When can I buy begonia tubers?

Spring
Spring is the best time to buy begonias – you’ll have the biggest selection to choose from and you’ll get much better value for money than if you wait until the summer and buy ready-grown ones. They’re supplied as tubers during spring, ready for you to grow on from home.

Which begonias have tubers?

Non-stop begonias are a seeded double-flowered type of tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida). This means that they are started from seed, grow and flower in just one season. They will develop a tuber that can be lifted in fall and overwintered indoors.

Are begonias tubers or bulbs?

Tuberous begonias produce beautiful rose-like flowers in a variety of colors. They are started from tubers, which many refer to as bulbs, and should be planted in early spring. Gardeners love begonias because unlike most other flowering plants, they prefer shade over sun.

Will begonia tubers multiply?

Begonia tubers can be forced to propagate by dividing stem and tuber cuttings and will propagate on their own by seeding and by naturalization in the landscape. Even under the best circumstances, begonias can be finicky to propagate and the failure rate can be quite high.

What month do you plant begonia bulbs?

spring
Planting Begonias Begonias are typically planted in the late winter/early spring. As mentioned above, starting them indoors during the late winter months can be very beneficial in giving them a head start on the growing season (see instructions for starting begonias early below).

How long do begonia tubers take to sprout?

6-8 weeks
Therefore the majority of gardeners in the United States start their begonias indoors in March and April. Begonia tubers take 6-8 weeks from planting to sprout, which is another reason that starting them inside during the colder months of the year is a good idea.

How long does it take for begonia tubers to sprout?

Begonia tubers take 6-8 weeks from planting to sprout, which is another reason that starting them inside during the colder months of the year is a good idea.

How can you tell if a begonia is tuberous?

Begonias with tuberous roots are a large group of complex hybrids involving many species and years of breeding and development. They can often be identified by their prominent flowers, which can be single, double, ruffled, scented or multicolored, and range in size from 1/2-inch diameter to the size of a dinner plate.

Do you soak begonia tubers before planting?

Water as needed so the soil never dries out completely. When the plant begins to put out strong growth and healthy leaves, gradually increase the watering rate, as it will dry out more quickly. Remember though that you still want to keep the potting mix barely moist and certainly not soaking wet.

Can you cut a begonia tuber in half?

Unlike potato tubers, you can’t cut begonia tubers into pieces to produce more plants. Although some growers divide begonia tubers, they must make the divisions when the plant is actively growing, and the tuber pieces often become diseased and rotten.

How do I sprout begonia tubers?

For best results, encourage the tubers to sprout before planting them in pots or in the garden. Put them in a warm (70°F) area with indirect light. Small red buds will appear within a few weeks, followed by sprouts.

How do you start a begonia tuber?

Tuberous begonia

1. Start tubers into growth in March or April at 18°C (64°F)
2. Fill a seed tray 7.5cm (3in) deep with moist sandy potting compost.
3. Place tubers on the surface of the compost, hollow side uppermost, 2cm (¾in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep.