Tuberous begonias are pretty plants with double blossoms reminiscent of camellia flowers or even mini roses.
Tuberous begonias are hardy in the warm climates of Zones 9-11 but still prefer mild summery weather.
They also grow well in containers and can make a colorful addition to your houseplant collection.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Tuberous begonias feature flowers available in almost every color (except blue and purple).
They are monoecious, meaning they bloom with both female and male flowers on the same plant.
The female blossoms appear first, often with single petals and a row of exposed flower parts.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Then the showy male flowers appear with a cluster of petals concealing hidden flower parts.
Tuberous begonias bloom throughout the summer, providing a constant display of color.
You wont need to do much deadheading as the plants will naturally drop their spent blossoms.
Credit: Graham Jimerson
This can, of course, cause a messy situationespecially with hanging baskets in high-traffic areas.
Tuberous begonias also work well in containers on shady patios and porches with filtered sunlight.
Within a few weeks, small buds should appear in the cupped area of the roots.
Credit: JANET MESIC-MACKIE
Continue watering sparingly while the plants establish themselves.
Light
Tuberous begonias generally do best in the morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil and Water
The primary key to success when growing tuberous begonias is choosing the proper soil.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Keeping your plants protected from harsh weather is important too, but tuberous begonias require well-draining soil to thrive.
When watering your tuberous begonias, be careful not to let the soil become too soggy.
Check your plants often for signs of under- or overwatering.
Credit: Justin Hancock
They are also sensitive to rain, wind, and other adverse weather conditions.
Tuberous begonias are also frost-tender and will likely suffer damage at temperatures below 50 degrees.
Stop fertilizing when the plant begins to decline in late summer or early fall.
Credit: Eric Roth
If you plan to overwinter your plants, prune or cut them back in the late fall.
As the soil warms up in spring, growth will typically emerge from the tuber.
In the fallwhen the plant begins to declinestop feeding and reduce watering until the leaves start to turn yellow.
Credit: Graham Jimerson
Check your tubers periodically throughout the winter for signs of rot or pest damage.
Dont choose a container that is too large because container-grown tuberous begonias like to be slightly root-bound.
This should take a few weeks.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Water thoroughly once to stimulate growth and sparingly after that.
How to Propagate Tuberous begonia
Amateur propagation of tuberous begonia is typically done via division or seed.
Tuber division can be done as your tuber is waking up from winter dormancy.
Credit: Justin Hancock
As it grows and acclimates, feed it with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Keep the cutting in an airtight bag until it is rooted and then you might remove the bag.
It grows about 1 foot tall and produces a lot of flowers.
Credit: Graham Jimerson
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
‘Nonstop Mocca White’ Tuberous Begonia
Begonia’Nonstop Mocca White' bears pure-white flowers on chocolate-brown foliage.
Credit: Justin Hancock
It grows 12 inches tall and wide.
The 4-inch-wide flowers contrast nicely against the deep green foliage.
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
‘Nonstop Yellow’ Tuberous Begonia
Begonia’Nonstop Yellow' bears lovely bright yellow blossoms over rich green foliage.
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
‘Solenia Cherry’ Tuberous Begonia
Begonia’Solenia Cherry' has 3-inch-wide fully double red blooms.
It grows 1012 inches tall and wide, and its compact mounded habit suits it well forgrowing in containers.
It grows 12 inches tall and wide.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It grows 10 inches tall and wide.
It grows well in partial shade like the tuberous begonia.
It also grows well in containers and makes a lovely spiller for hanging baskets or planters.
Annual coleus can be grown in Zones 2-11.
Caladium
Caladium, like tuberous begonia, is hardy in warmer tropical regions (Zones 9-11).
Frequently Asked Questions
The most likely reason is either too much or too little sunlight.
The next thing to check is the moisture levels.
Tuberous begonias need to be watered every few days during the hottest monthsbut they will not tolerate being soggy.
Let the top two inches of soil dry out between waterings and see how your plants respond.
Yes, tuberous begonias can be grown from seed, but it may be challenging.
The tiny seeds need to be started indoors at least 14 to 16 weeks before the intended planting date.
Seeds should be shallowly sown and covered in a germination medium.
Keep the soil evenly moist.
The seeds will germinate after 2 to 3 weeks at a constant temperature of 70 to 75F.
