How to Care for Miniature Begonias

Start outdoor miniature begonias in the spring, when air and soil temperatures warm to 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the plants can grow through the winter in some situations, they do best with spring starts.

Choose outdoor sites with dappled sun or morning sun and afternoon shade for these shade-loving plants. Use sites with quick, efficient drainage and good airflow. If you want your begonias in containers, use 3-gallon and larger pots with drainage holes. Keep the pots in areas with appropriate lighting.

Amend outdoor beds to a depth of 5 inches with 3 inches of organic compost for loose, moist bedding. Use a mix of one part organic compost and one part quick-draining potting or garden soil for pots. Begonias don't tolerate drought and require moisture-retaining soil mixes. Mix 5-10-10 fertilizer into the soil according to the manufacturer's directions for starting nutrition.

Plant miniature begonias every 6 to 8 inches in both beds and pots. The plants spread quickly to fill in the empty space.

Water begonias with 2 inches of water once a week, and allow some drying between waterings. Don't let the begonias go dry for long, as they'll lose their blooms and foliage.