How to Grow Great Begonias, From the Ground Up

Begonias thrive in porous, fast-draining soil. Mary Sakamoto of Orange Park Acres creates hers using equal parts of commercial planting mix, perlite, oak leaf mold and seedling bark.

* Add a granular, timed-release fertilizer to the potting mix before placing plant.

* Keep plant in a sheltered location, such as a covered patio or deck. Hanging plants should be protected from gusts of wind.

* Water when soil is dry to the touch. In warm months, plants may need watering every other day. Water in early morning so leaves can dry; this helps prevent mildew. Begonia enthusiasts recommend adding liquid fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength to water and applying once or twice a week during growing season. Sakamoto recommends a balanced formula of 20-20-20.

* Provide humidity by misting the plant in the morning. Also, hose down patio or deck area beneath the plants to add humidity to the air. Plants grown in containers can be placed on saucers with pebbles and water.

* As the plants grow, their roots fill the container. For best results, check every two months and pot up to the next size container when the roots are circling the plant. Change to the next size to prevent over-wet soil, which causes root rot.

* In February or March, begonias become dormant, and many varieties shed their leaves. This is the time to prune the plants by removing one-third to one-half of their growth. Begin fertilizing in spring when new growth appears.

Recommended varieties for Orange County:

* CANE BEGONIAS

Alice ‘n

Captain Hook

Irene Nuss

Jumbo Jet

Joy Quarter (cascades; good in hanging baskets)

Mary Sakamoto

Ripsaw

* REX BEGONIAS

Black Gold

Grey Ghost (new introduction this year; limited quantities)

Fireworks

Vivian Hill