Rex Begonia Seeds

Rex begonias (Begonia rex hybrids) are a type of rhizomatous begonia with elaborate, brightly colored leaves. While these showy plants do flower, their foliage outshines their relatively small pink blossoms. These container plants grow best in warm, moist conditions similar to that of their native forest floors. While most rex begonias are propagated from cuttings, you can also grow them from seed, either indoors or outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11.


Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. The seeds themselves are reddish brown and have a variety of intricate ridges and pits on the outside, but these are visible only under microscope. Many seed producers coat the begonia seeds in fertilizer and other substances to make them easier to handle.

Collecting Seeds

Buying rex begonia seeds can be difficult, but it is possible to collect the seeds from a plant you already have. Each pollinated rex begonia flower produces a small papery seed pod after the petals fall off. To save begonia seeds, allow this pod to dry on the plant, then harvest it. Open the pods carefully on a clean piece of paper, then wrap the seeds up in the paper to form a secure packet. Store the packet inside another container in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.


Because rex begonia seeds are so tiny, you need to take special care in planting them. Use a light, well-drained potting mix and relatively dim lighting to prevent the light from scorching the young leaves. Avoid opening the seed packet or handling the seeds until the packet is directly over the growing medium. Tap the packet to gently sprinkle the begonia seeds on the surface of the container. Do not cover them, as this can cause the young plants to suffocate. Keep the seeds in a warm, relatively moist location until they sprout, then move them to bright indirect light.


Not all begonia seeds will produce a plant that looks like the parent. If you use seeds from a hybrid rex begonia, they may produce seedlings that look and behave differently from the original plant. Propagate hybrid begonias from cuttings to produce a plant that is the same as the parent.

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