Production
Many types of begonias are produced from cuttings because seed production can be challenging. Begonia seed is barely larger than dust particles, so it is incredibly challenging to work with. In 1873, Benary, a developer and breeder, introduced Magnifica, the first tuberous begonia from seed but it did not branch well so they were not easy to produce. In 1909, Benary introduced the world’s first heterosis (F1-hybrid) ornamental begonia, Begonia semperflorens ‘Prima Donna’ bred by Gustav Besoke. A F1-hybrid is the selective breeding of a plant by cross pollinating two different parent plants. The introduction of F1 hybrid begonias revolutionized the horticulture industry by allowing growers to produce begonias reliably on a commercial scale.
Types/classes
Since then many types of begonias have been commercially produced. Here are the major classes that you will see in North American garden retailers:
- Begonia semperflorens-cultorum or “wax begonias “are the most common. Plants are small (8-12”) mounds with rounded leaves and blooms. Flowers range from white to scarlet red.
- Begonia tuberosa (tuberous begonias) typically have large flowers in a broad color range. Flowers can be huge and double. Since the plants are monoecious, there are always both single (male) and double (female) flowers on the same plant. The leaves are usually asymmetrical, hairy or fuzzy and have a serrated edge.
- Begonia boliviensis is more heat tolerant than other types. The plant branches cascade down in hanging baskets or window boxes. The leaves are similar in shape to tuberous begonias but are narrower and smooth. The flower has long, strap-like petals forming a soft trumpet.
- Begonia hiemalis, also called elatior or Reiger begonia, typically have small to medium double flowers in a wide range of colors. These are often sold around the holidays.
- Begonia masoniana has bold color patterns on leaves that are textured with puckers and appear coarse.
- Begonia rhizomatous has thick, fleshy stems with large, colorful leaves. The leaves can be round or heavily lobed like a grape leaf. Some have small white flowers in the spring, and a few varieties bloom all summer.
- Begonia rex are grown for their beautiful leaves, which are quite hairy or fuzzy and usually covered with multicolored, intricate swirled designs.
- Begonia hybrida is used by plant breeders to show that a variety is a cross between two different classes.
In 1972, Nonstop Begonias became the first F1 hybrid tuberous begonia series from seed that featured a uniform, compact habit, double flowers in bright colors.
In 1998, Pin-Up Flame won an AAS award, a large bi-colored single flowered tuberosa begonia. Another introduction was the Big and Whopper Begonia series. These begonias provide colors all season, yet they are easy to grow. They thrive in both sun and shade, take little fertilization and only require about an inch of water per week. This allows them to be used in non-irrigated landscapes in much of the US.
Growing requirements
Due to the seed size and environmental requirements for germination, today’s begonias are usually grown by a professional grower in a greenhouse and sold as a small plant. Ounce for ounce, begonia seeds are more expensive than gold so special care must be taken with every seed. If you would like more information, here are several university sources for tips on growing begonias:
For more information
National Garden Bureau
Diane Blazek
Executive Director
