UK compost
What compost for begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' in the UK?
Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Nonstop Joy Salmon'
More about begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' in the UK
Which compost begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' needs
For begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a peat-free compost enriched with organic matter and opened up with perlite for drainage. Slightly acidic pH and a mix that holds moisture without becoming soggy protect the tuber from rot.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Begonia 'Nonstop Joy Salmon' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Begonia 'Nonstop Joy Salmon' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a peat-free compost enriched with organic matter and opened up with perlite for drainage. Slightly acidic pH and a mix that holds moisture without becoming soggy protect the tuber from rot. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for begonia 'nonstop joy salmon'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Rich, free-draining, humus-rich potting mix. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' care
See the full begonia 'nonstop joy salmon' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.