Growing Begonias from Tubers

Begonias remind me of dressing in my Sunday best. Ruffled and creased in flashy reds, yellows, whites, oranges, salmons and pinks the begonia is always ready to show her style and grace.

Her abundant and bright floppy-hat type leaves are almost as much an attraction as her flowers.  She loves to adorn the porches and window boxes of those lucky enough to welcome her to their home.

Begonias are either tuberous (pea-sized bulbs at the base of each leaf for propagation), semperflorens (a hybrid with fibrous roots producing a more waxy variety) or perennials (that usually die with the first frost).

Tuberous begonias are native to South America and South Africa. They are delightfully fun and easy to grow and make excellent gardening lessons for children.

• To grow begonias from tubers start in the late winter or early spring so they'll be ready to bloom in June or July.

• Using a loose well-drained soil mix, start your tubers in a seed tray or box.

• Do not add fertilizers as the tubers are abundantly filled with nutrients.

• If you start the tubers outside, just make sure the last frost has passed.

• If you're going to be working with last year’s crop, remove the tubers from the ground before the first frost;  they will not survive a winter freeze or a rainy season.

• Should you live in a warm, dry climate, tubers will likely do fine left in the ground but they must dry up over the winter so use your best judgment.

• If you've removed from the ground,  you must remove all the excess soil from the roots, clean off any rotted spots with a knife and give them a good rest indoors while they dry. Fear not as you remove all the roots, stems and remaining leaves from the tuber. If the parts don't pull off easily, dry a little longer and try again.

• Once cleaned of debride, place your tubers in a paper bag or cardboard box and place in an area you are sure will remain dry and slightly cool. The tubers must remain dry or they will rot and be goners.

• Depending on your climate, let the tubers lay dormant until February or early April. Then place them in soil mix, hollow/concave side up.

• Don't bury the tubers all the way; they need their tops slightly exposed at the soil line.

• Keep the soil moist but don't over water or the dreaded rot will take over.

• Soon you'll have little sprouts shooting up but wait until they reach 4 to 6 inches, before taking them outdoors for repotting. Again, make sure that there is no chance of another frost or all your efforts will be for not.

• Whether you replant in baskets, containers or the ground, provide excellent drainage and cover the soil with a couple of inches of mulch or bark.

• Set the tubers about 2 inches apart and keep that little top barely covered by the soil.

• Begonias make excellent houseplants so feel free to keep one indoors.

• Tuberous begonia can be a bit brittle, so it's a good idea to secure them with a little support.

• Begonias are shade lovers so don't make the mistake of setting them in full sun. Early morning and late afternoon sun is best.

• Because they are not fond of the wind, planting in containers placed on the porch is a perfect home for your begonia.

• Keeping your begonia close will also allow you to check the soil frequently for proper moisture. Begonias will not forgive you if you let them dry out. If you are losing buds, your begonia is too dry.

• Begonias are susceptible to mildew. The sign of the disease is a white or gray powder on the entire plant. If humidity is high or nights are too cool, moisture will germinate spores.

• Make sure you aren't overcrowding your begonias with other plants or leaving them in a corner spot with poor circulation. A dilution water spray of either baking soda (1:100) or milk (1:10) will kill the fungus if it gets too out of hand.

• Now that the begonia is in the growing phase again make sure you fertilize often so it produces the perfect blooms and stores up for propagation next year. Begonias prefer a liquid feed that is high in potash. If you can't find a begonia feed mix, get one for roses or tomatoes.

• Go ahead and pinch the blooms to encourage a busy growth.

• Begonias are loved by vine weevil, aphids, mealybugs and mites and occasionally caterpillar and gnats will cause a problem.  Try dish soap and neem oil first and insecticides as a last resort.