Here I am a stray from the sewing board with a question about my wax begonias. What is the best fertilizer for them? 20 20 20 doesnt seem to keep them blooming very much.

get 'bloom food'.... it has a higher middle number .... the high first number makes leaves at the expense of the creation of flowers.... small first number, large-ish middle number, lesser third number.....read here...

http://www.gardenguides.com/10...lowering-plants.html

the 1-2-1 mix is pretty good.... but if you are wanting a real show, go for one of those with the bigger middle number....but these need to be started early in the season for best result....

Like any other annual, your begonia will do well given a fertilizer such as Miracle Gro 15/30/15. Do this about once every two weeks.

I'm surprised they are not blooming well, they usually bloom their heads off and that's why they make such a standout for bedding enmasse

If it gets real hot flowering will lose energy so when the days get a little cooler they will perk back up. Keeping them moist will help.

Thank you both so much. It IS very hot here...very hot but I knew there was something about the numbers of the fertilizer that I didnt know. Thanks again.

TL, I just have regular begonias but we are HOT down here....been in the high 90s & 100s. My begonias have bloomed like crazy all summer. The heat hasn't bothered them at all.
I did, however, feed them in early spring & again last month.

Mine were blooming their heads off...so much so that I moved them into a better spot and one I could see more often and they just quit blooming. I cant figure it out unless its a different soil...I dont think so but something is going on. They were just gorgeous but not any more. We still have 2 months or more of blooming season and I wanted to enjoy them.

YOur question has been answered...just wanted to add that they are a go-to annual here. Usually do well regardless of the weather...and surprise, I have sometimes had them overwinter in the garden.

ve

I've been over wintering mine in my garden house. They will bloom all winter too...just not as many blooms.