's something for every planter and every combination. Moreover, these flowers require little maintenance and are undemanding. Discover our step-by-step tutorial for creating a beautiful begonia planter.

Before you begin: when to create this begonia planter?

Begonias are sensitive to cold, so wait until the last frosts have passed before planting begonia bulbs, typically in May. You can also start as early as February by keeping the planter under cover.

1- Choosing the right container and drainage:

Begonias struggle with excess moisture. Choose a planter 45 to 60 cm long with drainage holes. If there are no holes, you can drill them using a drill or a sharp object (such as a screwdriver) and a hammer.
Place a layer of clay pebbles to improve drainage.

clay pebbles, drainage layer, well-drained planter

2- Adding potting compost

Select a special planter compost or geranium compost. These composts are particularly suitable and will provide essential nutrients for your begonias' growth. Avoid so-called "universal" or very cheap composts.
Fill your planter halfway.
Water the compost thoroughly, preferably with rainwater, using a sprayer.
We chose to add a woodland sage (Salvia Nemerosa 'April Night') to our planter to add colour while waiting for the begonias to develop. Check that the sage root ball is moist. If not, soak it for 30 minutes, then remove the pot and plant the sage in the centre of the planter.

creating a spring planter, planters

3- Add your begonia bulbs

Choose healthy-looking begonia bulbs. Place them with the pointed end upwards. Here, we positioned two Begonia bulbs on either side of the sage, in a staggered arrangement.

begonia bulb, planting bulbs, begonias

4- Cover and water

Cover your begonias with compost and firm it down well to ensure the roots make proper contact with the soil. Also firm the compost around the sage.
Water your planter generously with a fine spray, using a watering can or sprayer, until water drains from the bottom.

making a planter, planting begonia bulbs

5- Maintenance and overwintering

Water your planter regularly when the soil dries out, but avoid overwatering, keeping the compost moist but not waterlogged. Be vigilant during hot spells.
Water directly at the base of the plants and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Place your planter in sun or partial shade. Avoid scorching midday sun, especially in hot regions.
Begonias are frost-sensitive. To keep your planter flowering, you can bring it indoors during winter, placing it in a bright, well-ventilated room and reducing watering. This way, begonias can be overwintered for several years.
In spring, repot your begonias and sage to refresh their compost and provide new nutrients.
Apply regular doses of liquid fertiliser or use slow-release fertilisers like Osmocote® Exact 6-month cones.