How do I keep my begonias over winter?

Begonias in this group like to be kept lightly moist and lightly fertilized all winter and do not go dormant, so never dry them out entirely. Most are winter flowering and can provide not only beautiful foliage but also sprays of white to pink flowers in late winter.

Can you keep potted begonias over winter?

Yes, you can overwinter begonias in pots. Fibrous types can be kept as a houseplant, while tuberous varieties should be stored dormant in a cool, dark location. Overwintering begonias is easy, and it’s a great way to save your favorite varieties every year.

Do begonias need to be cut back in winter?

The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias.

Can you leave begonias in the garden over winter?

Tuberous rooted (and rhizomatous) varieties can be overwintered in a cool, dark and dry place. This is especially useful to the flower gardener, as mature rhizomes (or begonia corms) produce bigger and stronger Begonias plants. I like to leave mine in old hanging baskets in my garden shed.

When should I overwinter my begonias?

Overwintering

• Tuberous begonias need to be lifted before the first frosts. The leaves will begin to yellow naturally at which time watering should be reduced.
• The tubers of Begonia ‘Million Kisses’ may be small at the end of the first season but may then over-winter, however most gardeners replace their plants each year.

Can I bring my begonia inside for the winter?

Fibrous-rooted begonias are easy to bring indoors and grow during the winter.

Can I save my begonias for next year?

There’s no need to throw them away when cold weather hits and the tops die. The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color. Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: Remove plant from pot before hard frosts occur.

Can begonias survive frost?

The species commonly called hardy begonia (Begonia grandis), however, is able to survive winters in USDA zones 6 to 10. Fall frosts and freezes will cause the above-ground portion of the plant to die back, but the plant will regrow in the spring from underground tubers that go dormant through the winter.

What is the lowest temperature begonias can tolerate?

Most species of begonias can be damaged by temperatures lower than 45 or 50 degrees.

How do you prepare begonias for the winter?

Remove plant from pot before hard frosts occur. Cut back most of the top of the plant, leaving the ball of roots and soil intact. Place in a dry, cool storage area (a basement or garage) and allow the tubers to cure for several weeks. After curing, shake off the soil and remove the remaining stalks and roots.

How do you prepare begonias for winter?

Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. Begonias can be dug up in fall once foliage has faded or just after the first light frost. Spread begonia clumps on newspaper and leave them in a sunny area until thoroughly dry — about a week.

What do you do with begonias in the winter?

Wintering Over Begonias in Cold Climates. Begonias can be dug up in fall once foliage has faded or just after the first light frost. Spread begonia clumps on newspaper and leave this in a sunny area until thoroughly dry — about a week. Once they have sufficiently dried, cut away any remaining foliage and gently shake off excess soil.

How do you overwinter wax begonias?

For overwintering a wax begonia, they require special care in preparation for winter. These begonias should be brought indoors for overwintering rather than digging them up. Of course, if they’re in the ground, they can be carefully transplanted into containers and brought indoors for growing throughout winter.

What does a bonfire begonias look like?

A favorite of many for its spectacular display, award-winning Begonia ‘Bonfire’ (Begonia boliviensis) produces masses of vivid, reddish orange blossoms held on bright red stems amongst a delicately pink-edged green foliage.

Do begonias have waxy leaves?

Begonias are a large family of beautiful tropical flowers that can liven up any garden. You can maintain fibrous begonias, which often have waxy leaves and always have traditional root balls, for 2-3 years with proper indoor and outdoor care.