Gardeners grow a variety of plants in their gardens. Among them are heat-loving plants that tolerate low temperatures. Therefore, they require proper overwintering, including tuberous begonias. Storing their tubers over winter requires special conditions. Proper preparation and care will help this vibrant and beautiful flower survive the winter and bloom brilliantly again next season.
Brief description
The beautiful begonia always attracts attention with its vibrant colors and long blooms. In appearance, it rivals roses and peonies, as they are very similar. The bushes bloom beautifully even in shaded areas, and their flowering period begins in summer and ends in September.
There are many varieties of garden begonias, varying in bush height, bud size, and petal shape. The largest specimens grow up to 40 cm in height. These flowers are divided into several types:
- bushy;
- ornamental foliage;
- tuberous.
Each of them requires specific conditions during the winter. The first two species are frost-resistant, so they can be left in the ground if properly prepared for winter. Tuberous begonia is considered more demanding. How this beauty is stored over the winter will determine its future flowering and health.
You may be interested in:Growing in soil
Despite the small size of the bush, begonia tubers are quite large. To ensure their growth, the plant requires proper care. It thrives in full sun, although it also blooms well in shady areas. This plant is a heat-loving plant and prefers fertile soil. It responds well to regular watering and tolerates dry soil.
Preparing for winter
Already in early autumn, all the buds should be removed from the begonia. This will allow the plant to accumulate the necessary nutrients in its tubers before the onset of frost. If this is not done, then the flower will spend all its energy on developing budding and growth of the aboveground part. When the plant accumulates the necessary reserves, it enters a dormant phase until spring.
However, after cutting the buds, the begonia should not be dug out of the ground. It should remain in the ground to allow its roots to develop more robust roots. In this state, it will survive the first autumn frosts without any problems, but it's best not to wait until then and remove the plant from the soil. This will allow you to store the begonia tubers over the winter without any problems.
You may be interested in:Digging up the plant too early can result in the plant's blooms being less profuse next season. After removing the buds, reduce watering, and during rainy weather, cover it with a waterproof covering. If a sudden frost hits and the plant hasn't been in the ground for long, nothing bad will happen. It won't be the roots that freeze, only the upper part of the plant.
After this, it's advisable to sort the bushes, separating the smaller ones from the larger tubers. This is because small roots tend to dry out more quickly. All flowers removed from the soil should be placed close together in a container.
Now the shoots should be removed, leaving 3 cm long, and remove any remaining soil from the roots. The tubers must be taken to a cool, dry place to dry. The optimal drying temperature is 14-16°C.OThey should remain in this state for about 2-3 weeks. During this time, the above-ground portion dries out. The bushes should be laid out on cotton cloth.
Indoor storage
Experienced gardeners cover the root system with a mixture of peat, sand, and vermiculite. Vermiculite provides heat and moisture absorption. Storing begonia tubers during the winter protects the plant not only from cold conditions but also from harmful insects and rodents.
You can use sand and peat, mixing the mixture in equal parts with the substrate, to better preserve the tubers. It's important to select a suitable container, such as a box, for storing tuberous begonias. Winter care is simple, but it does require certain conditions. For overwintering, you'll need a room where the temperature can be maintained at 10°C.0C, damp and dark.
The composition must be watered periodically.To prevent the roots from completely losing moisture and drying out. If the indoor humidity level is maintained at 70%, then watering is not necessary. It is also recommended to periodically check the dug-up plants to ensure they are not susceptible to fungal diseases during the winter. If severe infestation occurs, remove the affected areas, and if only slightly damaged, treat with brilliant green.
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These measures are suitable for mature plants, but first-year plants are relatively dormant, and the tops often remain green until spring after being dug up. They should be kept in a cool, sunny location. Water infrequently, about once a month, keeping the soil slightly moist.
If a young plant is grown from seed, it should not be pruned in the fall, as growth continues during the winter. If pruned like a mature bush, its shoots will die. For this reason, the plant is potted and kept indoors.
Many people who don't have a basement or cellar are concerned about how to preserve begonias in an apartment over the winter. In this case, the plant can be placed in the refrigerator. However, a large container won't fit many, so some can be placed in a plastic bag. Puncture the bag in several places to allow for proper air circulation. Afterwards, place the contents in the refrigerator and inspect the tubers periodically.
Care after the resting phase
Around March, begonia buds begin to emerge. The plants should be removed and placed in a mixture with moist growing medium. It is prepared from the following components:
- 2 parts peat;
- 1 part each of humus and river sand.
When placing a tuber in a container with such a mixture, it needs to be cared for, creating specific conditions for active germination. The plants are placed closer to light with a temperature of 18OWatering is limited. Growth is slow and uneven. Roots emerge first, followed by above-ground shoots. Begonias should not be placed in direct sunlight; they should be shaded and regularly ventilated.
You may be interested in:This is the best time to divide and propagate tuberous begonias. It's recommended to sprinkle the cuts with charcoal or treat them with colloidal sulfur. When the first leaves appear, the flowers can be transplanted into prepared pots. The base should be well covered and not planted outdoors until warm, frost-free spring weather arrives.
Planting in spring
Many experts recommend hardening off plants before planting them outdoors in the spring. Plants often lose their leaves, but this is considered normal. As soon as warm weather sets in, you can plant them in the prepared area.
The soil in the flowerbed should be loose and mixed with sand. For each tuber, allocate at least 15 x 15 cm of soil surface area if the plant is small. Mature plants will need approximately 30 x 30 cm for normal development. After planting, cover the soil with ash and humus.
Soil moisture is crucial for care. Ensure it's neither too wet nor too dry. The best time to water begonias is in the morning. Spraying the plant is not recommended, as it can cause brown spots to appear on the foliage. If the plant is tall, it's best to tie it up. This will help keep the stem intact.
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