Can You Save Begonias Over the Winter?

It’s hard to say goodbye to the tuberous begonia’s delicate blooms once summer fades. The good news is that you can store these tubers over winter and enjoy another breathtaking floral display next year.

Time Frame

• It’s time to overwinter tuberous begonias when their foliage is injured by the first fall frost, according to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension.

Lifting From the Garden

• Carefully dig up and lift out begonia tubers, leaving the ball of roots, including some soil, intact. With a sharp knife or pruning shears, remove any foliage left on the plant.

Curing

• Place the tubers in a dry, cool area and allow them to cure for two to three weeks. Then remove remaining roots and soil and cut out any rotted spots on the tuber.

Storage Preparation

• Prepare begonia tubers for winter storage by dusting them with a powdered garden fungicide. Place tubers in a paper sack, sprinkle in garden fungicide according to package directions, close the bag and shake well to coat tubers, recommends the Purdue University Cooperative Extension.

Storage

• Submerge tubers in dry peat moss or sawdust in a paper bag and store at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The University of Vermont Extension warns against getting the tubers wet during this time. Remove tubers from storage in early spring and replant.