Begonia Seeds: The World's Largest Plant Genus, Grown from Seed

With well over 2,000 accepted species, Begonia ranks among the largest genera of flowering plants on Earth, and begonia seeds remain the only practical route for collectors to access most of that diversity. The genus is pantropical, spanning the humid forests of Southeast Asia, tropical Africa and the Americas, with remarkable concentrations of endemism in Borneo, southern China, Vietnam and the Atlantic forest of Brazil. New species are still being described every year, many of them narrow endemics restricted to a single limestone hill or river valley. Growing begonia from seed gives access to true botanical species and wild forms that are rarely, if ever, offered as established plants.

Why Begonia Seed Is Unlike Any Other

Begonia seed is among the finest of any cultivated plant — genuinely dust-like, with a single capsule releasing many thousands of grains barely visible to the naked eye. This has direct consequences for handling. Begonia seeds are photoblastic: they require light to germinate and must be sown on the surface of the medium and never covered. Because the seedlings emerge microscopic, they depend on constant surface moisture and high humidity for the first weeks, which is why sowing under a closed cover is standard practice. Growers who treat begonia seed like conventional seed — burying it, letting the surface dry — almost always fail, while those who respect its requirements find germination straightforward.

The Main Begonia Groups

Horticulturally the genus is divided by growth habit, and each group behaves differently from seed. Rhizomatous begonias, including the ornamental-leaved Begonia rex types, creep along the surface and are prized for foliage patterning rather than flowers. Cane-like begonias, the so-called angel wing group, build tall jointed stems and pendulous flower clusters. Tuberous begonias such as Begonia boliviensis form underground storage organs and demand a dry winter rest. Shrub-like and trailing species complete the picture, alongside the terrarium begonias from Asian limestone habitats that have driven much of the recent collector interest in the genus.

Sowing Begonia Seeds Successfully

Sow onto a fine, sterile, moist medium in a covered container, pressing nothing into the surface. Maintain 22–26°C with bright indirect light and near-saturated humidity; germination typically begins within two to four weeks, though some species take considerably longer. Water only from below or by fine mist, since a direct stream will displace seed and seedlings alike. Ventilate gradually once true leaves appear, and prick out only when the seedlings can be handled without damage — usually at three to four leaves. Patience matters more than technique: the first months are slow, after which growth accelerates markedly.

Whether you are building a species collection, working with terrarium subjects, or breeding your own hybrids, Begonia seeds open a range of the genus that no plant nursery can match. All seed in this collection is supplied with correct botanical identification and full export documentation where required.

• Over 2,000 species across tropical Asia, Africa and the Americas
• Dust-fine seed requiring surface sowing and light to germinate
• Covers rhizomatous, cane-like, tuberous, Rex-type and terrarium species
• Seed access to wild forms and narrow endemics unavailable as plants
• Ideal for species collectors, terrarium growers and hybridisers