MMGGA's
tips for growing
TUBEROUS BEGONIAS

Much care has gone into producing your basket or individually potted tuberous begonia, and with a little extra care you can keep it looking beautiful all season. Here are some helpful hints that will extend the life of your plants, plus keeping them looking at their best all season and provide you with many hours of enjoyment.

• Location: Tuberous begonias prefer shade and will perform best when displayed in a Northern exposure. They can tolerate due East or shaded South or Southwest locations with careful attention to watering.


• Temperature: Keep your begonia baskets outside unless the temperature drops below 40°F. If you keep your basket inside, it may drop flowers, buds and finally leaves. This is normal and is caused by the sudden change into a hot dry house. Return to the outdoors as soon as possible.


• Water: Water your basket when it feels light, preferably in the morning. Water the plant until water seeps out the bottom of the pot. Do not water again until the basket feels light again. To help prevent disease, try not to get much water on the leaves when watering in the evening. If your basket goes completely dry, it may be necessary to re-wet by soaking in a basin of water for 1-2 hours.


• Fertilizer: An outstanding basket requires frequent light fertilizer applications. Once a week apply half strength (1/2 T Miracle Grow or other soluble plant food per gallon) fertilizer solution in place of regular watering, being sure to give the basket enough so that liquid seeps from the bottom of the pot. Tuberous begonias are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it.


• Maintenance: Regular cosmetic pruning, removal of dried leaves and dead flowers will be needed, allowing the plant to put on new growth continuously.

Thank you for supporting Maine horticulture. Call or drop by your Mid-Maine Greenhouse Growers Association Member if you have any further questions.