Key points
As the fall breeze whisper andtemperatures dunk , it ’s time to prepare our beloved begonia industrial plant for the inhuman winter months . Winterizing begonias is essential to ensure their survival and control they thrive come spring . Thiscomprehensive guidewill walk you through every step of the process , empowering you to successfully winter over your begonia plants .
Identifying Your Begonia Type
The first step inwinterizing begoniasis to identify the type of begonia you have . unlike types havevarying dusty margin , so it ’s essential to know which species you ’re dealing with :
Digging Up Tuberous Begonias
If you have tuberous begonias , you ’ll need to dig them up before the first arduous rime . cautiously overturn the plant from the basis , shake off anyexcess soil , andcut backthe stems to about 6 inches . Allow the tubers toair dryfor a few solar day in a warm , shady location .
Storing Tuberous Begonias
Once the genus Tuber are ironic , store them in a cool , morose , anddry seat . idealistic memory condition admit temperatures between 40 - 50 ° F and relative humidity around 70 % . you may lay in the genus Tuber in a cardboard box orpaper bag filledwithdry peat mossor vermiculite .
Protecting Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias can be left in the ground in mild climates . However , if you live in an area withharsh wintertime , it ’s best to dig them up and store them indoors . To do this , carefully lift the plant from the background and separate the rhizomes intosmaller sections . Pot them up in well - draining ground and keep them in a cool , promising emplacement .
Protecting Fibrous-Rooted Begonias
Fibrous - root begonias can oftensurvive modest winterswith some protection . Mulch around the foundation of the plant life with athick layerof organic matter , such asshredded leavesor compost . you’re able to also encompass the industrial plant with a frost blanket or burlap to leave extra insulating material .
Bringing Begonias Indoors
If you live in acold climate , you may require to bring your begonias indoors for the wintertime . pick out a hopeful , collateral locationand keep the plants at a temperature between 55 - 65 ° F . Water them sparingly during thewinter month , grant the soil to dry out out completely before water again .
Pruning and Repotting
In the spring , once the danger of icing has passed , you canprune backyour begonia to promote Modern growth . move out any dead ordamaged leavesor stems . you may also repot your begonias intofresh soilat this meter .
Watering and Fertilizing
As thegrowing season progresses , gradually increasethe watering frequency and fertilize your begonias every few calendar week . habituate a balanced plant food diluted to half strength .
Final Thoughts: Nurturing Your Begonias Through Winter
winterise begonia is a all-important step in ensuring their survival and go on sweetheart . By following thesteps outlinedin this guide , you’re able to provide your begonia with the protection they need to boom during thecold monthsand emerge impregnable in the spring . Remember , with a fiddling care and attention , your begonia will reinforce you with theirvibrant bloomsfor many years to fall .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : When should I winterise my begonias?A : You should winterise your begonias before the first hard Robert Frost . Q : How can I tell if my begonia is tuberous , rhizomatous , or fibrous - rooted?A : Tuberous begoniashave tubers , rhizomatous begoniashave rootstalk , and sinewy - rooted begonias have fibrous roots . Q : How often should I irrigate my begonia during the winter?A : Water yourbegonias sparinglyduring the wintertime , tolerate the grime to dry out completely before watering again . Q : How much light do begonia postulate during the winter?A : Begonias want bright , indirect lightduring the winter . Q : Should I fertilize my begonias during the winter?A : No , you should not fertilize your begonia during the wintertime .
