![]() ![]() Looking for growing, overwintering and variety tips? Read our expert advice on how to grow begonias. The name Begonia refers to a genus with around 1300 species. So, whether you plan to eat your begonias or prefer just to feast with your eyes, order your tubers in plenty of time to enjoy a long season of blooms. Species (4 most common): Begonia coccinea, Begonia foliosa, Begonia grandis, Begonia obliqua, Begonia cucullata Types: There are several common types of begonias, including tuberous begonias, rex, angel wings, wax, and winter-flowering varieties. And for a striking, ruffled picotee, try ‘ Giant Picotee Blush’. One of the largest tuberous begonias is ‘ Prima Donna‘ with enormous frilled blooms on compact upright stems.įor a cascading variety you won’t go wrong with ‘ Apricot Shades’ or Begonia ‘Funky Pink’. Simply choose the form that you prefer – upright, trailing, single-flowered, double-flowered, picotee, frilly-edged, and more. Available in a wide range of colours, they flower from early summer until the first frosts. Tuberous begonias are tender perennials, and the mainstay of many summer displays. Of course, if you don’t fancy munching on begonias you can still enjoy them in your garden. Image: Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Giant Picotee Blush’ from Suttons (©Thompson & Morgan) These sumptuous two-toned flowers are the palest pink with a cerise edge How to harvest and prepare edible flowers Not sure if your flower is edible? If in doubt – don’t eat it. ![]() Anyone who suffers from pollen allergies might also prefer to avoid eating edible flowers altogether. Like many leafy green vegetables, begonia flowers and stems contain the organic compound oxalic acid and are best avoided by sufferers of gout, kidney stones and rheumatism. The stems can be eaten in the same way as rhubarb, and the snipped leaves lend an interesting twist to salad.Ī word of warning. Tuberous begonias also have edible stems and leaves. Alternatively, use the petals to garnish summer cocktails or freeze into ice cubes for a bright flash of colour in cold drinks. Use the blossoms to brighten up salads and sandwiches or decorate cakes and bakes. Novemby Jen Stark Wax begonias are a very popular smaller plant. These pretty petals have a slightly sour citrus flavour and a light, crisp texture. Can be grown from stem cuttings or seeds quite easily. Remove dead foliage and pinch back to prevent your wax begonia from becoming leggy. Can bloom all year round in good light indoors. The flowers of tuberous begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida) and wax begonias (B. Beautiful blooms from mid-spring to late fall when grown outside. Here’s more information about using begonias in your kitchen, as well as your garden.īrowse our full range of begonia plants for inspiration or pick up begonia tubers for good value colour. Adding a touch of elegance to any dish, edible petals also lend a subtle and unique flavour to food and drinks. Bronze leaf Begonias differ from their wax leaf Begonia cousins in the color of the leaves that allow them a higher tolerance for direct sunlight. Hugely popular back in the reign of Queen Victoria, the use of edible flowers is once again on the rise. The brightly-coloured petals of tuberous begonias are not only beautiful, but edible too.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |