What to do with begonias when finished flowering?
Introduction: Caring for tuberous begonias after they have finished blooming is an important part of growing these beautiful plants year after year.
If you want to save the begonia tubers and replant them next spring, here’s how to do it!
Overview of Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are a type of flowering plant that produces beautiful, brightly colored blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red from late spring through summertime.
They are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them popular with gardeners who like low-maintenance plants.
The only downside is that these tender plants can’t tolerate cold temperatures and must be brought indoors or stored away for winter in order to survive frosty weather conditions.
Reasons to Save Tubers After Bloom
When tuberous begonias have finished blooming, you may be tempted to just throw them out and start fresh in the springtime with a new crop of plants from seed or from purchased tuberous begonia tubers from a garden center or nursery.
But if you want to save money and keep your favorite varieties year after year, it’s well worth the effort to save the tuberous begonia tubers and replant them next season!
Replanting Tubers in the Spring
When it comes time to plant your saved tuberous begonia tubers in the springtime, you should use a light potting soil mix that drains well and has plenty of organic matter added for nutrients.
Moisten the soil before planting and make sure that each tuber is planted at least two inches deep in the soil so it will stay put when watered or when wind blows across it during growth season.
How to Store Tubers for Winter
Before storing your tuberous begonia tubers away for winter, cut off any foliage left on the plant (to prevent rotting over winter) then remove as much soil as possible from around each tuber without damaging it too much (you can use a garden hose nozzle set on low pressure).
Place each cleaned off tuber in a paper bag or container filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite, then store them away in a cool place such as an unheated garage or basement where temperatures stay between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit (7-10 degrees Celsius).
What To Do With Plants After Bloom
At the end of the growing season, simply put entire plant into your compost pile – this is great for adding organic matter back into depleted soils!
If you don’t have a compost pile, you can add your spent plants directly into garden beds as green manure – just be sure not to add any diseased plants into your compost pile as this could spread diseases throughout your garden beds!
When To Start New Tubers
If you decide not to save your existing begonias but would rather start fresh with new tuberous begonias in springtime, wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside – this usually occurs around April/May depending on where you live (check local weather forecasts).
Starting New Tubers Indoors
If starting new tubers indoors before transplanting outside later on, use small containers such as peat pots filled with light potting soil mix that drains well and has plenty of organic matter added for nutrients (just like when replanting saved tubers).
Place two/three seeds per container at least two inches deep into moistened soil mix then cover lightly with more soil mix before watering gently with a spray bottle set on low pressure setting (avoid overwatering).
Keep containers in warm area away from direct sunlight until seedlings emerge which could take one/two weeks depending on room temperature/humidity levels (check regularly).
Caring For New Seedlings
Once seedlings have emerged from seed containers, move them into bright indirect sunlight location such as windowsill/balcony – avoid placing near direct sunlight initially (unless very weak sun) as leaves may get scorched if too strong – also make sure not to overwater seedlings as this can cause root rot – check regularly by poking finger into soil mix around seedling roots – if soil feels dry then water gently using spray bottle set on low pressure setting until soil feels damp but not soggy!
Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
Once all danger of frost has passed (around April/May), transplant seedlings outdoors into garden bed filled with light potting mix amended with plenty of organic matter such as aged cow manure – dig hole twice size of container then fill hole halfway up with amended potting mix – place seedling inside hole then fill remaining space around seedling roots using more amended potting mix before watering gently until entire potting mix feels damp but not soggy!
Conclusion: Caring for tuberous begonias after they have finished blooming is essential if you want these beautiful plants back again next season!
From storing away tubers over winter months through starting new tubers indoors then transplanting outdoors when danger of frost has passed – there’s lots involved but it’s worth effort if you want stunning blooms again next season!
