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How do I care for my tuberous begonia?

By James Craig

How do I care for my tuberous begonia?

Summer care

  1. Tuberous Begonias thrive in soil that is evenly moist but well drained.
  2. Fertilize plants once a month with a balanced (20-20-20), water-soluble fertilizer mixed as directed.
  3. Keep plants tidy by removing spent flowers; cut the flowers off close to the stem using a sharp knife.

Are tuberous begonias easy to grow?

For bold color in shady gardens, it’s hard to beat tuberous begonias. These lush plants have attractive foliage and big, rose-like flowers that bloom continuously from midsummer to frost. Planted in window boxes, hanging baskets, decorative urns or garden beds, they make it easy to dress up any outdoor living space.

How do you encourage begonia to grow?

Removing the old flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blossoms, and regular feedings will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. “Begonias are heavy feeders, and for best bloom production should be fed every two weeks,” Roberts said.

What is the best fertilizer for begonias?

Logee’s Plants recommends feeding wax and tuberous begonias with balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer or a blooming formula such as 7-9-5, depending on whether the plant is grown for its foliage or flowers. Apply the fertilizer as a liquid solution composed of 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer in 1 gallon of water.

When should I start tuberous begonias?

START BEGONIA TUBERS 8 to 12 WEEKS BEFORE THE LAST FROST Use your growing zone to find the proper date for starting the tubers indoors.

How to grow and care for tuberous begonias?

TIPS FOR GROWING TUBEROUS BEGONIAS 1 GET TO KNOW YOUR BEGONIAS. Most tuberous begonias have an upright growth habit, but there are also cascading types that are perfect for hanging baskets. 2 KNOW WHEN TO PLANT. Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be put outdoors until the nights are above 50°F. 3 CARE AND FEEDING. …

When to plant a Begonia in New Zealand?

ALAN TROTT / NZ GARDENER. Grow begonias in a shade house or in a shaded part of the garden as full sun can burn the leaves and flowers. By early December, the plant is starting to send up flower buds. You will see small flowers on each side of the main flower.

What’s the best time to plant wax begonias?

That’s why it’s best to use a timer to control day length, setting it at 14-hour days. That will ensure bigger plants in spring and more flowers throughout the summer. Wax begonias are not as affected by day length as tuberous begonias, but still grow and bloom more abundantly when grown under 14-hour days.

Which is the easiest Begonia to grow from seed?

Of the two, wax begonias are the easiest to grow from seed. Tuberous begonias can be a bit challenging: they seem to falter if conditions aren’t just right. The initial very slow growth of begonia seedlings means you really have to start them very early in the season if you want to use them in your garden the first year.

How to successfully grow begonias?

Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Plant Select a type of begonia to plant. There are two general types of begonias: those grown from seeds, and those grown from tubers/bulbs. Choose a location. Begonias are one of many common flowers that can be grown successfully both indoors and outdoors. Prepare your soil. Know when to plant.

What kind of soil is best for begonias?

A handful of peat moss, which is good for tuberous begonias. A pH test. Begonias grow best in soil with a low pH level. Begonias are native to tropical and sub-tropical climates.

When to plant Begonia tubers?

KNOW WHEN TO PLANT. Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be put outdoors until the nights are above 50°F. For earlier blooms, start your begonias indoors, eight weeks before the last frost date. Plant the tubers 1” deep in moist growing mix and water sparingly.

When to plant begonias outside?

Begonias are tropical plants and they need warm soil. If you live in a cool climate, it’s best to hold off planting begonias outdoors until the soil is 60°F and the nights are relatively warm. In northern areas this will be late May to early June.