How to grow & propagate Tuberous Begonias with expert Peter Harris.

This week on The Horti-Culturalists we were very lucky to spend a day with Peter Harris of The Tuberous Begonia Garden and learn literally EVERYTHING you'll EVER need to know about growing tuberous Begonias! Peter is a specialist grower who produces extraordinary hybrids every year and he was kind enough to share his expertise and knowledge with us! It's an epic video so get a snack and a warm beverage and settle in! We learn about pollination, seed sowing, seedling raising, propagation through leaf and stem cuttings, preparing tuberous begonias for dormancy, potting up tubers, general plant care especially watering, staking, and finally the different forms of flower and plant habit. We even learn that if you can't tell the top from the bottom of the tuber the world won't end; the plant will still grow and flower! AND....which is the front and which is the back of the grown plant ( you need to know which is which!) There's a lot to get through so each specific element is timestamped below so you can jump to the bit you are most interested in....or settle back and watch the whole thing!
You can find a link to Peter's web site with all the details of his nursery and Begonia show here: www.whitehousenursery.com.au/...
This is a link to the Ballarat Begonia Festival: ballaratbegoniafestival.com/
And here's a link to the Melbourne Begonia Society: melbournebegoniasociety.com/
There will be a Begonia society in your region so google around to find out the details.
And finally again, a BIG thank you to Peter and the team at Whitehouse Nursery and The Tuberous Begonia Garden for their generosity in letting us bug them for a day!
0:00 introduction
1:04 introduction to Peter Harris
2:18 origins of tuberous begonias
4:02 Begonia boliviensis - the origin species
5:41 pollination
7:15 sowing seed
10:42 potting up seedlings
15:26 basic care: watering and pests - including mildew!
19:04 how to increase flower size
20:29 fertilising
21:06 dormancy: how to initiate it and how to manage watering
22:52 how & when to plant the tubers after dormancy
26:13 propagation from stem cuttings
27:34 how to take the cutting
29:57 how to take a leaf cutting
31:54 how to grow on the cuttings
36:26 flower forms & shapes
37:29 flower colour types
38:05 staking tuberous begonias
41:44 cascading & upright types of tuberous begonias
43:33 details about Peter's Begonia show
44:37 The Horti-Culturalists say thank you!

[@kuldipbutail3300]

I have grown tuberous begonias for 3 decades. Yet I have learnt a lot from this video. Thank you. God bless

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@NaomiCurtis]

I don't want to overwhelm you guys I am 74, but I'm sending you huge Marilyn Monroe kisses. I cannot remember a gardening flower any type of video possibly that has been as helpful and enjoyable. I have watched quite a few on various begonias I never got it all and I just feel like I can do so much more now. I'm hoping that my knowledge and the flowers that I will have started will someday be carried on by somebody who has enjoyed gardening as much as i. Thank you very very much. 💞

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I am humbled by your praise and thank you for it. Long may you enjoy your gardening. Regards Stephen

[@MissJFlam]

I agree! I have watched this a few times and it is the most informative Tuberous Begonia video I have ever seen. It totally changes how I handle them and they do really well as a result.

[@caroldeminski7144]

I can't count the number of times I have watched part, or all, of this video. Thank you so much Peter Harris for all the information, and thank you Horti-Culturalists for conducting this extensive interview. I'm just trying to plant begonia tubers for the first time this year, and I am very excited to see what happens! With Peter's advice, I feel much better about my chances!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching and good luck!!

[@QueenAnnesLace13]

This was amazing, so much to learn! What an amazing man, Peter was so generous with his knowledge. I wish I had seen this before watering mine to the grave. Thank you so much!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you enjoyed it! Regards Stephen

[@kittymachine3798]

Incredible, comprehensive tutorial. Thank you so much! this is the only kind of begonia I have yet to grow, and now I feel so confident.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@Heidi-Beth]

I absolutely love begonias! Very informative, thanks!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

You are very welcome. Regards Stephen

[@deebee1326]

I’m only half way through this video and I’ve already learned so much! How did I not know about this channel already!? It’s great!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Well thank you for finding us!

[@macymack5684]

Leave the bloody thing alone 😂😂 this is the best begonia video I’ve seen. Thank you 😊 💜

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@donnafalvo8815]

Oh my goodness! You answered so many questions with this video! So wonderful! I can say my plants have been growing despite me for sure!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching - good luck with them now!

[@leannepethick698]

Have a superb Tuberous Begonia from Pete's Whitehouse nursery, and thanks to Peter, it is still alive, healthy and blooming! Thank you so much for this video... have saved to watch often so that I know how to care for it long term :)

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimlewis5429]

Thanks for sharing so much knowledge with us!! This will help me tremendously!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@tenealsimpson4893]

Wow wow wow 😁two thumbs up 👍👍such an interesting video , I had to have a giggle when Peter pop up in amongst the flowers 😄😂

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@torpa15]

i was just there a few days ago, they did a good job promoting it. When we were talking to him, he was like "Stephen said i should really do something with all these plants." Also i cant believe how fast they grow, wow... I grow Rhodo's and they take up to a year to root out alone

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Great you were able to visit - Peter is the begonia Guru!

[@chleoi4160]

Awesome!!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CSFAV]

Thank you for this video. It honestly the most comprehensive YT video ever on Tuberous Begonias!!! I've learned so much!!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@judymiddleswart9350]

This was wonderful I’m in Pensacola fl and my pot of Tuberous begonias are doing great in our cool winter they sprung back in the pot in 30 to 60 degree weather thanks judy in Pensacola fl USA

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MississippiKitten]

Wow! The sheer amount of information contained in this video is staggering. Thank you SO much for putting this together. I feel like I'm well-prepared to begin successfully growing begonias. I'm located in Longview, TX and the growing season here is quite long.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@julieburness8719]

Thanks so much, fantastic information from Peter

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@katibee5067]

This is so wonderful- so much information! Thank you so much for hosting this, I learned so much. I live in Maine in the U.S. and just bought two beautiful orange begonias for my front porch (on the north-east side). The information that too much water and not enough heat can kill them was particularly helpful because, though I haven't been watering them, it has been raining quite a bit this spring and has been a little bit on the cool side which may be why they have seemed to be struggling. It was helpful to know that they don't mind cool at night... hum... I might try putting little mini greenhouses on them like he did the cuttings, just until spring ends. Thank you, thank you, thank you, again!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Many thanks for watching!!

[@zachddesigns1]

I've been! Peter is extraordinary at what he does! Definitely worth checking it out! IMPOSSIBLE to go home empty handed!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I may have not left empty handed! Matthew

[@paigehudson6713]

This was so informative. Awesome

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@Sarahpm22]

Brilliant video, all such lovely gents. I shoved a begonia leaf in the ground this summer and it’s amazing. Thanks all from the UK

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for the accolades. Regards Stephen

[@julieemmett4346]

Thank you all! This was a wonderful through and concise explanation of all a begonia lover needs to know!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@eddy8828]

Fantastic program on Tuberous Begonias. Peter is such an interesting and knowledgeable person. Watching this video made me so happy. Thank you so much.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@LoanNguyen-js6zd]

Hello from Southern California. Thank you for making this video and special thank you to Peter for giving a very detailed video on begonias. I just bought a variety of begonia tubers so this video is so perfect!!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was of help - thanks for watching!

[@darlenemuse8407]

WOW, I wanted to learn about tuberous begonias; and I certainly found the right place!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@sarahhayhurst9944]

Fantastic video. GREAT knowledge. Thanks so much for providing all this information. 👍

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@coconutwoman91746]

Wow! A lot of detailed information about begonias. I’m now hooked on begonias.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching - go for it! They're fabulous!

[@capybara6810]

Lovely video, I've learned a lot! Thanks

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@velerialangbehn6088]

Excellent! Just what I needed. Thank you.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@wildwoodskimberlynewworldd5282]

This was an amazing video iCandy all the way thank you❤❤❤❤❤

[@thehorti-culturalists]

You are so welcome. Regards Stephen

[@kukulokarer]

Wow Peter is genius. Thank you for putting this video. Cheers

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Isn't he! Many thanks for watching!

[@Peggysue661]

I am so impressed and learned soooo much! Thank you for making this video 🥰

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you for watching it!

[@madhurisuryawanshi-jadhav6729]

Wow awesome video! So informative 👍👍

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you think so! Regards Stephen

[@catherineslavin7324]

Incredible wealth of information! Thank you.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@teeohh4151]

Absolutely loved this video! A wealth of info. Can’t wait to start my tuberous begonia journey!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Have fun! Regards Stephen

[@jjjoy7887]

Best begonia info ever! Thank you so much!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad it was helpful! Regards Stephen

[@grahampestridge4368]

Loved the video

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@mellfraze8112]

Thanks for all the info. I've snubbed begonias for the entirety of my gardening years but I think I might try growing tuberous begonias now.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Go for it! Regards Stephen

[@phhortress]

Excellent video. The only thing missing is the group of hanging begonias like the variety Illumination. These are stunning and don't require staking. Not to be confused with the pendulous. Thanks.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@golfpsyche1]

What an excellent video- learnt so much!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@TimurDavletshin]

Wonderful video, very useful!

[@helenchen3665]

Thank you. A very informative video clip. Love it.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you enjoyed it! Regards Stephen

[@Doxie1914]

Awesome videos.! So much information…Thank you 🌸

[@thehorti-culturalists]

You are so welcome! Regards Stephen

[@LisaAstley]

Amazing information, in an interesting format and thank you for remembering us up in England.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching us!

[@VancouverIslandgirl]

Just wonderful information thankyou !

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@MSWEDREAM]

Omg I’ve learned so much from you and Peter Thank you Thank you muah 💋

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hala12122008]

Wow, that's an amazing clip with tons of good knowledge and info! Thanks for doing that - it deserves millions of likes :) - Ontario, Canada

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you liked it! Regards Stephen

[@umangrevari4489]

What an amazing detailed video

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Glad you liked it! Regards Stephen

[@kateseverein7650]

Absolutely stunning, thank you

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenniferlittle7206]

Thank you for your knowledge. I have learnt a lot to take care of m begonia plants. I’m hooked!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your begonias!

[@garryturner9137]

Thanks for all the information, very informative.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@Garnetspagrud]

I love your in depth coverage of this topic! Great video !

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you for watching!

[@annapala529]

Incredibly informative

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@diydebs]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

This was amazing, all the basic information for growing these very precious blooms. A perfect video to back reference when you are not sure of what you are doing is correct. It was a pleasure listening to Peter, and thank you for introducing us to this most knowledgeable gentleman. Many blessings. I wish to purchase a red one for "Valentine's" Day, but had second thoughts about caring for this. I hope I will find the same plant, if not, good luck to the person that bought it I will visit a quality Nursery and see what is available.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for the praise and may you and tuberous begonias have a long and happy relationship. Regards Stephen

[@nasirhussain4201]

Absolutely spectacular 👌

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@gf4915]

Brilliant video.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you!

[@nikkistump3480]

Best begonia video ever!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@Garnetspagrud]

Great info and video - thanks!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicolabaker8429]

Fantastic video. I've killed 7 begonias so far this season! I brought one last week already in bloom and I'm hopeful this one will survive. So much information in this video. Thanks guys.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Good luck!!

[@hayleydoherty9557]

Amazing video thank you x

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@williampickett7655]

Thanks!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thank you so much William!

[@nawazmughal4660]

Waow its beautiful i love verymuch begonias

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@nawazmughal4660]

@@thehorti-culturalists my pleasure

[@kaystandfield8953]

Fabulous.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

xxxxx

[@zarenthungodyuo5206]

Best month for cutting

[@thehorti-culturalists]

it depends on which hemisphere you are in, but early in the growing season is usually best. Regards Stephen

[@user-jp2fn1ir7i]

Lovely video, grazie 😊

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@myka.2.0]

graciass😉👌

[@user-ym8gk2ty4c]

beautiful begonias

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Wow, we are certainly on the same wavelength. I just published a begonia video today too. Great information and superb footage

[@moniquemannaert3468]

Well there is a plug.. 🔌

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks Rachel!!

[@cherylpenn4509]

Awesome info. Thanks. Stunning, huge flowers. We dont get that size in S. Africa

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@desicaingagiola6008]

Thank you for all your tips. I just bought a Borias Begonia yesterday to add to my plants collection. I'm in California, USA. Hopefully it will doing great for me. Thank you so much!🤞😍

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your new plant!

[@Kay-qt2id]

Peter that was really interesting and I know know who runs Whitehouse nursery, more of this content would be welcome

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching - we hope to meet many specialists over the next year so do stay tuned!

[@jakethesnake9295]

Thanks so much. This info on tuberous begonias is a treasure trove. I have been growing these for many years and save tubers from year to year somewhat successfully. I will surely put this in depth knowledge of propagating to good use. Would have loved to actually have seen the pollination and seed harvest also. Do the cutting and seed grown plants form a tuber underground that can be started the following spring?

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Yes the cutting grown Begonias will produce a tuber that can then be stored. Regards Stephen

[@aprilblossom9268]

Oh dear soooo involved! All this for just ONE flower. Have I picked the wrong flower as a beginner?! Ho hum can but try. Really appreciate these vids thank you 😊

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Good luck!

[@Mcpikie]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. We've got a lovely hybrid Ziggy Begonia which I've wanted to propagate for friends and family. I have recently done some leaf/stem cuttings on the back of this video and planted them in a propagation box, but ideally I'd like to do a full tray of seed next year and wondered if you have a video on how to pollinate and collect the seeds at all? Thanks in advance

[@thehorti-culturalists]

The basics of pollination etc are more or less covered at about five minutes into the video. It is simply getting pollen from the male flowers and brushing it onto the stigmas of the female flowers then collecting the pods once they are dry. Store seed in a paper envelope and sow in spring. Hope this helps. Regards Stephen

[@mariawilson2595]

WONDERFUL ! I am just taking break fom potting up 2 bought begonias !! Love this video but Peter i live in Bulgria.... should I wrap the tuber in shavings and keep in the house ??? thank you !!!!x

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I probably would in your climate. Regards Stephen

[@user-ym8gk2ty4c]

vigorous leaves grow roots

[@colleennoonan4133]

this was interesting but wish they would demonstrate how to..... polinate, how to water when seeded, do they add soil on top, show when the the plants are popping out of soil. ect

[@thehorti-culturalists]

sorry if we didn’t cover every thing you needed. we did show male and female flowers so just move pollen from the male to the female, a feather or cotton bud should do. moisten soil before sowing and then if needed only water from below as you could easily wash the seed into the mix and don’t cover it. Regards Stephen

[@perfectionistist]

I love this video and am trying to become a tuberous begonia nerd, but i live in brisbane australia. what do i need to grow some from pelleted seeds.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Sow in the same way as suggested in the video although I have never grown from pelleted seed and am not sure of the reason to do this as they usually grow perfectly well as raw seed. Regards Stephen

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m growing first time and pelleted seed is what vendor sold. I just pressed them on top of moist soil in 2” pots on 1020 tray. Put clear lid on and sat on a heat pad set at 80*F temp. Took 9 days for most to germinate. About every day I have 1 more and I take them out to another tray under lights. I’m just not sure if they should be under bright LED lights though as they are shade lovers.

[@user-vs6be6rl7c]

@@thehorti-culturalists Hi Stephen, where can i buy some fresh seeds to grow some more begonia , I am interested in begonia illumination. Best Regards Perfectionist

[@leatherbronj]

Hey gentlemen - really amazing video - thank you. Two (2) questions from NYC metro area Zone 7B. 1) How long (weeks or months) can you store your dormant begonia tubers and 2) for the "sturdy" upright stemmed begonias, should we be "pinching back" similar to how I pinch back my Dahlias at around 3-4 left sets or 8-14 inch stem height from top of soil to encourage "branching" and a fuller branch plant? Thanks.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Usually the tubers will tell you they need potting when they start to shoot and single well staked stems usually get the biggest flowers so I wouldn’t recommend pinching. Regards Stephen

[@Joey-vw1id]

Hello guys well I have to say that after seeing this I am definitely doing stuff wrong with my begonias. You mentioned towards the end of the video about growing them inside, You were saying as long as they get enough light but not too much. My question is can they grow under full spectrum LED lights? That's what I grow all my cactus and succulents under during the winter! Great information for the begonia! Loved it!!!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

That should work although I haven't tried it myself. It could be a case of try it and see. Regards Stephen

[@Mcpikie]

I was thinking the same thing Joey, I have a full spectrum unit from an old tropical fishtank that I was going to use to get them started in a seed tray inside the house.

[@juliashearer7842]

I am here for the vulgarity.....this was so interesting.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Good for you. Regards Stephen

[@antoniyamarinova5002]

Wow , so great information. Just couldn’t understand what you use for the starter soil ( sand?). Thank you.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

A fine seed raising mix and you sow on top. Regards Stephen

[@antoniyamarinova5002]

@@thehorti-culturalists thank you 🙏🏻

[@karanmortimer1937]

Thank you for sharing this video I learned so much! One thing that I have been left wondering do you cut the leaves off that are dead or starting to die?? Or do you let the plant do its thing?

[@thehorti-culturalists]

You can remove them but they usually shed of their own accord fairly quickly. Regards Stephen

[@NEMO-NEMO]

Geez that man in the middle is great looking!!! Something out of a Robert Redford look alike!

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Peter, go and tend your Begonias!😆😆

[@jcl5345]

Very intense tutorial, thank you. Do you think tuberous begonias are appropriate for an outdoor garden bed or are they more suited for a planter? In previous years I have planted Semperforens bought in pots in my shady beds. (I think that's the common variety sold in box stores.) I haven't been happy with them, just kind of ok with them. However, they don't get eaten by rabbits while in the ground, and last all summer without deadheading. These are pluses for me. I'm uncertain if tuberous ones are more fussy, requiring better soils and more attention.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I have seen tuberous Begonias used as bedding plants quite often in England so I don't see why not. Regards Stephen

[@deankudin]

Informative video👍 Do begonia need pinching in early stage to get more branches?

[@thehorti-culturalists]

No need Regards Stephen

[@krisbicton7777]

Loved this video, lots of good information. Just one question, when is the best time to take cuttings?

[@thehorti-culturalists]

When the new shoots are tall enough to take as a cutting. Regards Stephen

[@krisbicton7777]

Thank you.

[@dustyflats3832]

Love Begonias! Great Info! I’m growing for first time indoors, US, Z5 WIsconsin. Once germinated I placed them under LED grow lights. Is this correct? Should they be in less light? They are so tiny and I started each seed in 2” pot with potting soil. It took about 9 days for most to germinate on 80*F heat mat. I take them out as they germinate. Today I gave them a light feeding of root stimulator 4/10/3. I really want to succeed as I find them even more eye candy than moss roses. Need to find a place to winter over tubers. Just beautiful! So glad I found your channel and subscribed! Thank you again!

[@dustyflats3832]

Do begonias grown indoors need special lighting because they like shade?

[@edithrojas107]

Esta muy vien megusta pero para nosotros los colombianos no entendemos algunos el idioma vueno entrodusion es hermoso esa begonias megustan mucho de aq de Colombia

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Gracias por ver este video!

[@cmw8216]

New to gardening here. Can I propagate my begonias in the fall when I overwinter the parent plant so I have plants to plant in the spring? I have all the tools for indoor growing. I guess my question is does the natural cycle of needing to go dormant overwinter be a problem woth trying to grow the cuttings. My goal is to have decent sized cuttings when it's time to plant in the sprint. I'm in central Michigan zone 6a. I haven't found one article or video about this specific topic. There's a million on how to propagate and overwinter but not on this

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Cutting can only be done early in the growing season as they don't have enough time to produce tubers if propagated as late as you seem to wish to. Regards Stephen

[@cmw8216]

@@thehorti-culturalists thanks so much for responding. I appreciate it

[@dustyflats3832]

@@thehorti-culturalists but read they make great houseplants-not sure? And if so shouldn’t cuttings be able to be propagated during the winter. Do Non Top Begonias need a dormancy period indoors and out? We are in US cold zone 5/6 area Wisconsin and Michigan. Thanks!

[@karlc1952]

Great video !!!! However, can you advise if after planting seed of tuberous Begonia how often you water them. Peter really didn't mention much about what happens in the 10 or so days up until they germinate. I have tried to sow Begonia seed that I purchased and let me tell you, they're not cheap. planted the seed in covered seed trays, with bottom heat of approx. 28 deg. Now14 days have passed and nothing. I just kept them slightly moist. I had 4 seeded trays and one tray I watered and never watered again, the other 3, I mist sprayed as needed. The seed tray I watered once basically dried out, even though it was covered and condensation was all over the inside of the lid. The other 3 all had condensation un their lids and no germination. The trays were in a room in my house, with artificial light for 12 hrs a day and as mention bottom heat. At the time of writing this, 21 days have passed. So it looks like a fail in seed germination of Begonias.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

As you did different things and all seem to have failed I’m at a loss to explain it unless the seed may have been dodgy in some way or another. The amount and timing of watering is so much up to conditions at your end that a timetable for this is hard to give. Usually it is a matter of moist to start and if it does dry at all before germination then best to water from below via capillary action. Regards Stephen.

[@conquerormajgo4419]

Oh Wow!! I just stumbled upon this video....EXCELLENT CONTENT!! I never had success with begonias (so i stopped purchasing them bout 3 yrs ago) last Wednesday i purchased a "Begonia rex" 🤞😊 I also received an online order of "Begonia picotee tubers" for hanging basket assorted colors, this video is RIGHT ON TIME! 😁 🤞🤞 So....I live in NY (hardcore winters) i will grow my tubers in pots on front porch (have to watch your video severally...😄) planting them this week. after they've bloomed and leaves die back, i will cut them off of course....may i leave the tubers in pots with the soil?? I hate the chore of removing bulbs, tubers or any plant from pots or garden to replant following season. The outdoor soil is heavy and clay like, so i mostly pot garden. 😩😅

[@thehorti-culturalists]

If the potting mix is good enough they can support mored than one years growth but extra feeding will be needed to sustain vigour and flower size. Regards Stephen

[@conquerormajgo4419]

@@thehorti-culturalists Thanks a lot for your reply, i will give it a shot. when would be the best time to feed, during growing phase or dormancy? What fertilizer do you recommend?

[@thehorti-culturalists]

@@conquerormajgo4419 Hi there, Peter uses a little generic slow release fertiliser pellet when he pots up the tubers in spring and then another topical dose of the same when flowering commences. Good luck!

[@melanied.8889]

❤❤❤

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Thanks for watching!

[@sharnaeberlein8379]

Soo.. do I need to remove the tuber from it's pot, for overwintering I live at sea level in Hawaii. Will the salty air hurt my begonia. Love you guys..Thanks so much, I have learned so much

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I would just turn the pots on their sides to avoid water, and when they are starting to show signs of life repot into fresh potting mix. Regards Stephen

[@ParadiseLiving23]

Wow, Thanks for the prompt reply... I will do that! @@thehorti-culturalists

[@dawnwenguo8794]

I bought begonia tubers about two years ago. They came healthy and sprouted and leafed well. Unfortunately their blooming was not as spectacular as shown in the vendor's pictures, not even close. Mine were tiny flowers; the pictures shown were big full double flowers like Peter's. I wonder if the vendor shipped me the wrong variety or if I did something wrong to alter the blooming looks as Peter did point out that deadheading the female flowers will encourage the size of male flower. .Thank you so much for this very informative presentation. It is indeed every aspect of growing tuber begonias.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

I think the vendor sent you a different Begonia. These things do happen. Regards Stephen

[@dawnwenguo8794]

Thank you for clarification. Mystery solved.

[@cherylpenn4509]

What medium do you plant seeds in? This is very interesting. I found a larger bloom, but still not as huge as your blooms. I can get seedling soil. Would that be sufficient, as I have the very small begonia flowers as well.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

A fine seed raising mix should be fine. The size of the flowers is more dependant on a rich potting mix, feeding well through the season, as well as removal of smaller male flowers. Which seed strain you are raising is also a factor. Regards Stephen

[@paulineconnor838]

I have acquired a potted indoor nonstop yellow tuberous begonia, but it is an older over grown and neglected plant. I’ve never seen it with flowers when she had it. The leaves are big and the tube/stems are long. Can I just cut the stems/tubes down to 3” or 4”? Will it survive or recover itself? What can or should I do so that it will grow flowers.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

It could be cut back quite hard and I would do it as the weather is warming up . This should reinvigorate it but it may also need repotting and feeding to get the best out of it. Regards Stephen

[@paulineconnor838]

Thank you so much! God Bless

[@joyful1962]

Hello This is my first year doing any gardening. I planted some tubers outside in a raised bed in the Spring. Zone 7a they took forever to break the soil. They have never gotten larger than 7 inches but did have a bloom or two. were being attacked by pests. I decided to repot. When I dug them up, there were no tubers. That did not really surprise me... but there were no roots either. Will they survive? What should I do.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

It doesn't sound good and I don't think they will survive.I would start again with fresh tubers this year and pot grow them as your soil probably doesn't suit them. Regards Stephen