Begonias - Growing and Preserving Begonias
by Hilary Basile

Description: Expert tips for planting and growing begonias in your flower garden.

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It is necessary to preserve your Begonias prior to the winter months. For the Begonia novice, following are a few tips for preserving your Begonia tubers for the next season:

Preserving Your Begonias

• Stop watering the plants as soon as the lower leaves on the plants begin to yellow.
• Pull them as soon as they begin to show signs of dormancy.
• Dig (do not pull) the entire plant from the soil. Shake off any loose soil and lay the plants in a single layer in a dry location (away from the sun).
• Turn nursery flats upside down and place the plants on the flats to allow for maximum air circulation.
• Break the foliage gently away when it becomes dry and brown (this will generally occur in about one month).
• Shake off any excess soil and rinse the tubers in fresh water to remove the remaining soil.
• Place the prepared tubers in a nursery flat lined with dry newspaper.
• Place them back in a dry location away from the sun until they are dry to the touch.
• Discard any damaged tubers or those showing signs of rot.
• Dust the tubers with sulfur powder to discourage mold and fungus disease during storage.
• Place the prepared tubers in a single layer between pads of newspaper and store in a cool, dry place (such as a lower level shelf in the garage) until it's time to plant them again in April or May.
• Make sure the Begonias are stored in paper. Never store Begonias in plastic since plastic retains moisture and will cause the tubers to rot.

Planting Your Begonias

• Check your stored tubers in the spring for signs of life. Small pink numbs will be evident on the concave side.
• Prepare the soil in the planting bed with organic matter, such as oak leaf compost or any fast-draining rich potting soil, after the soil has warmed.
• Plant the begonias right side up. Lay the tuber with the pink nubs and concave side facing up.
• Push it gently into the soft soil to settle it in place.
• Water immediately after planting, then only when the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Water in the morning hours.
• Set the containers in a warm shady location.
• Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks. Switch to a 0-10-10 fertilizer and continue to fertilize every two weeks when the plants begin to set flower buds.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com

Find lawn and garden tips and resources http://lawnandgarden.myguidesusa.com

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