Tuberous begonias are well-known for their exquisite blooms, available in various hues and shapes. Blossoms in red, orange, yellow, white, salmon and pink can be solitary or double and smooth, ruffled or toothed. Their petals may feature contrasting-colored patches, crests or edges. Throughout the summer, tuberous begonias bloom profusely, flourishing in shaded areas inaccessible to other plants with lengthy bloom times and eye-catching blossoms. They are frequently used as bedding plants, in hanging baskets and as container plants on porches and patios. Natives across tropical South America and southern Africa are species of tuberous begonia. Most kinds seen in catalogues and garden shops are hybrids with intricate ancestry but have similar growth needs.
Tuberous begonias: Key facts
| Botanical Name        | Begonia × tuberhybrida |
| Plant type | Bulbs, perennials |
| Genus | Begonia |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Hardiness Zones      | 9-11; in zones 2-8, grow as annuals or overwinter indoors with tubers |
| Origin | Tropical regions of South America and southern Africa |
| Growth Habit | Upright or trailing, depending on the variety |
| Height/Spread          | Up to 18 inch tall (upright types), trailing/spreading up to 24 inch |
| Exposure      | Shade to partial sun |
| Bloom Time  | Late spring until frost; can flower continuously for up to 4 months |
| Flowers         | Single, double, or ruffled, up to 6 inches across; various shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, white, or bicolor; some with picotee edges |
| Foliage          | Various shades of green, maroon, or chocolate brown, usually pointed leaves with serrated edges. |
Where to grow tuberous begonias?
Although they thrive in shade, tuberous begonias are best exposed to early or filtered afternoon sunshine. They would be ideal for adding colour to a garden bed beneath a tree if the soil is suitable. In areas that face north and where other plants can suffer from a lack of sunlight, you might also utilise tuberous begonia to provide colour.
Consider this while planting your tuberous begonia so you can readily reach the tubers when it’s time to overwinter. In most places, these plants must be dug out and kept for the winter.
Shaded patios and porches with filtered sunshine are ideal for growing tuberous begonias in pots. Indeed, many gardeners like growing tuberous begonia in pots because it allows them to manage the soil, moisture and nutrients needed and shift the plant in case of bad weather.
How to plant tuberous begonias at home?
In a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix, arrange the tubers approximately 1 inch apart if you are planting them indoors. To keep the potting mix damp but not soggy, place the tray in a dark room and add just enough water. After sprouting, transfer the tubers to a well-lit location. Once they have produced their first two leaves and the risk of frost has gone, transplant them into the garden.
Tuberous begonias: Care tips
Although tuberous begonia growing in the ground may not be considered low-maintenance, their lovely blossoms make the extra work worthwhile.
Tuberous begonias: Sunlight requirements
Early light and afternoon shade are the ideal conditions for tuberous begonia. Achieving the perfect balance is crucial because although moderate sunshine exposure can produce bright, colourful flowers, excessive sun exposure can burn leaves and harm delicate plant petals.
Tuberous begonias: Fertilising requirements
To guarantee continuous blooming throughout the growth season, begonias, like most heavy bloomers, require frequent fertilisation. When planting, use slow-release fertilisers. During the peak bloom period, supplement with sporadic applications of diluted liquid fertiliser. Stop fertilising when plants go dormant in the late summer or early fall.
Tuberous begonias: Pruning requirements
Pinch back the stems immediately above a leaf node, paying particular attention to those spindly or lanky to promote fuller, bushier growth. Although deadheading is not necessary for tuberous begonias to bloom continuously, it will make them seem prettier if you remove any wasted blooms and any wilting foliage.
Tuberous begonias: Overwintering requirements
Though often cultivated annually in colder locations, tuberous begonias are sensitive perennials that may be brought indoors for several years. Dig out your begonia tubers and trim the stems after the first fall frost to preserve them. When it’s time to transplant the following spring, keep the tubers indoors in a cool, dry place, like a basement, and let them dry and cure in the sun for approximately a week. The tubers can be kept in the ground throughout the winter in areas without frost. Find out more about how to overwinter begonias.
Tuberous begonias: Pests and diseases
There aren’t many harmful pests or illnesses that affect tuberous begonia. Regular baiting makes controlling slugs and snails, which may become a problem, simple. Earwigs, which occasionally consume tiny, circular holes in begonia leaves, can be managed with most snail and slug granules.
On stems, stem rot manifests as soft brown patches that frequently begin with a cut, bruise, or injury from slugs or snails. Small areas can be removed using a dry, clean cloth or cutting them out with a sterile, sharp knife. Cut off the stem of any big, deeply rotted portions far enough below the rot to reveal clean tissue. Then, dust all exposed surfaces with rose dust, preferably one that contains sulphur.
The most dangerous disease that affects tuberous begonia is powdery mildew. But as more resilient hybrids are created, and better control measures are employed, the frequency of cases is declining year. The best treatment, like with most plant diseases, is prevention. Beginning early in the growing season, lightly fungicide sprays the plants once a month. Reapply the spray to the affected plants if the mildew appears between applications.
Tuberous begonias: Toxicity
While beautiful to look at, Tuberous Begonia can be harmful to the stomach. Children and newborns are especially vulnerable due to their curiosity and propensity to put everything in their mouths. The plant can irritate the mouth, throat and stomach lining if consumed. This is no insignificant worry since pain can lead to more severe problems, especially in children with developing systems.
FAQs
Which do tuberous begonias prefer, shade or sun?
How to Grow Tuberous Begonias: Some Advice The filtered light under tall trees or at least four hours of morning sun is preferred by tuberous begonias.
How do normal and tuberous begonias differ from one another?
Begonias with fibrous roots will seem stringy, while those with rhizomatous roots will have spreading surface stems and seeds. Finally, begonias with tuberous roots have a brown, spherical, flattened tuber that resembles a cow pie!
Can tuberous begonias be grown indoors?
Wax begonias and tuberous begonias typically thrive outside in summer heat in colder climates with longer winters. After that, you may bring them indoors to overwinter them after the growing season.
Do begonias have summertime blooms?
Begonias bloom constantly from June till the first frost.
What is the lifespan of tuberous begonias?
The tubers are between the ages of two and fifteen.
What is the growth period of tuberous begonias?
Growth can be expected in 3-6 weeks, depending on overall growing circumstances.
How are bushy tuberous begonias made?
Trim back the growth points on their branches every two to four weeks or if your begonia plants start to droop. From the pinched spot, the plant will grow new additions. The begonia has more chances to produce blooms when it has more stems.
Can leaf cuttings be used to generate tuberous begonias?
Begonias multiply well from leaf cuttings, so summer is the best season to take cuttings from your houseplants.
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