Tuberous Begonias

[roitelet]

I bought some tubers this year when they were reduced in price. Yes I am a cheapskate.
They flowered well and I want to keep them for next year. What is the best way to do this?

Thanks

[WendyC]

I am pretty rubbish at keeping these. I put them in old compost, a bit like dahlias, and try to keep the compost very slightly damp and frost free. Too wet and they turn to mush, too dry and they shrivel, never to recover. I would certainly try to keep water out of the dished top surface. Someone may be able to suggest a more successful method.

[bend1pa]

It's always a bit of a gamble, but wait until early November, or when frost is due then dig up begonias taking care not to dig into the tubers. Leave the stems on the plant and let the plant dry out over a few weeks in a frost free place like a garage. Then either cut the stems back to the tuber or gently remove them from the tuber. They may detach automatically by then. The tuber will be fully dormant now. Then store tubers in a paper bag over winter in a frost free and dry place but not at room temperature. About 40 - 45° F is ideal. Examine them every few weeks to make sure none are rotting. In early March bring tubers back into a warm room by a window and start them off again in damp soil. Most if not all the tubers should survive intact.

[roitelet]

Thanks, I will try. I may be lucky if not I will be buying more when they reduce them again!

[rary]

if they are in pots let them die back and once the leaves are of them remove the stems and keep the pots frost free, I dont know what the winter temperatures are in your area but if very cold cover pots with old compost or soil to protect them, remove them about end Feb. to start the in to growth again

[roitelet]

Thanks, they are in pots so I will do as you suggest. They are not showing any signs of dying back yet. We can get very cold so will keep them frost free.