Begonias

We know what you’re thinking. Who plants begonias, besides my Midwestern grandma?! If you live in the woods with limited sunlight, or your balcony is shaded, or you miss your grandma, tuberous begonias offer lush textures, intense colors and a tropical aura with retro glimpses of old-fashioned summers on the cool patio. Velvety flowers bloom all summer, drooping languidly amidst red-tinted foliage. Excellent bedding or container plants.

Growing Tuberous Begonias

Soil: Cool, rich, moist but well-drained soil. Sun: Indirect sunlight, with good air flow.

Spacing: For beds, plant 2" deep, 8–12" apart; for containers 3–5" apart; after last frost. Place the knobby concave side facing upwards, rounded side down.

Care: Keep them well watered, and fertilize weekly for weeks of blooms.

Overwintering: After frost, snips stems, dig corms, and let them dry for a few weeks in a cool place. Shake off the rest of the soil and pack them in a cardboard box with a dry medium, like sawdust, and store in a cool dark place (40–50°) until spring.