Begonia is a perennial grown for its blooms, which open from spring through fall and return year after year. Notably, it shrugs off deer and grows just as well in a container as in the ground. Its flowers are a modest draw for honeybees.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sun
Part Sun
Days to Maturity
112
Score Begonia on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether begonia actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score begonia against your land's real conditions.
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What Begonia is
Begonia grows as a perennial and reaches around a foot at maturity. It blooms from spring through fall. It's also deer-resistant and well suited to containers.
How to grow Begonia
Begonia does best in part sun — at least 4 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5.5 to 6.5, on well-drained ground. It needs around 1,100 growing degree days to mature and a growing season of at least 80 frost-free days, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
5.5 - 6.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Part Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Days to Maturity
112 days
plant_species_v5.csv
GDD Required
1100+
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
1 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
80+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant begonia in part sun with at least 4 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Begonia prefers pH 5.5 to 6.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Harvest at its peak
Cut begonia blooms in the cool of the morning, just as they open, for the longest display.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — begonia is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Begonia offers low value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Begonia thrives
Whether begonia thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Begonia will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether begonia actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Begonia in my zone?
Zone data for begonia is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Begonia?
Most growers plant begonia after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed, leaving enough of the season for its 80-day frost-free need. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Begonia need?
Begonia does well in partial sun — around 4 hours of direct sun, and it takes some afternoon shade in stride. That flexibility makes it a good match for a bed the house or a nearby tree shades for part of the day. A Growable Ground report maps how the sun actually falls on your land, hour by hour, so you can set it where the light lines up.
What soil does Begonia need?
Begonia prefers soil pH 5.5 to 6.5, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Begonia attract pollinators?
Yes — begonia's flowers are a modest nectar source for honeybees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Begonia safe for pets?
Begonia is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.