Tuberous Begonia

Dr. Gary Bachman: With their big bright blossoms and lush foliage, tuberous begonias are showy stars in shady spots today on Southern gardening.

Announcer: Southern gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Dr. Gary Bachman: Tuberous begonias are a must have plant for just about every garden. The flowers are huge when compared to other begonias, and the blooms come in almost every color except blue. These plants make good additions to window boxes, or in pots on a shaded deck or patio. In our coastal counties, tuberous begonias, if protected, can stay outside year round. Otherwise, consider these plants as seasonal color, or they can be overwintered indoors. But wait until all chances of frost have passed to bring back out in the spring. Tuberous begonias need bright but indirect light for best flowering. Partly shady spots are fine, but in deep dark shade, the flowering will be reduced. The potting media or soil must be well drained to avoid root rots.

Tuberous begonias require a little more water than the average garden plant, but don't over-water. Fertilize every two weeks from late spring to late summer with water soluble 20-20-20. Tuberous begonias are brittle and will break easily, so use sturdy stakes and gently tie the stems for support. Tuberous begonias can easily be propagated by cuttings. Select soft stems and stick into moistened vermiculite and peat propagation mix. Create a mini greenhouse by placing a zip bag over the container, and place in bright, indirect light. Keep the propagation mixture evenly moist, and roots should start farming within four weeks. All the begonias have both male and female flowers on the same plant. A quick tip to produce bigger flowers is to pinch off the female flowers, which will encourage the male flowers to be bigger.

I'm horticulturist, Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

Announcer: Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.