Wax Begonia’s ( Begonia semperflorens Scarlet ) are a perennial flowering plant; that are native to Brazil. Wax Begonia’s are really beautiful when they are in full bloom. In temperate climates, they grow as an annual and will bloom from spring to autumn; however in tropical climates they can flower all year round. This species is popular as both an outdoor and indoor plant, due to its small size and coloured flowers.
In the garden, Begonia semperflorens is often used as a border plant and attracts bees and other beneficial insects; and unlike so many other annuals; this one can thrive in full shade conditions. The colour included in this listing is Begonia semperflorens Scarlet.
Other common names for this species are Bedding Begonia; Fibrous Rooted Begonias; Wax Leaf Begonia and Begonia Ambra.
Our other Wax Begonia varieties include White, Rose, Salmon and a combined Mix of all four.
Growth
This species is a perennial in warm temperate; sub-tropical & tropical climates but can be grown as an annual or indoors in cool temperate or colder climates. Wax Begonia is a small mounding, symmetrically growing plant that reaches around 20-30 cm’s tall and wide.
The leaves are circular and concave; and can range from green to bronze to a reddish colour and the species flowers profusely, the gorgeous flowers are long flowering and create a blanket of scarlet colour.
The plant can grow in a full sun location; but it does prefer a shady position in the garden. Begonias are quite drought tolerant once established; a well-draining, nutrient rich soil is best and regular fertilising during blooming; will reward you with a thriving plant.
Prune back in late winter to early spring if it gets leggy; to keep it neat and tidy.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Begoniaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 38°C / 32 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Full Shade to Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (21 foot)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (21 foot)
pH:
5.8-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Annual in cooler regions.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light- Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees. Monoecious
MATURITY:
As early as the first season, depending on climate and sowing season.
GERMINATION RATES:
72-86% – Intermediate to experienced growers.
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 80,000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Some species of Begonia are said to have medicinal qualities.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, flowers – but not in large quantities.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS SCARLET (Wax Begonia)
The Genus was named after a French botanist; Michel Begon and the species; semperflorens means ‘ever flowering’.
There are more than 1,800 recognised species of Begonia in the world and this makes it the largest Genus of flowering plants and the leaves and flowers of some of these species are edible, however; large quantities can be toxic.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS (Wax Begonia)
NOTE: If starting Begonia seeds in a temperate climate and would like them to flower the same year, they are best started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to spring. This may require extra care though as light quality is generally not great during winter and Begonia’s need at least 12 hours of good light to germinate. Artificial lighting may be necessary, or you could end up with very low or no germination … or leggy seedlings.
Step 1
Sterilise / disinfect the seedling tray or pots you intend to use before you start sowing with a 10% bleach solution.
Step 2
Prepare your soil. You can use either a seed raising mix or a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite or perlite, that is well draining.
Surface sow the seeds. Begonia seeds are tiny, so this is very difficult to do by hand; sprinkling the seeds straight from the packet is easier (or tipping them onto a piece of white paper first).
Do not cover the seeds because this species needs light to reach the seeds to germinate and being so tiny; can get very little sunlight even with a very thin layer of medium on top.
Step 3
Water with either a spray bottle or very light misting hose that will not disturb the seeds you have just sown. The soil is moistened after sowing to assist in gently pressing the seeds into the soil, so that they make contact with the medium – you can do this by hand on pre-moistened medium, but they stick to your fingers; so you can lose seeds this way.
Soil should be moist but never wet, as this can rot or mould your seeds.
Place your tray or pot inside a mini greenhouse or cover them with plastic kitchen wrap; to create a tropical microclimate – keeping in mind that this species is native to tropical regions.
Move to a warm, full sun or partial shade position (if available in your zone) or in a well-lit room / on a windowsill where they will receive at least 12 hours of good light a day. During winter a heat mat and artificial lighting will be necessary for successful results.
Keep moist throughout the entire germination process.
Ideal temperature for germination is 22-26°C/ 72-80°F and should not drop below 15°C / 60°F.
Seeds should germinate if kept in ideal conditions within 2-4 weeks.
Step 4
Seedlings are tiny to begin with and almost look like little green mossy specs. It can take several weeks before they look like seedlings and are strong enough to be handled for transplanting up.
Once several seedlings have emerged you can remove a corner of your kitchen wrap or open your mini greenhouse vent to allow some air circulation. This will help them adapt to the outdoor environment and also help prevent any mould and bacterial growing, that can harm your seedlings.
When transplanting your seedlings, continue them in the same environment you were providing them; otherwise, they may go into shock and die.
Acclimatising should be done slowly.
Step 5
Plant out into garden once any chance of frost has passed and the nighttime temperatures do not go below 10°C / 50°F, as this species is NOT frost tolerant and all of your hard work could be wasted.
Wax Begonias prefer a shaded position in the garden but will cope in full sun in most climates – can be susceptible to burning in drier climates.
Regular fertilising with a diluted liquid fertiliser will keep your Begonia’s thriving.
Space between plants should be approximately 30 cm’s / 1 foot apart.
