The Beautiful Indoor Plant That You Can Grow From Seed

A list of characteristics of a perfect plant might include easy care and maintenance, vibrant flowers, a long bloom time, and the ability to grow both indoors and outdoors and easily move between the two. Self-cleaning so it needs no deadheading, adaptability to various light conditions, and being host to few pests or diseases in the home environment might also be on that wish list. The wax begonia has all of these things and more going for it, including that it can be grown easily from a seed.

This plant is a hybrid member of the 2,000-plus species in the Begonia genus and is also known as Begonia semperflorens, Latin for "always flowering." The compact, bushy plant grows to six to 12 inches tall and provides dazzling white, pink, rose, or red flowers. Fun fact: Wax begonia plants put out both male and female flowers on the same plant; the way to tell the difference is by the seed capsule under the female flower. Once you experience the easy-care wax begonia, you may want to check out additional easy-to-grow begonias for your home.

Be sure you know as much as you can about how to grow and take care of begonias before you get your seeds started. Wax begonia seeds are teeny-tiny, so most are sold in pelleted form so you can handle them more easily. Make sure the room where you're planting the begonias is on the warm side, between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow the seeds on the surface of your potting mix, and don't cover them, following the seed packet instructions. 

Wax begonias need a relatively warm environment throughout the germination process, which takes 15-20 days, as well as afterward. Place your direct-sun-loving begonias in a window that gets morning sunlight. Wax begonias need even moisture and should be watered when the soil has just barely dried out. Don't let the soil get too wet or allow the pot to sit in a saucer of water. Trim branches by pinching at the tip if they get too leggy. 

While these plants will do well when cared for inside the home, consider treating them to a summer spent outdoors, where they will bring beauty to your garden. In addition to growing well from seeds, wax begonias also propagate from stem cuttings. Take 2 to 4-inch stem cuttings and place them in a sterile growing medium. If you need more information on this process, learn the cutting technique Martha Stewart uses to propagate begonias to grow more beautiful plants.