How to Transplant a Begonia

Worried about how and when begonia plants should be transplanted? Don't be. Just follow these simple steps to make transplanting a quick and easy process.

Step 1 – When to Transplant

For begonias kept indoors during the winter (either tuberous or in begonias in pots), transplanting outdoors after frost is gone in the spring is one way to do it. New begonia plants can also be transplanted in the fall, which gives the plants enough time to develop roots. Indoor plants that will remain indoors, or potted plants to go outdoors, can be transplanted anytime – but be careful to minimize transplant shock, which always occurs.

Step 2 – Prepare the New Location

If the begonia will be transplanted to an outdoors location, prepare the soil about 7 to 10 to days before planting by adding aged manure or compost and mix into the soil. On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia’s root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia).

If the plant will be housed in another pot or container, fill it with planting medium – equal parts peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground limestone to control humidity (per coffee can size of planting medium). Mix well, moisten thoroughly, and the planting medium is ready to use.

Caution: take care with the begonia – don’t bend or break delicate stems.

Step 3 – Remove Begonia From Current Pot Or Location

Again, depending on where the begonia is currently situated, use garden shovel or a transplanting tool – such as spoon handle or popsicle stick, or stamp lifter for begonia seedlings to be transplanted – to lift the begonia from its pot or location.

Step 4 – Transplant

Immediately transplant the begonia in the new location that’s already been prepared.

Note on bare root begonias: Transplanting bare roots should be accomplished as soon as possible after purchase. Gently spread roots and work into soil as you plant into suitable holes.

Step 5 – Water

In all cases, water the transplanted begonia well and protect it from direct sun until it is firmly established.

Choice Of Pots

When selecting pots or containers for transplanting begonias, be sure there’s adequate drainage. Begonias do not like “wet feet.” Purchase pots or containers that already have drainage holes to the sides of the bottom. You don’t want holes directly on the bottom, which won’t allow anywhere for excess water to drain. Broken clay pot shards or a mesh screen placed at the bottom of the container will prevent potting soil from leaking out with the water.

When transplanting begonias, plan in advance to have all the tools and materials ready, choose the appropriate time, prepare the soil or planting medium, transplant, and then water and protect the newly-transplanted begonia from direct sun until it’s firmly established.