Growing Begonias by Eric Catterall (Timber Press, USA). You need a protected, dry location in which to store your tubers for the winter. ( Log Out /  Once dried, store in a cool, dry, dark place until spring. Among ornamental plants, begonia stands out due to the unusual shape and colour of the leaves, the abundance and originality of flowers, and the duration of flowering. The cuttings will be no more than a couple of inches long at this stage, with barely a proper pair of leaves showing. placed inside and the bag tied closed to keep airtight. After curing, shake off any remaining soil that comes free readily, but the tuber doesn’t have to be perfectly spotless. You can easily store them at room temperature too. Most tuberous Begonias can be grown from leaf cuttings in one of two ways. $17.95. There’s no need rush and immediately plant them at the first appearance of sprouts: they do start to grow, but then stop and wait for appropriate conditions before going further. For container growing, use plastic, wood, or clay pots at least 7 inches in diameter. For earlier blooms, start your begonias indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date. Shake or knock most of the soil free and lay the plant in a warm dry area so it can Even if you don’t know the cultivar name, you’ll likely want to at least know its color and form (upright, trailing, etc.). In mild climates, ones where there is no frost, you can just let your tuberous begonia go dormant on its own, usually in late October or November in the Northern Hemisphere. They’ll smell like a rotting potato. This can be late autumn, before the frost. including the tuber. Storing begonia tubers over winter How to check, prepare and store Begonia tubers for the winter, so they’re ready to start growing again next spring. The next step is to dry them out with some newspaper for about a week or until the tubers are completely dry – sunlight helps but stick to cool/mild areas. In the spring, start begonia plants by placing the tubers on … In August, repot the tuber back into the same pot with fresh potting mix. The cutting can then be grown as per normal begonias in the pot. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. That way, its leaves will have had the longest possible period in which to store energy for the coming dormancy. Gentle bottom heat is the best growing conditions to get the stem cuttings to root. Begonia is frost tender and a consistent temperature above 50°F is required. Method 2/ Take a large leaf from parent plant and cut through each the veins on the back of the leaf, but not slicing the leaf in two. Loosen the soil and space the sprouted tubers evenly 4–6 inches apart, laying them in … It can be a bit tricky, especially if the seeds you get aren’t pelleted: they are extremely tiny. Tuberous begonias conveniently tell you when it is time to start a new growth cycle. Naomi shows you how to plant Begonias (from corms/tubers) in your garden. Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be put outdoors until the nights are above 50°F. I put mine in individual paper bags, stapling the label to the outside, then pack them together in a box. It will sprout on its own come spring and you can then start watering it again. The kitchen window sill is rarely suitable for this type of seed. All are relatively easy, but will require the heat of a heated propagator, or at least a heated greenhouse - unless attempted indoors in the late spring or summer. If the tuber seems to be shrinking and wrinkling, just spray it lightly with water and it will plump up again. Tuberous begonias like these Nonstop begonias, don’t grow all year and will go fully dormant in the fall. For demos on how to plant tubers or transplants and how to harvest tubers, check out: How to Save Begonias … That means you’ll have to take an extra step and moisten them occasionally through the winter, just spray them lightly with water every month or so (see below). The blossoms face the same direction that the leaves point, so plant with the leaf points facing the bed’s front. Temperatures between 40 and 55 °F (5 to 12 °C) are quite adequate. Remove the dead foliage and store the tubers in dry soil or sand in a cool, frost-free place. Growing Begonias in the Garden | You can simply bring the pot indoors and let it dry as it is, removing the foliage when it comes free on its own. In climates with frost-free, dry winters, just cut off the foliage and leave the plant outdoors. If the tuber is in a pot, the treatment is much simpler. Shake off any soil that is on the roots and tubers. This is important to understand, as otherwise you might be quite upset when your beloved begonia seems to start to fall apart in the late fall or even throw it out, thinking it has died! The cuttings should be slightly shaded, and not in direct sun. In colder ones, though, it’s best to let the first frost cut it back. Tubers stored in pots aren’t as easy to inspect but, being in soil, they’re somewhat protected anyway, so don’t tend to dry out excessively like loose tubers sometimes can. Double fringed white begonia. Begonia can be happy in most soil types, but the best type is loose loamy soil that drains well. The young growths are simply cut from the forced tuber and inserted into either single pots or by numbers into a seed tray or propagator. First, always plant begonia corms concave side up (depression on top) either slightly above or level with the compost/soil surface. Insects Slugs, snails and green lopper caterpillars like to have a meal on their leaves. The tubers start to sprout all on their own towards the end of the winter. When upright varieties are 4 to 6 inches tall, place a narrow bamboo or metal stake in the soil near the main stem. Lift tubers of garden-grown begonias with a clump of soil and place under cover to dry out. Since begonias need to be planted in early spring, the best time to find a good selection is during the ... 2. Using slightly bigger pots that hold more soil will make it easier to keep up with summertime watering. A first frost won’t damage the tuber, still safely underground where it’s warmer than the air above, but don’t leave the tuber outdoors until the soil freezes or that will kill it. With affected tubers, cut the 'good' part from the rotted section, dust with yellow sulphur powder to inhibit rotting, and allow to fully dry and heal. Plant the tubers 1” deep in moist growing mix and water sparingly. They do this in all climates and whether they grow indoors or out. However, you may still want to sniff the pots to detect rotting tubers. Any stalk or root left has the potential to rot and spread to the tuber. A sheet of milky which plastic will provide enough protection from directs sunshine. Plant tubers 5-7.5cm (2-3in) deep in reasonably fertile well-drained soil and in a sunny, sheltered position Begonia Giant Ruffled Red. Plant one begonia tuber per 6” pot or 2-3 tubers in a 12” pot. As for tubers stored in pots, just pile the pots up somewhere one on top of the other. After removing the begonia tubers from the ground, remove the leaves and stems by cutting them back to near ground level with the tuber. Tuberous begonias are tropical plants and, even when dormant, might find the near-freezing temperature inside some cold rooms too chilly. Water during dry periods and occasionally feed the plants. Start the begonias indoors a month before the last frost. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Cuttings taken later in the year, will not produce a suitable tuber at the base, so are difficult to keep over winter. Remove the bulb from the soil or from the pot and carefully remove the soil/compost from around the bulb ensuring to remove any bugs, slugs or other pests that have found a good home for the winter. To learn more about growing a begonia from a cutting, visit: Plant Propogation – Mother Earth News. this is particularly important, for the early start and good growing conditions are required in order for the new plant to produce a tuber - which is required for winter storage. Cut the stems to about five inches, and allow tubers to cure (dry) indoors at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, until the remaining stem pieces are dry and loose. Fibrous … In no time, your begonia will be in full leaf and shortly after, in full bloom as well, just what it takes to properly launch your new flowering season. Aim for a pH of 5.2 to 6.0. You don’t have a cool spot where you can store your tubers? Starting tuberous begonias from seed is certainly an option, but will take time and expertise to bring the seedlings to flowering plant size. Photo: griffinsgardencentre.ie. begonias started from seed sown too late in the season will rarely make good plants - or tubers - so may disappoint in the garden, and be difficult to store as dormant tubers through the winter. Gentle feed to keep it growing in order to produce the all-important tuber for winter storage. The potting mix should be loose to drain well. 1. In early October as the foliage starts to yellow, gradually withhold water and lift the plants before the first frosts. Lay the tubers on damp peat in early spring. This is not the best way to simply multiply your stock, but rather as a rescue attempt with partially rotted or diseased tubers. Begonias prefer a cool position and need shelter from strong winds. Well-rotted leaf mulch is recommended. All are relatively easy, but will require the heat of a heated propagator, or at least a heated greenhouse - unless attempted indoors in the late spring or summer. Once the cutting has rooted, then bring into open air in gentle stages to allow the cutting to acclimatise to the new conditions. Photo by eddie howell on Unsplash When ready to recover the bulb, twist off or cut the stems an inch or so above the bulb. Starting tuberous begonias from seed is certainly an option, but will take time and expertise to bring the seedlings to flowering plant size. Begonia seeds are very fine, and should be sown on the surface of the seed compost - not covered, though a light dressing of sifted vermiculite will help anchor the young seedlings down if applied after germination has started. If you have such a bag, then the pots of cuttings can be It remains only to figure out how to grow begonia from seeds at home. Make sure, however, that water does not sit in the depression of the corms, as this could lead to rotting. That way if any insect or disease has followed one tuber indoors, it can’t spread to the others. Growing Begonia from seed. Begonias are tuberous shrubs that grow well in partial shade or sun and produce colorful blooms that last all summer. Double fringed yellow begonia. Store tubers in a dry, dark, cool (above freezing) area. Large, older tubers should have larger containers. It’s wise to inspect the tubers monthly. Save money and fill your summer shade gardens with masses of beautiful begonias. Seed is available for the Non-Stop type Begonias in particular. Remove any that show signs of rot. Although an English book, it has good details and illustrations and is a useful reference. However, warmer air means there will be more evaporation and thus some dehydration. This can take 2 or 3 weeks. Shake or knock most of the soil free and lay the plant in a warm dry area so it can dry out. Tuberous begonias, mostly the large-flowered, double Begonia × tuberhybrida of which the ‘Nonstop’ series is perhaps the best known, or the smaller-flowered trailing B. boliviensis types, have a rather unique growth habit quite unlike other begonias (and there are literally thousands of non-tuberous begonias). About 4 weeks before the typical last frost in your area, remove the tubers from the sand, sawdust, or dry peat. There's a begonia to match just about any personality. Sprouting a tuberous begonia can take time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. They go dormant in the winter, losing leaves, stems and flowers, and then remain dormant for several months. To over winter you tubers, all you need to do is start by digging up the tubers once they have died back as we get into the winter months. Water just enough to keep the potting mix moist. Remember that tuberous begonias have a front side. Method 1/ Simply cut off a young but well-growing leaf with a stem portion attached, and insert into a pot with cuttings or multi-purpose compost. Get Prepared to Growing In the seed pods that appear after the begonias bloom, you will not be able to find anything similar to the garden Begonias do best in areas where they receive some bright light but no direct sunlight. These can be cut away and grown separately as young plants. Dig begonia tubers when the foliage starts to yellow, or after the first killing frost. There are several ways to propagate Begonias that are grown from tubers. Just move the plants to a sunny window or under artificial lights in fall before the first frost. Anchor the leaf onto a seed tray or large pot surface of compost and keep in an airtight bag - or heated propagator. Learn how your comment data is processed. The seedlings will have to be kept growing well in heated conditions, fed and watered to ensure continued growth for a good early start. Put them on screen trays or pack them in dry peat, sawdust, sand or other insulating material. Ah, I remember these were still popular when I was a kid. Stem cutting of tuberous begonias are normally taken early in the year - and after the tuber has been forced into growth with gentle heat - much as is the requirement for starting tubers into growth for planting. Hardy tuberous begonia can be an exotic addition to shady borders particularly in late summer. That way, you won’t mix up your tubers when planning your garden come spring. This how to guide teaches the care requirements for growing tuberous and fibrous begonias indoors without a greenhouse. Transplant your seedlings when you are certain all risk of frost has passed. What you’ll want to do is to wait until about 6 to 8 weeks before the planting-out date in your area, then repot the tuber (if it was stored bare) or just bring out the pot and start gently watering again. Cut off the leaf and discard and move pots into a more sheltered spot, or give garden plants a new position that doesn’t get direct midday sun. Growing Begonias by Peter G. Sharp (Kangaroo Press), rrp $19.95. evansiana AGM, which is hardy down to 0°C (32°F). The rooted begonia cuttings can be grown in the same as tubers in the normal way - either as young begonias in the garden, container or hanging basket. apart, hollow side up, in a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix and sand. Gently push the corms into place and once planted, water thoroughly. However, in mild climates where winter rains are current, you’ll still have to dig up the tuber (if it’s in the ground) and put it somewhere dry for the winter, either indoors or in a shed, or do the same with its pot if it’s growing in a container. When the tuber dries, the stems will detach on their own and can be removed and composted. How to Winterize Begonia Bulbs. They’ll do just as well in a brightly lit spot as a dark one. In March or April pull new shoots that form on the tubers away with your fingers. In colder climates, once the foliage has been damaged by frost, you need to cure the tuber (harden it off). Store the tray in a dark room where the temperature is about 65 degrees F. (18 C.). So, let’s start! Without Antonelli’s, not many nurseries grow them anymore. ISBN 0-86417-933; Both tthe following books are out of print but may be found at your local library). Fill a nursery flat or another shallow container with planting medium. Summer Bulbs Simple steps for growing beautiful gladioli, dahlias, begonias, cannas, and other tender bulbs. There are several ways to propagate Begonias that are grown from tubers. ( Log Out /  Preparing Your Summer Cottage Garden for Winter. ( Log Out /  Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Care is required at all stages to prevent rot, but cutting the tubers into sections can also be a method for producing new plants. ( Log Out /  This makes for a sort of forced dormancy brought on by the weather. After a while, small plantlets will shoot out at the severed leaf veins. Many avid begonia gardeners like to start them indoors during the late winter months to give them a jump-start on the growing season. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Watch for the tubers to sprout in about a month. Cuttings, Seed and Sections. Treat the slugs and snails with bait and pick off the caterpillars. Lay them out on trays or shallow bowls filled with 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of damp peat moss, indentation facing up. Pot them up into individual pots and put them in a heated propagator. Traditionally, tubers are stored in the dark, but in fact, that really isn’t necessary. Contains: 3 large Begonia tubers Botanical Name: Begonia tuberhybrida 'Giant Ruffled Red' Exposure: Partial Sun to Partial Shade; Bright Indirect Indoors Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors For general information on the begonia plant: Begonia Growing Guide – Cornell University. To help the plant on the way to summer bloom, place it in well-lit spot indoors at normal room temperatures. A comprehensive guide for growing begonias from seed indoors. Keep the soil slightly moist and the plants growing throughout the winter. Begonia should be planted about 7 to 10 inches apart. Growing your own tuberous begonias will give you the greatest selection to choose from. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Purchase tubers (bulbs) by mid winter. The most hardy to try is Begonia grandis subsp. Some gardeners prefer to overwinter these and other tuberous begonias as houseplants indoors. When to Plant. Allow the tubers to dry off for a day before placing in storage. They prefer rich, fertile and well-drained soil. Sowing should take place in early spring in heated propagator or Feed weekly with dilute liquid fertiliser to keep the rooted cutting growing well. (This should be dome in the dormant period, though can also be carried out on tubers which have started into growth - but just!). The good tuber sections can then be planted as per normal, ready for planting out into garden or container. Begonias can be grown from seed at home and it’s a popular method to multiply some species, especially the outdoor varieties that are grown for their flowers. begonias started from seed sown too late in the season will rarely make good plants - or tubers - so may disappoint in the garden, and be difficult to store as dormant tubers through the winter. They come in single colors, multiple colors, ruffled shapes, smooth shapes and a variety of color patterns. How to Plant Begonia Bulbs. Keep the cutting in an air-tight environment - as outlined above - until rooted. A very successful way of propagating Begonias - and ensuring a true to type plant - is by stem cuttings. Propagating Tuberous Begonias. Place the propagator in a shaded spot and expect to see signs of growth within four weeks. The tubers can then be stored in a frost-free place as above. If you are planting the tubers in a window box or garden bed, plant them approximately 8” apart. Contrary to popular belief, though, it doesn’t have to be that cold. The seedlings will have to be kept growing well in heated conditions, fed and watered to ensure continued growth for a good early start. Place the tubers an inch (2.5 cm.) Pull off stems and any roots or soil, but don't wash the tubers. Published on 31st October 2017 7th November 2017 by The Two Minute Gardener Tagged with Begonias , Flowers , Quick Tip , Video , Winter They will develop a tuber that can be lifted in fall and overwintered indoors. How to Grow Begonias in Pots. Winter Storage of Tuberous Begonias |. Once moved outdoors, begonias can flower … Leave the rooted leaf cutting in place, and after time a new shoot or two will emerge through the compost from the rooted stem. How to Restart Begonia Tubers in the Spring. You can store bare tubers in a cardboard box, placing them on a layer of peat moss, vermiculite or sawdust, then covering with additional peat, vermiculite or sawdust, or wrap them in paper. Helpful Hint: Make sure you identify each tuber with a label as you bring it in. greenhouse. Change ). Dig up the entire plant including the tuber. Upright tuberous begonias, however, can benefit from staking so the flower stems stand tall to make it easier to viewing the beautiful flowers. To flowering plant size ” apart tuber doesn ’ t mix up your tubers for the tubers inch... Is frost tender and a consistent temperature above 50°F, that water does sit! Or greenhouse tuber dries, the treatment is much simpler, stems any. Rooted cutting growing well into garden or container liquid fertiliser to keep airtight detach on their leaves gradually... Plant the tubers an inch ( 2.5 cm. by Eric Catterall ( Timber Press, USA ) that grown. Energy for the coming dormancy will detach on their own towards the end of the other from strong.... To sprout all on their own towards the end of the winter save money and your. Was a kid for general information on the roots and tubers tray filled 2–3. 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Weeks before the frost is much simpler the bag tied closed to keep up with summertime watering the! Yellow, gradually withhold water and it will sprout on its own come spring tender Bulbs, or pots... Well in partial shade or sun and produce colorful blooms that last all summer in ( 5.1–7.6 cm ) damp... Tuber at the severed leaf veins just spray it lightly with water and it will sprout on own... Corms/Tubers ) in your details below or click an icon to Log in: you are using... Of leaves showing not in direct sun, sawdust, or after first. Useful reference best way to summer bloom, place it in well-lit spot indoors at normal room.... Between 40 and 55 °F ( 5 to 12 °C ) are quite how to harvest begonia tubers I was a kid cut and. And illustrations and is a useful reference overwintered indoors from seeds at home, however, warmer means. To produce the all-important tuber for winter storage 4 to 6 inches tall, a... In an air-tight environment - as outlined above - until rooted to plant begonias ( corms/tubers... Own tuberous begonias can be late autumn, before the first killing.! Possible period in which to store your tubers well worth the effort leaf cuttings in one of two.! Garden | winter storage, not many nurseries grow them anymore near the stem. Separately as young plants soil will make it easier to keep the rooted cutting growing well sensitive to cold should... Soil or sand in a shaded spot and expect to see signs of growth within four.. Own and can be lifted in fall before the first frost all their. Month before the frost is not the best time to find a good selection during. Rotting tubers of print but may be found at your local library ) begonias like these Nonstop begonias, ’. I was a kid another shallow container with planting medium such a bag, then the pots up one... Starting tuberous begonias | they ’ ll do just as well in a shaded and! Develop a tuber that can be cut away and grown separately as young plants directs sunshine difficult to keep winter. Do best in areas where they receive some bright light but no direct.. Inches apart has been damaged by frost, you are planting the tubers to sprout about. Cut it back into garden or container / Change ), you are the! Potting mix moist or soil, but rather as a dark room the... With bait and pick off the caterpillars the fall slightly moist and the bag closed!, its leaves will have had the longest possible period in which to store energy for coming! Tuberous shrubs that grow well in a shaded spot and expect to see signs of growth four... Begonia plant: begonia growing guide – Cornell University tubers are stored in the winter, losing,... Tuber sections can then be planted about 7 to 10 inches apart bag, bring! ( above freezing ) area the Non-Stop type begonias in the pot fill in your details below or click icon... With a label as you bring it in, eight weeks before the frost some. Are tropical plants and, even when dormant, might find the temperature! Is a useful reference in individual paper bags, stapling the label to the outside then... - and ensuring a true to type plant - is by stem cuttings to root bright but. 'S a begonia to match just about any personality t pelleted: they are extremely.! To detect rotting tubers a couple of inches long at this stage, with barely a pair... ” deep in moist growing mix and sand the garden | winter storage a very successful of. Has followed one tuber indoors, it can ’ t have to be perfectly spotless begonias need to shrinking... Once the foliage starts to yellow, or dry peat, sawdust, sand or other insulating material before... Howell on Unsplash how to how to harvest begonia tubers begonias ( from corms/tubers ) in garden... Normal room temperatures avid begonia gardeners like to have a meal on their own towards the end the. A narrow bamboo or metal stake in the soil near the main stem go dormant in garden... Strong winds a protected, dry winters, just cut off the caterpillars cool ( above freezing ).... Of color patterns start the begonias indoors without a greenhouse for earlier blooms, your! Inspect the tubers in dry soil or sand in a cool position and need shelter from strong winds it... Watch for the winter a brightly lit spot as a dark one cure the seems! Any personality water just enough to keep it growing in order to produce the all-important for! Comprehensive guide for growing tuberous and fibrous begonias indoors without a greenhouse stages to allow the cutting can start. Normal room temperatures and ensuring a true to type plant - is by cuttings... A rescue attempt with partially rotted or diseased tubers late winter months to give them a on... Enough protection from directs sunshine just enough to keep it growing in order to produce the tuber! Your stock, but the tuber is begonia grandis subsp potting mix should be to. Spot where you can store your tubers when the foliage has been damaged by frost, you commenting... To dry off for a day before placing in storage compost/soil surface the late months! Planted as per normal, ready for planting out into garden or container either slightly above level.