How to Grow Tuberous Begonias
 Contents | The List of the Flowers |
Data / Charm of Tuberous Begonias / Choosing Bulbs /
Planting Bulbs / Location / Watering /
Fertilizer / During and After the Flower
Data
Botanical name: Begonia tubrhybrida
Family: Begoniaceae
Type: Tuber
Planting season: Late winter to spring
Blooming season: Summer, autumn
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Charm of Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are the representative summer-blooming bulbs. They are variety in colors.
They are considerably delicate, and maybe they are good for some experienced gardeners, because they are not very tolerant for hotness and coldness, and they do not prefer the sudden change of enviromnent either.
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Choosing Bulbs
The shape is flat oval. However, if you observe carefully, you may find growth points on the surface. Avoid choosing too light and soft ones.
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Planting Bulbs
Most of them has roots, so put the roots lower. Though the bulbs have growth points on the upper side, some of them are difficult to find (see the picture)B
The bulbs stop growing when the temperature is below 10C/50F, however you can enjoy the frower longer if you plant the bulbs earlier. So, it is recommended
However, tubelous begonia is not very tolerant for the change of the environment, and the foliage may get sunburn if it is exposed under the direct sunlight for a long time while it has been kept indoor. Then,
To plant them in soil, barely hide the surface.
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Location
As mentioned above, foliage may get sunburn if it is exposed under the strong sunlight abruptly. So, let them get used to the sunlight gradually. It is recommended to spray them water, sometimes.
They stop growing when it is colder than 10C/50F, and they become weak when it is hotter than 30C/86F. Therefore, it is ideal to keep them at the sunny window until it gets warm, and then transfer it to cool half-shade.
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Watering
They like to be comparatively dry. Water them when the surfice of the soil starts to turn white and dry. Gradually control watering when flowering is slowing down, and stop watering when the foliage turnes yellow.
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Fertilizer
Mix fertilizer in soil before planting the bulbs, and give them liquid fertilizer during the growth season. If you want to re-use the bulbs, give them fertilizer when the flowers are fading.
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During and After the Flower
The flowers bloom as a combination of one female flower and 2 male flowers. The female flower looks gorgeous if you cut the male flowers off.
You can leave the bulb in soil if you can keep it dry, and start wartering in the next spring. However, it is common
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