How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias are delightful and versatile summer bloomers. Available with colorful blooms in hues ranging from soft pastel pink and lavender to vivid reds and purples, tuberous begonias never fail to leave their mark as border plants, in flower beds, in patio pots or in hanging containers. Although tuberous begonias are perennials, they aren’t cold-tolerant and will be killed if they’re left in the ground for the winter. To save the tuberous begonias for another growing season, they must be stored indoors.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Shovel
• Garden shears
• Sharp knife
• Paper bag
• Powdered fungicide
• Cardboard box
• Sawdust or peat moss
• Compost or decomposed manure

1. Dig up tuberous begonias after the first frost turns the foliage yellow. Leave a small amount of soil clinging to the tubers. Using garden shears, trim the foliage down to 1 inch long.
2. Remove any soft or rotten areas with a sharp knife. Spread the tubers to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place such as a garage, storage shed or basement for two to three weeks.
3. Brush the remaining soil off the tubers and remove any remaining stem. Any stem or foliage that remains can cause the begonia tubers to rot.
4. Place the tubers in a paper bag with a small amount of powdered fungicide, and shake the bag to coat the tubers. Always use fungicide strictly according to the directions on the container.
5. Place the tubers in a cardboard box filled with dry sawdust or peat moss. Store the begonia tubers where the temperature will be maintained between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t allow the tubers to freeze.
6. Replant the tuberous begonias in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Plant the tubers where they will be sheltered from strong wind and exposed to morning sunlight, but protected from afternoon heat. Before planting, work 2 to 3 inches of compost or decomposed manure into the top of the soil.