How to Store Potted Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias are great plants to grow in the shade.

In areas with freezing winters, tuberous begonias are not winter hardy. Tuberous begonias are tender perennials that need to be dug up and stored in a heated basement or garage so they won't freeze. Potted tuberous begonias can be planted back outside the following spring. In late fall, before a heavy frost that will kill your tuberous begonias, bring the pots indoors or dig the plants out of bigger pots, that you are leaving outside for the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Hand trowel or spade
• Pruning shears or secateurs
• Vermiculite

Instructions

1. Dig the tuberous begonias out of the pots. Shake off excess soil. Divide clumps that are too big. Pull them apart with your hands. You can give the excess to friends.

2. Cut off the stems and leaves, 1 inch above the tubers.

3. Put the tubers in a cardboard box filled with vermiculite. Vermiculite absorbs moisture, keeping the tubers from rotting.

4. Store the tuberous begonias in a cool area with a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool temperatures keep the tuberous begonias from growing, giving them a much-needed rest.

Tips & Warnings

• The following spring, plant the tuberous begonias back into pots. Place them in a warm place with bright light.

• Be sure to harden them off before leaving them outside for the summer.

References

• Iowa State University; Overwintering Tender Perennials; Richard Jauron; September 2004

Resources

• Purdue University: Winter Storage of Geranium, Canna, Gladiolus, Caladium and Begonia