Tulip Winter Aconite Click here for a printer friendly version of this page. This widely used tender annual produces single or double one-inch flowers in red, white or pink. The flowers are held on succulent stems among shiny bronze or green leaves, providing color in sun or shade from late spring until frost. Wax begonias tolerate hot humid conditions well. The dustlike seeds must be started 4-6 months before transplanting, and are therefore usually purchased form nurseries or garden centers.
Pelleted seed is available.
Do not cover the seed, just scatter thinly over the surface of well drained, fine seed medium and press it in. Cover with glass or plastic until germinated. After germination, keep moist at all times and allow free air circulation. Watch for signs of damping off. Harden off before transplanting.