Begonias, celebrated for their vibrant flowers and dramatically patterned foliage, are popular ornamental plants for both indoor and outdoor settings. The cost of acquiring a begonia is highly variable, making a single price point impossible to determine. The final purchase price depends entirely on the plant’s stage of development, the specific type of begonia, and the location where it is purchased. Understanding these factors provides a clear breakdown of the expected investment for adding these striking plants to a garden or home.
Typical Price Range Based on Plant Maturity
Seeds generally range from $3 to $7 per packet, providing the lowest cost per plant. They require the longest time and most effort before a mature plant is established. Tuberous varieties are frequently purchased as dormant tubers in the spring. These bulbs typically cost between $4 and $10 for a single tuber, offering a faster path to maturity than seeds.
Small starts or plugs are young plants, typically four to six weeks old, often sold in trays for mass planting. These miniature plants usually fall in the $2 to $5 range per unit when purchased in moderate bulk quantities. Plugs are an intermediate option, requiring less initial care than seeds but still needing a few weeks to reach a decorative size.
The highest price point is reserved for mature, potted begonias, which are ready for immediate display in a container or garden bed. A standard 6-inch pot containing a fully established plant can cost from $15 to $35 or more, depending on the size and variety. Large hanging baskets or planter arrangements with multiple mature begonia plants can easily exceed $40, representing the premium for instant, full-grown horticultural impact.
How Variety and Size Influence the Final Price
The botanical classification significantly impacts market value, moving the price beyond simple size consideration. Common varieties, such as Wax Begonias (B. semperflorens), are widely propagated and remain at the lower end of the cost spectrum. Conversely, specialized or newly hybridized types, like Rieger Begonias (Begonia × hiemalis) or Rex Begonias, command higher prices due to their unique features.
Rex Begonias, prized for their complex foliage, are frequently more expensive because they are primarily propagated asexually from leaf cuttings. This method is slower and more labor-intensive than the seed production used for common bedding plants, driving up the retail cost. Newer cultivars that are patented or have limited availability also carry a premium price tag until they become more widely distributed.
Beyond the specific type, the plant’s immediate visual size and presentation are major cost drivers. A plant sold in a decorative ceramic container, for example, will be priced significantly higher than the exact same plant in a plain plastic nursery pot. Plants exhibiting unusual growth habits, like large, trailing Begonia boliviensis varieties, often cost more because their size requires a longer growing period and more greenhouse space before sale. Seasonal demand also plays a role, with prices peaking in the spring and early summer when planting activity is at its height.
Cost Comparison by Retailer Type
The choice of vendor presents a clear trade-off between price, selection, and quality assurance. Big-box stores typically offer the lowest prices on common begonia types, such as Wax and Dragon Wing varieties, because they purchase and sell plants in high volume. However, selection is often limited, and the plants may receive less specialized care, potentially leading to lower overall health.
Specialty nurseries and local boutique garden shops generally feature higher prices, but this cost is often justified by access to rare or unusual begonia species. These retailers focus on diversity and quality, providing expert advice and a curation of unique Rex, Cane, or Rhizomatous types. The elevated price reflects the lower volume of sales and the specialized knowledge required to grow and maintain these plants.
Online vendors offer the widest selection of all, often being the only source for newly introduced or highly sought-after collector begonias. While the base price can be competitive, the final cost is often dramatically increased by shipping fees. This is especially true for live plants requiring careful packaging and expedited delivery. A small, 2.5-inch pot plant purchased online may double in price once shipping and handling are factored into the transaction.