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day-and-night ® Fire tuberous begonia . Photo by : Proven Winners .
It ’s hard to beat tuberous begonia for bringing brilliant , long - lasting color to shadowed gardens . These eye - view tropicals produce loads of large , lightly fragrant flowers that bloom continuously throughout the summer and fall , right up until the first sapidity of frost . As container plant , tuberous begonias are second to none because of their long bloom time of year and lush leafage .
Many miscellanea have flowers that shower or trail , put on a spectacular show when planted in hanging baskets and windowpane boxes . But you could also find just forms ideal for establish in garden bed and borders , as long as you allow good drainage and shelter from scorching good afternoon sun .
On this Thomas Nelson Page : Basics|Planting|Care and Maintenance|Pictures|FAQ ’s
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BASICS
Botanical name:
Begonia×tuberhybrida
Hardiness Zones:
9 - 11 ; in colder zones ( 2 - 8) , grow as yearly or winter the Tuber indoors
Origin:
Tropical regions of South America and southern Africa
Growth habit:
Upright or trailing , depending on the variety
Height/spread:
Up to 18 inches grandiloquent ( for upright types ) , trailing or spreading up to 24 in
Exposure:
nuance to partial sun
Bloom time:
From late saltation until frost . Once plants start up blooming , they can flower unendingly for up to four month .
Flowers:
unmarried , double , or ruffled flowers up to 6 inches across come in shades of pink , yellow , orangish , crimson , ashen , or bicolors , some with picotee edge .
Foliage:
Leaves may be various shades of unripe , maroon , or chocolate brownness and are usually pointed , with serrated edges .
Fun fact:
Tuberous begonias aremonoecious , which means they bear both virile and distaff flower on the same flora . They are produced in clusters of three , with two small distaff flowers next to the larger , usually double , virile flower .
PLANTING TUBEROUS BEGONIAS
Begonia tubers . Photo by : Stanislav71 / Shutterstock
When to plant:
Although begonia tubers can be planted directly outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed , they may not bloom until later summer or former fall in northerly areas of the res publica . To zip things up , you could start the tubers indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last freeze date in your area so they have metre to develop before being moved outside . Once the conditions warm up and nighttime temperatures are systematically above 50 F , the genus Tuber can be transplant into the garden .
Where to plant:
Grow in dappled sun or bright ghost , in a spot protected from strong winds to deflect damage to the leafage and stem . Most salmagundi dislike high rut and live afternoon sunlight , so they may suffer when grown in southern climates .
How to plant:
If you are embed tuber direct in the garden or in containers , lay each genus Tuber , round side down , about an inch below the airfoil of the potting mixture or garden soil . To jumpstart growth , pre - sprout the tubers before planting by put them in a warm , well - light up area for a few calendar week until small sprout come out .
How to start tubers indoors:
If you are starting the tubers indoors , place them about 1 column inch aside in a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix . Place the tray in a dark way and piddle just enough to keep the potting intermixture moist , but not sloppy . Once the tubers begin to sprout , move them to an country with brilliant light . Transplant them into the garden after the first two parting have emerged and all peril of freeze has pass away .
Soil:
To forfend putrefaction of the genus Tuber , begonia must be planted in well - drain soil . If you have a heavy clay soil that drains ill , mold in some compost or other constitutive matter before planting to improve soil aeration and drain .
Spacing:
To see to it honest zephyr circulation , space plants about 8 to 12 in aside in the garden and 4 to 5 inch aside in container , reckon on their size at due date . stave off overcrowding , which can lead to fungal diseases , such asbotrytisandpowdery mildew .
For more information about start and plant begonia tubers , read this steering from theAmerican Begonia Society .
TUBEROUS BEGONIA CARE
Atolla hang basket combinationwith Double Delight ® Blush Rose begonia . picture by : Proven Winners .
Watering:
Although begonias need well - enfeeble soil , they are n’t drought tolerant , so water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels ironic to the touch . Plants grown in containers will commonly take more frequent watering than those implant in the ground . Because both the tubers and stem can decompose if the dirt is too wet , be careful not to overwater . Also keep the leaf as dry as potential during tearing to keep mould growing .
Fertilizing:
Like most plants that are big bloomers , begonia call for regular fertilizing throughout the raise season to check uniform florescence . Apply a slow - release fertiliser at planting time , supplemented by casual eating with a dilute liquid plant food during the peak bloom period . finish fertilizing in tardy summertime or early fall , when plants begin to enter dormancy .
Pruning:
To promote fuller , bushier growth , pinch back the stem just above a leaf node , focusing on those that are spindly or long-legged . Tuberous begonias do n’t need deadheading for continuous blossom , but they will look neater if you take away spent bloom as well as any wilted foliage .
Propagating:
By shank or leaf cuttings , taken in leaping .
Overwintering:
Even though tuberous begonias are commonly grown as annuals in colder climate , they ’re actually affectionate perennials that can live for many years if you bring them indoors over wintertime . To lay aside your begonia tuber , waitress until after the first fall frost , then dig up the tuber and burn away the stems . Allow the tubers to dry out and heal in the sun for about a calendar week , and then store indoors in a cool , dry positioning , such as a cellar , until it ’s time for replant the following spring . In icing - free climates , the tubers can be left in the primer over wintertime . Get more tips foroverwintering begonias .
Pests and diseases:
Susceptible topowdery mould , botrytis blight , and stem rot , especially if overwatered or establish in ill drain grime . pestilence to watch out for includemealybugs , whiteflies , andaphids . Begonias are deer and cony immune .
TUBEROUS BEGONIA PICTURES
Photo by : Proven victor
elucidation ® Apricot Shades — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegoniaxtuberhybrida
Size:
4 to 8 column inch tall , trails up to 24 inch
A train diverseness with with child , pendent , orangish - gold flower limit off by deep green foliage . Ideal for use as a spiller in hanging baskets and windowpane box .
day-and-night ® Mocca Scarlet — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegoniaxtuberhybrida
8 to 12 inches tall , 12 to 14 inches all-encompassing
dour hot chocolate in coloring material with pale green leaf veins , the unique foliation of this selection is just as eye - catching as the plush , deep red flowers . create a dazzling video display as a specimen plant life in shaded garden or patio pots .
round-the-clock ® Fire — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegoniaxtuberhybrida
8 to 12 inches magniloquent , 12 to 16 in wide
A new variety that blooms in fiery tone of orangeness and red . Its mound , upright use makes it a great filler plant in containers or to bring a bold splattering of color to front of the border .
round-the-clock ® White — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegoniaxtuberhybrida
Pure white , russet scab - shaped blooms dividing line nicely with luxuriant , deep green leafage . Beautiful when paired with other semblance in theNonstop ® series .
Photo by : Johana Mlichova / Shutterstock
' Picotee Lace Pink’Begonia’Picotee Lace Pink '
12 to 18 inches tall , 10 to 12 in wide
Ruffly , Dianthus caryophyllus - like bloom of youth up to 6 inches across feature serrate pinkish petals outlined in white , raise by attractive emerald - green leaves .
Double Delight ® Blush Rose — Buy now from Proven WinnersBegoniaxtuberhybrida
8 to 14 inches , 12 to 24 inch wide
A new Lord’s Day - tolerant mixed bag that can be grown in part to full sun location . Produces an teemingness of fragrant , double flowers in shades of soft garden pink with a flush of yellow .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do tuberous begonias like sun or shade?
They can endure a bit of both , but most choose indirect , filtered lite . Avoid direct sunlight , which can glow the foliage , or recondite shadiness , which can make spindly growth and poor flowering . Some newer varieties are more patient of of direct sun exposure , specially if it ’s morning or late good afternoon Dominicus .
Do tuberous begonias come back every year?
Yes , as long as you dig up the Tuber and stack away them indoors during their wintertime quiescency menstruation . The tubers will not survive if left in wintry undercoat .
What is the difference between tuberous begonias and “nonstop” begonias?
The Nonstop ® series of tuberous begonias are started from ejaculate , rather than being propagated from Tuber , and will grow and flower in just one time of year , produce great , duple heyday that will bloom nonstop , as the name indicate . Although they are produced from cum , they will develop a genus Tuber that can be lifted in downfall and winter indoors .
Do tuberous begonias require staking?
Trailing varieties are meant to creep along the ground or cascade from container , so they want no staking . Upright types , however , can profit from bet on to digest the flower - laden stems and prevent breaking . When plants are 4 to 6 inches tall , place a narrow bamboo or metal stake in the land a few inches off from the main stem and gingerly fix the wager to the root with plant ties or garden twine , adding more ties as needed as the plant produce .
Where do I buy begonia tubers?
If you plan on rise your begonia from tubers rather than from baby’s room - grown plant , you’re able to often buy the tubers at local garden middle , but you ’ll find a larger selection of works mixed bag and heyday colors online from mail - order companies that specialise in lightbulb . The best time to grease one’s palms your tubers is in late wintertime or former bound so you’re able to have them quick for planting time of year .
What are good companion plants for tuberous begonias?
Tuberous begonia are so stunning when in full bloom , they become the center of attention wherever you plant them . In assorted container combinations , team up them up other wet - have intercourse , tad - large-minded annual that will enhance rather than take away from their smasher , such as silver ponysfoot ( Dichondra argentea),sweet potato vine , alyssum , andlobelia .
Can tuberous begonias be grown as houseplants?
Tuberous begonia will come in a dormancy period no matter where you grow them , whether indoors on a windowsill or out of doors in the garden , so they are n’t hardheaded as yr - round houseplant .
