Begonia palmata ex. China
1 packet of approximately 100, naturally small, hand pollinated, fresh seeds.
The seeds we offer have been harvested from plants that originate from a collection from China. Begonia palmata is a highly variable, rhizomatous species that is native to the moist, shaded forests of Asia. This form produces chocolate brown, palmate foliage with a zingy lime green zone (especially bright on young growth), striking red undersides and white flowers in late summer into autumn. Height 40 cm. Part to full shade in a cool, sheltered position in moist, humus rich, well-drained soil. This plant has proven to be hardy to -5C if kept drier over winter with a winter mulch though we would recommend keeping your plants in a frost free greenhouse or indoors to overwinter as houseplants.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
We often get asked how to sow Begonia successfully. We find them easy but have been doing it for some years - the main thing is warmth, light and humidity. We use a peat-free compost with added horticultural sand and surface sow the tiny seeds as they need light to germinate. We could go into more detail but space won't permit so here is a good, detailed link for those who would like to give it a try: https://www.begonias.org/sowing-the-seeds/