How to Grow Nonstop Scarlet Begonia

Nonstop Scarlet Begonia

Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Nonstop Scarlet'

flower

Nonstop Scarlet is a vibrant tuberous begonia cultivar prized for its brilliant scarlet-red flowers and continuous blooming throughout the growing season. This compact, bushy plant produces abundant double flowers and is ideal for beds, containers, and shaded gardens. It requires consistent moisture and protection from intense heat but rewards gardeners with weeks of spectacular color.

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Example Nonstop Scarlet Begonia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Nonstop Scarlet Begonia
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Nonstop Scarlet Begonia blooms
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nonstop Scarlet Begonia dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade, 3-5 hours of indirect sunlight daily; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage; reduce watering after flowering stops in fall

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Spacing: 10-12 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from planting tubers to first flowers

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Planting depth: Plant tubers 1 inch deep with the concave side up; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining, humus-rich loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost or aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 5-8 are ideal; in zones 3-4, lift tubers in fall and store indoors for winter; zones 9+ may struggle in summer heat without afternoon shade

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

Tuber Sprouting

2-4 weeks

Tubers are started indoors in moist soil; small shoots and roots emerge from the concave top

Keep soil warm (65-70°F) and moist; provide bright, indirect light; start 4-6 weeks before last frost date

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Seedlings develop true leaves and a branching stem structure; foliage becomes bushy and full

Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions; maintain consistent moisture; feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks; pinch stem tips to encourage branching

Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

First flower buds appear at stem tips; double scarlet flowers open with multiple layers of petals

Continue regular watering and feeding; remove any damaged or diseased foliage; ensure adequate light without direct sun stress

Peak Blooming

6-10 weeks or longer

Plant is covered in vibrant scarlet double flowers; continuous flowering throughout summer and early fall

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain consistent moisture; feed every 10-14 days with low-nitrogen fertilizer; monitor for pests

Dormancy Preparation

4-6 weeks before first frost

Flowering slows as temperatures cool and day length decreases; foliage may yellow and stems weaken

Gradually reduce watering; stop feeding; in zones 3-8, lift tubers before first hard frost; let stems dry, clean tubers, and store in cool (50-60°F), dry place for winter

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Impatiens Hostas Ferns Caladiums Astilbe Hellebores Coral bells Shade-tolerant groundcovers

Avoid planting near:

Roses Direct sun-loving perennials Plants requiring dry soil Mint Borage

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil if needed; remove infected leaves
Remove wet foliage; improve air circulation; reduce humidity; remove affected flowers and leaves promptly; apply fungicide if severe
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
Increase humidity by misting nearby plants; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if infestation is severe
and
Remove by hand; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; avoid overwatering which creates moist conditions they prefer

Uses

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Summer Bedding & Container Color

Ornamental

Nonstop Scarlet provides continuous, vibrant scarlet-red double flowers from summer through early fall, making it ideal for shaded flower beds, hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed container gardens. The compact, bushy habit keeps plantings neat and full. [source]

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Shade Garden Enhancement

Household

As a shade-tolerant flowering plant, Nonstop Scarlet brings bright color to difficult-to-plant areas under trees or on north-facing walls where few other flowering plants thrive. It adds visual interest and extends the blooming season in shaded landscapes. [source]

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Fresh Cut Flowers

Craft

The double scarlet flowers are suitable for cutting and arranging in small bouquets or mixed arrangements, though they have a moderate vase life of 5-7 days. Cut flowers in early morning and place in cool water immediately. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

While begonias are not a primary nectar source, their continuous flowers can attract occasional bees and other pollinators to the garden, providing supplemental forage in shaded areas where flowering plants are limited. [source]

Harvest Tips

Nonstop Scarlet is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. In zones 3-8, carefully dig up tubers after the first light frost, remove soil, allow them to dry in a warm location, and store in peat moss or sand in a cool (50-60°F), dry place over winter. In zones 9+, tubers may be left in ground if soil drains well.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nonstop Scarlet is a modern hybrid tuberous begonia that represents decades of breeding for continuous flowering and improved garden performance, unlike older tuberous begonia varieties that flower in waves.
🌱 Tuberous begonias are sensitive to temperature fluctuations; temperatures above 80°F in afternoon heat can cause flower and bud drop, which is why afternoon shade becomes essential in warmer zones.
🌱 The word 'tuberous' refers to the swollen underground stem (tuber) that stores nutrients, allowing the plant to survive dormancy and regrow the following year when properly stored over winter.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Last Frost Date Partial Shade True Leaves

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