This step is particularly important if you have cane begonias, such as Angel Wings. Pinch off new stems when the newly-planted cane begonia is about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. This will make the plant produce two branching stems, rather than a single stem growing straight up. You can also pinch off the young flower buds of tuberous begonias. This will make the plant produce additional blooms.
For most begonias, the blooming season is in the spring and summer. Winter-flowering begonias bloom from late autumn to mid-spring.
If you’re growing your begonias as a perennial, they need more pruning. You should cut them back up to 1/3 of the plant after flowering. Throughout the year, prune your begonias to shape their growth. If you have winter-flowering begonias, cut them back in the spring after they have finished flowering.
Make sure to remove the dead leaves and stems from the floor immediately as they may spread disease into the healthy plant.
Don’t cut the tips off all of the stems as this may damage the plant. Only cut off the tops of the few tallest stems.
This step is particularly important if you have perennial begonias, which come back year after year.
If the tuberous begonia is growing in a pot, tip the pot over on its side and move it to a sheltered area. This will protect the begonia during the winter.
