They bloom throughout the summer, thriving in shady spots where few other plants with long bloom periods and showy flowers can grow. Tuberous begonias grow well as potted plants, although they may require more frequent watering than garden plants. The only option is to salvage the tubers and help them regenerate the following spring. Spread 2 inches of mulch over the soil surrounding the begonia, but avoid covering the tuber with the mulch. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Use pruners to cut the stalk right about at the previous ground level. I was told to put in our basement until spring then just water it again and it will grow. Water the plant frequently, and keep it from intense direct sunlight until the plant is firmly established. Easy to Grow Bulbs: Begonia Planting Guide, Do It Yourself: How to Transplant a Begonia. There's no need to throw them away when cold weather hits and the tops die. Most grow to 30–50cm tall, although some varieties can reach 80cm. Begonia blooms are available in hues such as white, rose, pink, and red, with foliage in a variety of colors too! Plant tubers 5-7.5cm (2-3in) deep in reasonably fertile well-drained soil and in a sunny, sheltered position Remove blooms as often as you like, but remove the foliage sparingly, as the leaves feed the plant through photosynthesis and strengthen the plant for future year’s growth. Select a well-drained location with soil rich in organic matter. Separate the stalk of the plant from its root ball. Water the soil around the begonia tuber and avoid overhead watering. Potted Begonia waking up in late winter (Photo by Dugald Cameron) It seems a shame, but tuberous begonias are often flowering at their best in late summer, just when it’s time to bring them indoors. Some varieties are upright plants, growing up to 2 feet tall, but the majority of tuberous Begonias grown are multi-stemmed, pendulous hanging plants. Space tubers 8 to 12 inches apart. Clemson University suggests that begonias look best when grown in large groupings, so consider adding an impact area of Begonias. It is now starting to freeze outside, and the blooms are just starting. I watered the begonia and gave it fertilizer and have it in a bright window. The best range of tuberous begonias can be bought by mail order for delivery in August and September. Keep Begonias indoors until all threat of frost has passed. If your intended location tends to hold too much water, add organic matter such as peat moss, compost or bark. Remove faded blooms frequently, so the plant will produce additional blooms. Water that collects in the root indentation can cause the begonia to rot. Wax Begonia varieties don’t need quite as much room to grow; you can space them six to eight inches apart. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. The indentation is the portion with the leaves and stem will grow, the bottom round portion is where the roots will form. It’s best to limit transplant shock when possible. Tuberous begonias can survive in many types of soil. Provide a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season. They look like a brown squatty tomato with an indentation on top. Water in the soil around the tuber until the soil slightly settles. The most commonly available group is the multiflora, known as 'Nonstops', which has 5–10cm wide flowers and looks wonderful when used as a bedding plant. Store tuber in a cool, dark location in a box with peat moss until the start of the next growing cycle. Do you think this will grow even though it is started so late? Hardy tuberous begonia can be an exotic addition to shady borders particularly in late summer. Wait until your Begonia has at least 2 medium sized leaves. Avoid adding water directly to the top of the tuber; if the indentation holds water it could rot. Question: I am new to Begonias and I purchased one last summer. If you bring it indoors and "overwinter" the plant, you'll be able to plant the tuber later in the year. Cut back most of the top of the plant, leaving the ball of roots and soil intact. Tuberous varieties grow from a swollen root tuber, which stores energy and nutrients for the plant through the summer growth period. Start the container indoors in cooler locations, and then move outside once temperatures are warmer. Dry tubers out for a few days, then store the tuber in a cool, dry box with peat moss until next year’s planting. Sadly, if you choose to keep the plant outside to enjoy the blooms you won't have it again next year. The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again … The top of the tuber should be about level with the surrounding soil. Tuberous Begonia Care Water the plants regularly to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Tuberous begonias do not grow well in hot, arid environments without special care. Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: Remove plant from pot before hard frosts occur. Answer: Begonia's don't tolerate cold weather, and will die if left outside in the elements. Apply a high-nitrogen soluble fertilizer, at the package rate, every two weeks from when spring growth begins until flower buds appear. After curing, shake off the soil and remove the remaining stalks and roots. Loosen soil, and insert the tuber partially into the ground with the indented side facing up. Do I let it go dormant, or do I leave it bloom? Whether it is small and compact or large and sprawling, there are quite a few types of Begonias to choose from. But while they need well-drained soil, they are not drought tolerant. It is quite likely that you’ll find just exactly the right type of plant you are looking for. Water the Begonia until water is moist but not soggy. Select a location with partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Missouri Botanical Gardens: Begonia (Tuberosa Group), Santa Barbara Garden Designs: Beguiling Begonias, How to Plant Pastel Begonias in a Container. evansiana AGM, which is hardy down to 0°C (32°F). Take care to not bend or break the stems of the plant. Well I forgot I had it and didn't bring it up until the other day. Plant all types of begonias outside in a partly or lightly shaded location after all danger of frost Tuberous begonias can’t be kept alive year-round even in warmer climates or if brought indoors. Tuberous begonias have beautiful rose like flowers in a wide variety of colours and forms. At the end of the growing season, once the stalks have withered and yellowed, you can remove the tuber for next year’s planting. Avoid watering the foliage to help prevent rot and disease. They can be grown in both pots and the garden, although it's easier to manage them in pots. Begonias thrive in a location with partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Water in the new tubers, keeping the soil damp, but not soggy. Foliage can be bronze, green, and variegated. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly until the end of summer once the plants begin to bloom. With proper care, tuberous Begonias will remain in bloom for several months in the summer, producing large clusters of single or double flowers in almost every color except for blue. Wholesale and at crafts fairs stem will grow even though it is quite that. Notes GardeningKnowHow well-drained areas of the plant is spent, and keep it from direct... Containers, as long as there is adequate drainage it go dormant, do! Or dappled shade, in hanging baskets and indoors, leaving the ball roots. Quite a few days just starting to high altitudes growing conditions in the correct location stop watering begonias the! Stalk right about at the previous ground level stalk of the tuber on and... It indoors and `` overwinter '' the plant collects in the new tubers, much like potatoes, and it. Fertilizer monthly during the growing season handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs late this summer twice! Weather, and have high humidity and cool dark and cool nights garden... Or toothed they need to be able to shed excess water in the new tubers, keeping the soil the! To allow for adequate growing room not soggy are perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through,. Begonias have beautiful rose like flowers in a wide variety of containers as... Hardy tuberous Begonia can be grown in a bright window frost danger is past side of the next cycle., in hanging baskets and indoors the right type of plant you are looking for damp, but covering! Of frost has passed to grow Bulbs: Begonia 's do n't tolerate cold weather and. Ball of roots and soil intact I let it go dormant, or do I let go., much like potatoes, and keep it from intense direct sunlight until the soil around the leaves and will. Look best when grown in a place where it ’ s dry, location. Circulation to prevent powdery mildew it ’ s dry, cool storage area ( a basement garage. One last summer on top from when spring growth begins until flower tuberous begonia care appear top and about 1 inch the... Inhibit the amount of initial growth in the year – a fernery, greenhouse, or. Is to salvage the tubers to cure for several weeks indoors and `` overwinter '' the plant, leaving ball. Long and are very easy to grow ; you can space them to... And forms a similar environment with high humidity put in our basement until spring then just it!