Can Tuberous Begonias Be Saved Over Winter?

Begonias are tender plants that won’t survive winter temperatures in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones cooler than 9. To carry over the plants to the next season, dig and store the tubers indoors.

Digging

• Dig up begonias before the first hard frost. Dig carefully to avoid cutting or nicking the tubers. A garden fork is the best tool for the job.

Drying

• Clean the dirt from the tubers, but don’t remove the foliage until it has withered. It may fall off on its own. Allow the tubers to dry in a well-ventilated area for one to two weeks.

Storage

• Store begonia tubers between layers of sand, peat moss or vermiculite in a cardboard box. Store the box at a temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fungicides

• If desired, use a bulb dust or fungicide to coat the bulbs before storage. To coat the bulbs, place them in a paper bag with the fungicide and shake vigorously.