Begonias as a cut flower?

[Mocha Rose]

Saw it on a supply list this week and I'm curious. Have you ever used begonias as a cut flower? Is it hardy enough? Is it expensive? Can you use the garden variety?

I love them and never thought of using them before.

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

We've used them for event work - cut from our garden. Love the foliage, even if the flowers aren't overly showy. They're in these little break away vases as filler .

Are they traditional begonias on your list, or tuberous? I'd use those fatty flowers in corsage work if they would hold up - the fall off our plants all the time & sit on the counter for the better part of the day, no water, just fine.

 

[Mocha Rose]

They are traditional begonias, not tuberose. I've never seen them on a list before. Really peaked my curiosity since they could be a summer alternative to ranunculus.

I'll try some out next week. My problem is that if I commit to them for an event, can a guarantee both quantity and quality?

Thanks for the pics!

 

[SpringCity]

I have a nice yellow one, maybe I'll try cutting some and testing 'em in a vase and in a corsage. Great idea!

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

I have never seen begonias as a cut flower. very curious....

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

They are traditional begonias, not tuberose. I've never seen them on a list before. Really peaked my curiosity since they could be a summer alternative to ranunculus.

Sub for a ranny? Then they have to be the tuberous (not tuberose) or non-stop variety ... Blossomy with tons of petals - customers always mistake them for a rose.

Let us know when you try them!

 

[jonquil]

I would love to know which begonias they are selling as cut flowers. I have seen the foliage from the Rex type offered, but not flowers. They are so fleshy and full of water I would think bruising would be a major concern. That they would have to be handled very carefully and would be difficult to pack and transport. Let us know what you find out.

jan

 

[Mocha Rose]

I sent my rep an email hoping she'll chime in here (she's a member).

You make a good point about bruising.

 

[Onyka]

Hey April, You can use Begonias bought straight from the greenhouse. I used them in some arrangements a couple weeks ago and they hold up splendidly.

 

[artistry in bloom]

I use begonias and kalanchoes all the time but I buy the plants from the wholesalers. I have never seen them as cut flowers.
The begonias are a little delicate to work with because the main stems can be quite thick and the side stems tend to snap off very easily.
They do last usually just over a week or so. The Kalanchoes are much easier to work with and they last for ages.
I have attached a few examples of arrangements with begonia and kalanchoe in them.
I use kalanchoe as a replacement for bouvardia because there are times we just can't get bouvardia in but kalanchoe plants are always available.

Dianne