Growing Tuberous Begonias in Pots or in the Garden: Caring for this Long Blooming Shade Plant

Caring for and Planting Begonias

The biggest mistake is to over-water begonias - water only when the top of the soil is dry. Fertilize on regular basis as described above. After last chance of frost, transition the plants outdoors. Remember to orient the plant so that the pointy edge of the leaves faces the front of the bed. The flowers will point in the same direction as the leaves.

It is a good idea to stake tubers begonias with bamboo since the stems can break in strong winds. A tuberous begonia will create flowers in groups of 3 - one large male begonia flower and two smaller females. To improve the size of the single male flower, the female flowers can be pinched off at an early stage.

Growing Begonias in the Garden

Space the plants one per sq foot and do not crowd them with other plants. Begonias do well at temperatures between 60F (15C) and 85F (30C) but not in hotter areas. If you have very hot summers, tuberous begonias will require extra shade. An eastern exposure with morning sun or a bright location in all day filtered shade is perfect. Begonias love warm humidity; cold and damp spell trouble.

Water soil around the begonias (not the leaves) during a hot day to improve humidity, or indoors place the pots on top of a tray of pebbles half filled with water. Do not water in the evening.

Winterizing Begonias

As the plant starts to die back in late fall, dig the tubers with a good amount of soil and bring into a cool, dry place for the tuber to cure. In cold climates, dig before a heavy freeze or snow. Do not pull the stem off the tuber until it falls by itself, and don’t hurry to brush the soil from the tuber. Let it dry thoroughly; this will take a few weeks.

After the mix is completely dry, knock it out of the pot and gently brush the soil from the tuber. Avoid damaging the skin of the tuber. Store the dry tubers adequately spaced in a bed of dry peat moss, sphagnum, or vermiculite for the winter. Make sure they are stored frost free. This will allow you to enjoy the begonias next year.

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