Begonias remain a popular choice among gardeners as they are reasonably priced, straightforward to cultivate, and with proper attention, provide abundant colorful flowers all season long.
Expert Advice from an RHS Gold Medal Winner
Lynne Dibley, an RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winning grower from Dibleys Nurseries in Ruthin, North Wales, revealed her leading tip for achieving the finest display from flowering begonias. Speaking to the Express from her vibrant stand in the Great Pavilion, she explained that regularly nourishing them with the correct fertilizer is essential to maintaining blooming plants.
The Secret: High-Potassium Feed
"Generally, for flowers you want a high-potassium feed. Something like a tomato feed is the simplest way of doing it," she said. "Once the plants are established in the pot, or wherever they are growing, just give them a regular high-potassium feed about once a fortnight."
Potassium assists plants in channeling energy towards flower production rather than foliage development, making it perfect for begonias, which can flower continuously for months when properly nourished.
The positive news is that flowering, or shrub begonias, are not as demanding as certain other varieties and will thrive in a broad range of gardens.
