How to Grow Scarlet Begonia
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Scarlet Begonia
Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum
flowerScarlet begonias are compact, bushy flowering plants prized for their vibrant red blooms and attractive foliage. They are tender perennials typically grown as annuals in temperate climates, blooming continuously from spring through fall. These versatile plants thrive in containers, garden beds, and shaded borders.
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Example Scarlet Begonia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Begonia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Scarlet Begonia blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Year-round in zones 10-11; grow as annuals in cooler zones or overwinter indoors
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 small leaves emerge on soil surface
Keep soil moist and provide bright indirect light. Do not bury seeds. Maintain 65-75°F. Thin seedlings when they develop true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and green leaves; no flowers yet
Provide consistent moisture and indirect light. Pinch off the growing tip to encourage branching and bushier form. Apply balanced fertilizer weekly.
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear in clusters at leaf axils; plant reaches mature size
Continue consistent watering and light conditions. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer slightly and increase phosphorus to promote flowering. Watch for pest activity.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or longer with care)Abundant scarlet red flowers bloom in continuous clusters above foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain consistent moisture—drought stress reduces flowering. Continue regular fertilizing. Keep humidity moderate.
Decline/Dormancy
4-6 weeksFlowering slows in winter; foliage may yellow; growth halts in cold conditions
Reduce watering and fertilizing. If overwintering indoors, provide bright indirect light and cooler temps (55-65°F). Prune back leggy growth in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply neem oil or sulfur spray, remove affected foliage
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Reduce humidity, remove affected tissue, improve drainage, apply fungicide if severe
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Spray with insecticidal soap, spray water to dislodge, use reflective mulch
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil, use miticide if infestation is severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryBegonia flowers are mildly tart and edible, used as garnishes on salads and desserts for their striking color and subtle flavor. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Decor
HouseholdVibrant scarlet blooms are ideal for fresh cut flowers, containers, and garden displays, adding continuous color to indoor and outdoor spaces. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, begonia species have been used to treat minor skin irritations and inflammation, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeScarlet begonia flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinating insects, supporting local pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Crafts
CraftBegonia flowers can be pressed for dried flower crafts, herbals, and botanical art projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet begonias are ornamental flowers harvested for fresh arrangements. Pinch or cut clusters of flowers with sharp scissors, cutting just above a leaf node. Harvest in early morning for longest vase life (7-10 days). Regular harvesting and deadheading promotes continuous blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet begonias are named after the bright red scarlet color and are among the most popular bedding plants globally, bred for continuous blooming and compact growth.
- 🌱 Begonias have naturally unequal leaf halves (asymmetrical leaves), a distinctive feature that makes them easily recognizable and valued in interior plant collections.
- 🌱 The plant was first hybridized in Europe in the 1800s, combining Begonia semperflorens with other begonia species to create the vigorous, floriferous cultivars we grow today.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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