Wax Begonia in Zone 3a & 3b
Begonia semperflorens
Yes, wax begonia grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Mar 7–Mar 14 and plant out Jun 13–Jun 20.
When to plant wax begonia in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b 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 | Mar 7–Mar 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 13–Jun 20 |
| Estimated bloom | Sep 11–Sep 18 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-2 ft.
Before you plant: Zone 3b's first fall frost usually comes close to or before the bloom. See the details below.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of wax begonia in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumJun 6–Jun 13
- MarigoldJun 6–Jun 13
- Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)Jun 13–Jun 20
- Black-Eyed Susan VineJun 13–Jun 20
- Cleome (Spider Flower)Jun 13–Jun 20
- ColeusJun 13–Jun 20
Wax begonia is the low, glossy-leaved bedding plant that flowers steadily from summer into autumn in shade.
How wax begonia fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Wax begonia needs about 90 days from transplant to first bloom.
Frost risk in zone 3b: Bloom usually starts about 6 days after zone 3b's average first frost (September 5), and wax begonia is damaged by even a light frost. It's close: an average date means frost comes earlier about half the time, so pick a faster-maturing variety if you can and be ready to cover plants on cold nights. (Frost tolerance and protection advice: Purdue Extension.)
Wax Begonia planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b 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 (your zone) | 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 | 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 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Wax Begonia in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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