Wax Begonia in Zone 10a & 10b
Begonia semperflorens
Yes, wax begonia grows in zones 10a and 10b. Start seeds indoors Nov 7–Nov 14 and plant out Feb 13–Feb 20.
When to plant wax begonia in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Nov 7–Nov 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 13–Feb 20 |
| Estimated bloom | May 14–May 21 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 10b
These go outside within two weeks of wax begonia in zone 10b, so one planting day can cover them.
- MarigoldFeb–May
- Black-Eyed Susan VineFeb 13–Feb 20
- Cleome (Spider Flower)Feb 13–Feb 20
- ColeusFeb 13–Feb 20
- ImpatiensFeb 13–Feb 20
- LantanaFeb 13–Feb 20
Wax begonia is the low, glossy-leaved bedding plant that flowers steadily from summer into autumn in shade.
How wax begonia fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Wax begonia needs about 90 days from transplant to first bloom.
Wax Begonia planting windows in every zone
Zone 10b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | Sep 11–Sep 18 |
| 4a & 4b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | Aug 27–Sep 3 |
| 5a & 5b | Feb 15–Feb 22 | May 24–May 31 | Aug 22–Aug 29 |
| 6a & 6b | Jan 31–Feb 7 | May 9–May 16 | Aug 7–Aug 14 |
| 7a & 7b | Jan 16–Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 8a & 8b | Dec 31–Jan 7 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jul 7–Jul 14 |
| 9a & 9b | Nov 23–Nov 30 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 30–Jun 6 |
| 10a & 10b (your zone) | Nov 7–Nov 14 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | May 14–May 21 |
| 11a & 11b | Oct 9–Oct 16 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | Apr 15–Apr 22 |
Bloom dates are about 90 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for wax begonia.
Where to buy wax begonia seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries wax begonia seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing wax begonia" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Wax Begonia in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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