Begonias are one of the most popular garden and houseplants. They are grown for their beautiful flowers, foliage, and ease of care. While there are over 1,000 species of begonias, tuberous begonias are one of the most popular types. Tuberous begonias are appreciated for their showy flowers that bloom in a range of colors, from white, pink, yellow, orange, to red.
Tuberous begonias are divided into two main groups: single-flowered and double-flowered varieties. Here is a closer look at each group:
Single-flowered tuberous begonias are also known as non-double or single-petaled varieties. They have a single layer of petals around the central disc. They bloom in a range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. Single-flowered tuberous begonias are suitable for garden beds, borders, and containers.
Some popular single-flowered tuberous begonia varieties include:
Apricot Shades – apricot-colored flowers with yellow centersIllumination White – pure white flowers with yellow centersNonstop Deep Rose – deep rose-pink flowers with yellow centersPicotee – white flowers with pink edgesDouble-flowered tuberous begonias have more than one layer of petals around the central disc. They have a fuller appearance and come in a range of colors. Double-flowered tuberous begonias are ideal for container gardening and make great cut flowers.
Some popular double-flowered tuberous begonia varieties include:
Double Pink – pale pink flowers with frilly petalsDouble Red – bright red flowers with frilly petalsDouble Yellow – yellow flowers with frilly petalsPendula White – white flowers that hang down from the plantTuberous begonias are easy to grow and care for. They prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Tuberous begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, and other fungal diseases. To prevent these diseases, avoid overcrowding plants, maintain good air circulation, and keep the foliage dry.
During the growing season, feed your tuberous begonias with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Stop feeding them in the fall when they start to go dormant.
In the winter months, store your tuberous begonias in a cool, dark place. Remove the foliage and let the tubers dry out completely before storing them in peat moss or vermiculite.
A: Yes, you can grow tuberous begonias indoors. Place them in a bright location away from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist.
A: You can propagate tuberous begonias by dividing the tubers in early spring before planting. Make sure each division has at least one eye.
A: Tuberous begonias bloom from late spring to early fall or until the first frost. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
A: Yes, you can grow tuberous begonias from seeds, but it is a slow process. It can take up to two years for the plants to bloom from seed.
A: Store tuberous begonias in a cool, dark place. Remove the foliage and let the tubers dry out completely before storing them in peat moss or vermiculite.