How to Plant Red Leaf Begonias
- 1). Amend the soil where you are planting the red leaf begonia by spreading 2 to 3 inches of rich, decayed organic matter on top of the ground. Use a shovel and thoroughly work the organic matter into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Amending the planting soil improves drainage and adds nutrients. No further fertilizing will be needed later.
- 2). Dig a hole for each red leaf begonia that is just large enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant. Red leaf begonias have shallow roots and do not need a deep planting hole. Space the plant holes about 12 inches apart.
- 3). Place the root ball of the red leaf begonia in the plant hole, and cover the roots with the amended soil. Gently pat down the soil when done to eliminate any air pockets in the soil.
- 4). Water the newly planted red leaf begonia after planting. Thereafter, when the soil becomes slightly dry, water the plants to keep the soil evenly moist. Red leaf begonias can tolerate some drought, but thrives if kept in moist soil.
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