How to Grow Wax Begonia Lotto Series
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Wax Begonia Lotto Series
Begonia semperflorens
flowerThe Lotto Series is a popular wax begonia cultivar known for compact, mounding growth and prolific flowering throughout the season. These tender perennials produce small, waxy flowers in red, pink, or white and attractive bronze or green foliage, thriving as bedding plants in gardens and containers.
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Example Wax Begonia Lotto Series timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wax Begonia Lotto Series
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 Wax Begonia Lotto Series blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wax Begonia Lotto Series dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grown as annuals in zones 3-9; hardy perennials in zones 10-11. Best as tender annuals in cooler climates.
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Get my Wax Begonia Lotto Series timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seeds germinate into delicate, cotyledon-bearing seedlings with first true leaves emerging.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings or transplant to individual containers at 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact mounding form with increasingly abundant foliage. Bronze or green leaves expand steadily.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness if desired.
Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appear in leaf axils; small delicate flowers open in red, pink, or white depending on variety.
Ensure adequate light (at least 4 hours daily). Switch to slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent watering.
Full Bloom & Continuous Flowering
8-12 weeks until frost or end of seasonPlant is completely covered in waxy flowers. Lotto Series exhibits exceptional flower production and color intensity. Bronze foliage contrasts beautifully with blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming (though self-cleaning tendency reduces need). Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Reduce watering slightly if grown indoors.
Season End / Dormancy
Variable (frost-dependent)In cooler climates, frost kills plants. In warm zones, plants may slow growth or be overwintered indoors.
In zones 10-11, reduce watering and fertilizing in winter. In cooler zones, allow plants to be killed by frost or dig up and pot indoors before first frost for overwintering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Remove affected leaves. Isolate infested plants.
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Improve air circulation, reduce leaf wetness, apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Avoid overhead watering.
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Remove affected foliage, improve air circulation, reduce humidity, apply fungicide if severe. Avoid wetting foliage.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil every 5-7 days.
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryWax begonia flowers are edible and mildly sour, making them suitable for garnishing salads, desserts, and beverages. They add ornamental appeal and a delicate citrus note to culinary presentations. [source]
Bedding Plant & Container Gardening
HouseholdThe Lotto Series is widely used as a bedding plant for landscapes, flower borders, and containers due to its compact size, reliable flowering, and low maintenance requirements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalBegonias have been used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Used as a folk remedy for minor wounds and digestive issues. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe delicate flowers and attractive foliage are valued in fresh floral arrangements and pressed flower crafts, adding subtle color and texture to designs. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSmall delicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing a valuable food source throughout the growing season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Wax begonias are primarily grown for ornamental flowers and foliage rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to maintain appearance and encourage continuous blooming. Cut stems can be used in floral arrangements; flowers last several days in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wax begonias are called 'wax' because their leaves have a waxy, succulent appearance that protects them from water loss and gives them a distinctive glossy sheen.
- 🌱 The Lotto Series was specifically bred for exceptional cold and heat tolerance, making it one of the most reliable wax begonia series for variable climates.
- 🌱 Wax begonias continuously self-clean, meaning they naturally drop spent flowers without deadheading, though regular deadheading enhances appearance and flower production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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