When should I plant begonia tubers?

Starting Begonias. Purchase tubers (bulbs) by mid winter. Since begonias need to be planted in early spring, the best time to find a good selection is during the winter. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but all tuberous begonias require the same care.

Thereof, when should I plant begonia bulbs?

Tuberous begonia

Start tubers into growth in March or April at 18°C (64°F)
Fill a seed tray 7.5cm (3in) deep with moist sandy potting compost.
Place tubers on the surface of the compost, hollow side uppermost, 2cm (¾in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep.

Furthermore, how do you start begonia bulbs indoors? Begonia tubers can be started off indoors in a light room, conservatory or greenhouse. Plant the tubers in trays or pots with the hollow side up. Cover with no more than 1cm (1/4in) of soil or potting compost. Begonias prefer partial shade but do ensure they have plenty of light and air.

Accordingly, how do you plant begonias?

Plant wax begonia transplants 6 to 8 inches apart and others according to their mature size. Tubers can be started indoors by placing the tubers, hollow side up, 1 inch apart in a shallow tray with moist potting mix. Place the tray in a dark room and water just enough to keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy.

Do begonias come back every year?

Like Impatiens, Begonias are actually tender perennials (come back year after year) that are usually treated as annuals (gone forever at first frost). In deep shade situations, Begonias will stretch and become leggy, so do give them a spot with at least a few hours of sunlight for the best results.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How long does it take for begonia tubers to sprout?

two to four weeks

How many begonias are in a hanging basket?

A general rule of thumb when planting a hanging basket is to use one plant per inch of basket diameter - so 12 plants per 30cm (12") hanging basket. The only exception to this is when you use strong-growing plants such as Fuchsias and Geraniums (Pelargoniums).

Can you split begonia tubers?

Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Use a sharp knife and divide into as many pieces as you like, as long as each piece has at least one bud on it.

Do all begonias have tubers?

Any begonias that do not have tubers or rhizomes fall into the third general category of fibrous-rooted varieties. These have ordinary root systems and include many varieties commonly used as summer bedding plants. All begonias with glossy leaves are of this "wax leaf" begonia type.

Can you leave begonias in the ground over winter?

Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. Begonias can be dug up in fall once foliage has faded or just after the first light frost. Pot-grown begonia plants can be stored in their containers as long as they remain dry.

Where should I plant begonias?

Where to Plant

Outdoors: Begonias prefer shade, rich soil and require some regular care, so try to plant them in an area that is easily accessible.
Indoors: If you're starting tubers inside, place planted Begonias in a warm location with indirect sunlight, preferably an eastern, western, or southern-facing window.

How far apart do you plant begonias?

Spacing: Outdoor Tubers

Once plants have established tubers and are ready to be put outside they require more space. Plant begonia tubers in a loose foundation 8 to 12 inches apart, with indented or sprouting side up, to give the plants room to grow.

How much sun do Begonias need?

Six to eight hours of sun is acceptable, provided wax begonias get relief from the day's hottest rays. Morning sun and late-afternoon sun are fine. Usually grown as an annual, wax begonias are hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Following some general growing tips common to most begonias, however, probably will encourage your plants to bloom.

Grow begonias in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight, preferably in an area with high humidity.
Water begonias thoroughly when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of their soil feels dry.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Water begonias carefully.

Let the potting soil dry out slightly between watering during lower light and cooler temperatures of late fall and winter.
If possible, use room temperature water that has been distilled.
Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop.

What can be planted with begonias?

Emerald Green and Yellow Hues

The Begonia Society of the Palm Beaches: Great Companion Plants with Begonias.
Fine Gardening: Rex Begonias.
Fine Gardening: Athyrium “Ghost” (Ghost Fern)
Fine Gardening: Corydalis Lutea (Yellow Corydalis)

Will begonias grow in shade?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won't be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.

Do begonias spread?

Trailing-scandent begonias grow along the ground or vine up tree trunks. They can grow from 6 inches to 8 feet or more. They form roots at the nodes and can spread over large areas. Thick-stemmed begonias develop treelike stems and in warm climates can grow 20 feet tall.

Can begonias live inside?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

How much water does a begonia need?

The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.

Are begonias poisonous to dogs?

Begonias are considered to be poisonous to dogs and cats by the ASPCA . This plant contains insoluble oxalates which provide its toxicity. Insoluble oxalates are derived from oxalic acid, which is one of the strongest organic acids found in plants and fungi. According to the ASPCA, tubers are the most toxic to dogs.