Wax Begonia in Zone 5a & 5b
Begonia semperflorens
When to plant wax begonia in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Wax Begonia needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 24–May 31 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 22–Aug 29 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-2 ft.
Wax begonia is the low, glossy-leaved bedding plant that flowers steadily from summer into autumn in shade.
How wax begonia fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Wax Begonia needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Wax Begonia.
Where to buy wax begonia seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Wax Begonia in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest