Right then, for today's 5 Minute Friday blog and video, we're focusing on the Begonias – and specifically, we're planting up a fantastic begonia container. Now, this begonia container will feature two different colours, but also two different types. We're going to be using an upright begonia and a trailing begonia in the container. Now, they're both going into one pot, which might sound a bit odd for a trailing plant, but what's fantastic about this is it will trail over the side of the container and look absolutely brilliant. So, if you want colour throughout the summer, begonias are the perfect plant for this, and this container really will brighten up your garden or patio.
Choosing the right container. Now, size really does matter when it comes to choosing a container for a begonia planter. I particularly like to grow in a 20 to 30 centimetre container. This is absolutely perfect for getting a nice size display, but something that's not too big, especially if you're planting this up fairly early as it will need to be kept inside until the risk of frost has passed.
Selecting your compost.
Begonias prefer a well-drained soil, but something that will also retain some moisture. A good quality multi-purpose compost is perfect for this. If you want to add in a little bit more drainage, some perlite or vermiculite will work really, really well.
Timing is key.
The best time to plant begonias in the UK is mid-May to late June. This gives you most of the summer to enjoy the fantastic flowers, and hopefully, if the weather is good, the risk of frost will have passed. I personally would never plant outside earlier than June, as it's just not worth the risk. We can still get frost even as late as that.
Choosing your plants.
Now, I'm going to be using two different types of begonia: a trailing begonia and an upright begonia. For this, I'm choosing the colours that I think will work well together. So, for the upright begonia, I'm going to use a 'Sunbrero Upright', which is a lovely pure red. Around the edge of the container, I'll be using a 'Sunbrero Basket Begonia'. This is white and will really set off the fantastic red, and it will trail over the side of the container and look absolutely amazing.
Planting your begonias.
Add some compost. The first step is to add some compost to your container, filling it almost all the way to the top, leaving just a little bit of space.
Now, decide where your plants are going to be planted. The easiest way to do this is to place the plug plants on the surface of the compost so you can see how they look laid out. I'm going to be planting the upright begonia in the centre – so three plug plants in a triangle in the centre. And then I'm going to be planting the three trailing begonias around the outside, again in a triangle.
Now to plant. Now you've decided where the plug plants are going to go, it's time to plant them. The first step is to make a hole where each plug plant will go, just a little bit larger than the rootball. Now, drop the plug plant into the compost and tuck it in. Repeat that for all of the plants.
Now, all that's left to do is to give the container a really good water. A tip for this is to gently water over the top, wait until that has sunk in, and then repeat the process until water starts coming out of the base of the container.
Aftercare.
Begonias will not cope with frosts or cold weather. If you're in doubt about the temperature outside, leave your plants inside until the risk of frost and cold weather has passed.
As your plants start to grow, they will benefit from a light feed every couple of weeks during the growing season. The begonias will flower all the way until the first frosts.
Deadheading the begonias will encourage more flowers and will generally tidy up your plants, making them look fantastic. This container looks absolutely amazing either side of the door or on my patio.
Remember, I have used red and white begonias in this container, but go wild and get creative – you can use all the colours you like. All that you have to do is enjoy it!
