How to prune begonia 'escargot' cocktail series

Early spring; mid-season if leggy. Pinch growing tips just above a leaf node to promote branching. If the plant becomes straggly, cut back by up to one-half above a healthy node. Remove dead leaves at the petiole. Deadheading is unnecessary.

As needed; once or twice per growing season. Begonia 'Cocktail Vodka' (Semperflorens type) is largely self-cleaning and needs minimal pruning. Pinch stem tips in early spring to encourage bushiness, and cut back any leggy growth by one-half mid-season. Spent flowers drop on their own. Remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear to keep the plant tidy.

Pinch growing tips just above a leaf node to promote branching. If the plant becomes straggly, cut back by up to one-half above a healthy node. Remove dead leaves at the petiole. Deadheading is unnecessary.