Non Stop Begonia

If you want a flower that brings constant color to your garden, look no further than the non stop begonia. This continuously blooming vibrant plant lives up to its name, offering a spectacular show from spring straight through fall frost.

These are not your typical begonias. The Non Stop series is a type of tuberous begonia bred for exceptional performance. They thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds, providing reliable color with minimal fuss. Let’s look at how you can grow these stunning flowers successfully.

The Non Stop begonia is a hybrid plant that sets the standard for long-lasting blooms. It was developed to solve a common problem: many tuberous begonias could be fussy or have gaps in flowering. This variety changed the game.

Here’s what makes them special:

Flower Power: They produce double or semi-double flowers that resemble roses or camellias.
Color Range: You can find them in warm shades like yellow, orange, red, and pink, as well as crisp white.
Compact Habit: The plants are self-branching and stay neat, usually between 8 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Heat Tolerance: They handle summer heat better than many other shade-loving annuals, as long as they have enough moisture.

Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Begonias

Light is the most important factor for success. Get this right, and your begonias will reward you generously.

Ideal Light Conditions:

Filtered Shade or Morning Sun: This is the sweet spot. Aim for a location that gets gentle morning sunlight but is protected from harsh afternoon rays.
Under Trees: The dappled light beneath a tree canopy is perfect.
North or East-Facing Exposure: These aspects typically provide the mild light conditions begonias prefer.

Light to Avoid:

Strong, direct afternoon sun will scorch the leaves and flowers.
Deep, full shade will result in fewer blooms and leggy growth as the plant stretches for light.

Planting Your Non Stop Begonias Step-by-Step

You can start with tubers or purchase young plants from a nursery. Here’s how to plant them correctly.

Starting from Tubers

Timing: Start tubers indoors about 3 months before your last expected frost date.
Planting: Place the tuber in a shallow pot with the concave (hollow) side facing up. Just barely cover it with potting mix.
Watering: Water lightly at first. Increase watering as you see growth emerge.
Moving Outside: Acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting after all danger of frost has passed.

Planting in Garden Beds or Containers

Soil: Use well-draining, rich soil. For pots, a quality potting mix is essential. Amend garden soil with compost.
Spacing: Space plants about 8 to 10 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
Depth: Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pot.
Watering In: Give them a thorough drink after planting to settle the soil.

Essential Care for Continuous Blooms

Consistent care is simple but key to keeping the flower show going non-stop.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. In hot weather, container plants may need daily watering.

Feeding:
These heavy bloomers are hungry plants. Feed them every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. A formula like 10-10-10 or one slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number) will support all those vibrant flowers.

Deadheading:
While the Non Stop series is good at shedding spent blooms, occasional deadheading keeps them looking tidy. Simply pinch off the old flower and its stem where it meets the main plant. This encourages the plant to produce more buds instead of putting energy into seed production.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even easy plants can have issues. Here’s how to address common concerns.

Few or No Flowers:
This is almost always due to insufficient light. Try moving your plant to a brighter location with indirect light. Over-fertilizing with a high-nitrogen formula can also cause lush leaves at the expense of blooms.

Yellowing Leaves:
This can have a few causes. Overwatering is a common one. Check that your soil drains well. Underwatering or a lack of nutrients can also cause yellow leaves. It’s important to assess your watering habits first.

Powdery Mildew:
This white, powdery fungus appears on leaves in humid conditions with poor air flow. Prevent it by watering at the soil level, providing adequate spacing between plants, and choosing resistant varieties. If it appears, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.

Overwintering Your Begonia Tubers

In colder climates, you can save your begonia tubers to replant next spring. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite plants year after year.

After Frost: After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stems back to about 2 inches.
Digging Up: Carefully dig up the tubers, brushing off excess soil. Let them dry in a well-ventilated, shaded spot for about a week.
Storage: Place the dried tubers in a box filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or dry sand. Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place where temperatures stay between 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Check Periodically: Look at them once a month to ensure they are not shriveling or rotting.

Design Ideas for Non Stop Begonias

Their versatility makes them a designer’s favorite. Here are some ways to use them:

Container Masterpiece: Plant a single color in a pot for a bold statement, or mix colors for a festive look. They are excellent thrillers or fillers in mixed containers.
Hanging Baskets: Their trailing habit and constant blooms make them perfect for baskets on a shady porch.
Shade Garden Bed: Mass plant them at the front of a border for a sweeping carpet of color. They pair beautifully with ferns, hostas, and heuchera.
Edging Plant: Line a shaded pathway with them for a cheerful, defined edge all season long.

FAQ About Non Stop Begonias

Are Non Stop begonias annuals or perennials?
They are tender perennials, typically grown as annuals in most climates. You can overwinter the tubers indoors as described above.

How often do you water non stop begonias?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. The goal is consistent moisture. They may need water daily in hot, dry weather, especially in containers.

Can non stop begonias take full sun?
No, they prefer filtered shade or morning sun. Strong afternoon sun will damage their leaves and flowers, causing them to look washed out or scorched.

Why are my begonia’s leaves turning brown?
Brown leaf edges often indicate under-watering or low humidity. Crispy brown spots can be sunburn. Ensure they are in the right light and receiving adequate water.

Do I need to deadhead non stop begonia plants?
It’s not strictly necessary for continued blooming, but it greatly improves the plant’s appearance. Removing spent flowers keeps the plant looking fresh and neat.

With their reliable nature and spectacular display, Non Stop begonias are a fantastic choice for any gardener seeking long-lasting color. By providing the right light, consistent moisture, and regular food, you’ll be able to enjoy there continuously blooming vibrant flowers from the warmth of spring until the chill of autumn. They truly are a workhorse in the shaded garden, offering more color with less effort than many other plants available today.