Days to Maturity: 90 direct sow; 50 transplant
All-America Selections (AAS) Winner 2022
Typically grown as an annual, Viking™ Explorer Rose on Green, an F1 hybrid, is a tender perennial (winter hardy in Zones 10-11) offering late spring to fall interest. The first hybrid begonia of its type, Viking™ Explorer has a strong trailing habit. Early and heavy-blooming, this begonia blankets graceful cascades of shiny green foliage in large, 2½-inch, rose-colored blooms throughout the season. And the flowers are pollinator friendly.
A unique begonia, Viking™ Explorer puts a new spin on this garden classic with its compact, spreading, and trailing habit. The plants stay strong and vigorous all season and are shown to best effect in tall containers or hanging baskets with 3 plants in each 14- to 16-inch pot and 5 plants in each 18- to 22-inch pot.
Viking™ Explorer prefers full to dappled sunlight and rich, organic, well-drained soils. It stands up to heat, cold, and rain; resists powdery mildew, botrytis cinerea, and anthracnose; tolerates pollution and drought; and is bothered by few pests.
Direct sow begonia seed into the garden in spring after the chance of frost has passed and the soil has warmed or start seeds indoors 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost date and transplant. If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
