I was just amazed at all the differnet types of begonias. Does anyone have good advice on where to get started back with some? I used to have a beefstake, but lost it. I've been wanting to get back into these. Do people here share? is there a good mail order? Any info would be helpful. My kids are now 9 & 11, so I don't have to worry about them eating and breaking new ones haha. Thanks
Newbie needs info
Best advice is to take the plunge. They are certainly worth collecting from small to extra large, with different textures, leaf shapes, growth habits, color, and blooms (a secondary benefit). Most of the complaints about them are getting them through the winter if you are in a colder zone. Read the stickys at the top of the forum to learn more about them plus read most of the threads to get an idea of what you like and what kind of problems they may present.
Check local sources first - they usually offer a lot bigger and cheaper plants than mail order. When you cannot find it locally then you will have to order through the mail. There are several good companies and some okay ones. Most of the complaints are price, shipping wrong things, small plants, and how long it takes to receive the plants after ordering them.
Here are some of the better ones: eBay (some sellers but not all), Kartuz, Logees, Rob's Violets, Accents for Home and Garden, Plants for Kids, and maybe a couple more.
If you like to travel then the National Convention is in Houston mid-May (a couple of months from now) and you can pick up lots of begonias for pretty good prices but travel costs don't make them cheap.
As for sharing, that is up to you and whomever you strike a deal with.
As for kids, the only problem is time and money between the kids and the plants (just kidding). Anyway; been there, done that.
hey thanks for all the good info. I had to laugh out loud when I read about traveling for plants. I may would make it there, but would probably be divorced on the way back. HAHA. It does sound like a lot of fun, maybe that is one of those things I can put on my "When the kids are grown>>> I'll do list". I plan on checking out some of those names you listed. I never thought of ebay! In any case, I've got to start somewhere. Thanks again.