•  Flowers
•  Brian Athens

Begonias appreciate a dose of balanced fertilizer. Only in case of a soil deficiency, go for a dedicated fertilizer rich in a specific nutrient.

 

Begonias, known for their vibrant and striking flowers, are typically described as heavy feeders. They need a consistent supply of nutrients to thrive and flourish.

 

Feeding has a crucial role in the overall health of the plant, as it replenishes the vital elements that may be depleted from the soil over time. Laying your hands on the best fertilizer for begonia is imperative to cater to its vast nutritional demands and ensure vigorous development.

 

To offer begonias optimal nourishment, you must provide them with a well-balanced and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This plant food must contain a balanced mix of essential macronutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K).

 

In addition, they must also have micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. With these vital nutrients, the right plant food for begonias promotes healthy and vibrant foliage, supports root development, and encourages abundant flowering in begonias.

 

While you can find many alternatives in the market, Jacks Classic is an excellent choice for begonia enthusiasts. Its comprehensive formulation offers a balanced potpourri of nutrients that cater to begonias needs, meeting its blooming potential and ensuring optimal growth.

 

But this is not the only alternative available. Continue reading as we take you through the nutritional needs of begonias and how to meet them.

 

 

Are Begonias Acid-Loving Plants?

Yes, all kinds of Begonias are acid-loving plants. They thrive in slightly acidic soil conditions and cherish a pH between 5.5 to 6.5.

 

Acidic soil is conducive for begonias to maintain optimal growth and absorb vital nutrients. An alkaline soil hinders nutrient availability and results in nutrient deficiencies.

 

Hence, you must employ the best food for begonias exquisitely formulated for acid-loving plants, or alter the soil with potting mix or organic matter to maintain the desired acidity level for begonias.

 

Failure to do so can further reduce the short lifespan of begonias.

 

Begonia Nutritional Needs

Begonias have specific nutritional needs, typically categorized into micro, macro, and secondary nutrients.

 

Begonias need the micronutrients in minute quantities. It comprises copper, manganese, iron, zinc, molybdenum, chlorine, and boron. These nutrients aid the plant in different physiological processes.

 

Further, they also require fertilizer to get an adequate amount of macronutrients. The plants need them in larger quantities. These include Potassium, Phosphorous, and Nitrogen, which promote root development, flowering, and overall growth.

 

Lastly, some secondary nutrients, such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, are also necessary for begonias. These aid in enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and cell structure.

 

Best Plant Food For Begonias

Below, we will address the six best options for fertilizing your begonias. Use them while planting begonias or thereafter as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Epsom Salt Good For Begonias or Any Other Item Like Coffee Grounds, Egg Shells, etc.?

 

Coffee grounds, Epsom salt, and eggshells are commonly talked about natural ways for begonia plant care. However, their suitability and effectiveness for begonias may vary. Let us discuss them one by one:

 

1. Epson Salt: It is rich in sulfur and magnesium. They are vital for plants. While magnesium deficiency can affect plant growth, begonias do not usually have a high magnesium requirement.

 

So using Epsom salt as a plant food might not offer significant benefits unless you note a specific deficiency in the soil.

 

2. Coffee grounds: They have high nitrogen content. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. Also, coffee grounds can be acidic, and begonias thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

 

Hence, you must use coffee grounds sparingly or compost them before adding them to the soil to avoid disrupting the pH balance.

3. Eggshells: Crushed eggshells are a calcium source. They play a crucial role in cell development and support plant health. Incorporating crushed eggshells into the soil offer a slow-release calcium source.

 

But begonias are not particularly calcium-demanding plants. Hence, using eggshells as a soil amendment has a minimal impact unless you note a calcium deficiency.

 

When To Fertilize Begonia?

 

For healthy growth and development, fertilize the begonias at the appropriate times. You must get your hands on the best fertilizers for begonias while planting them. It gives them a good start.

 

This initial feeding supports early growth and helps establish robust roots. Further, begonias benefit from regular fertilization during the active growing period, typically from spring to summer.

 

So, you must feed them every 14 to 28 days. It helps cater to the plant’s nutrient requirements. But please consider the specific fertilizer instructions and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly.

 

However, you must not feed or lower the feeding during the winter. It is when the plants are dormant. Hence, they need lesser nutrition.

 

How To Fertilize Begonias?

 

Feeding begonias demands a careful approach to ensure they receive the nutrients they seek sans inflicting any harm on them.

 

Experts usually recommend water-soluble options for the begonias. Dilute the fertilizers as per the package instructions. Further, using a sprayer or watering can feed your plants. Apply the plant foods evenly around the plant’s base, ensuring it does not come in direct contact with the leaves to avoid burning.

 

If you are using fertilizer capsules or spikes, simply insert it in the pot or ground and forget about it. It will slowly work its magic through.

 

In case of granular fertilizer, sprinkle it around the base of the plant but not too close to the main stem. Check the package instruction, whether to water them afterward or not.

 

 

How To Choose The Best Feed For Begonias?

 

When picking a fertilizer for begonias, please take into account the below-listed factors:

 

1. Soil conditions: Assess the soil’s pH level and overall quality. Begonias cherish slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, make amendments before applying fertilizer.

 

2. Nutrient insufficiencies: Look for specific nutrient deficits in the begonias. Common deficiencies include magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen. Inspect for signs like poor flowering, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves, and then pick a plant food that addresses the specific deficiencies to rectify these issues.

 

3. Balanced NPK vs. specific nutrient-based products: Decide whether you wish to employ a balanced plant food with similar or equal NPK ratios or prefer a targeted NPK product.

 

Balanced plant food offers overall nourishment, while specific nutrient-based products cater to particular needs, such as bloom boosters with high phosphorous content to support flowering.

 

4. Synthetic vs. organic fertilizers: Consider whether you desire synthetic or organic feeds. Organic plant foods are sourced from natural sources. They better soil quality and improve soil health over time. On the contrary, synthetic fertilizers deliver nutrients fast but pose a risk of nutrient run-off.

 

5. Application method:  Lastly, assess the most suitable application method for your needs. You can use liquid fertilizers, granular slow-release fertilizers, or fertilizer spikes. Choose a technique that aligns with your gardening preferences and the specific requirements of your begonias.

 

Employing these factors, you can select the best feed for your begonias to ensure they receive the nutrients for healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant blooms.