How to germinate begonia tubers so that she wakes up. When to get begonias after winter? Begonia tuberous: how to plant plants in the ground in the garden
So, let's begin. Today I will talk about what you need to prepare for spring planting or transplanting begonia tubers. Of course, if you do not grow them outdoors.
Begonias do not care what pots to grow in, and the decision on the issue of "clay or plastic" is determined mainly by the conditions of detention and the preferences of the grower.
In this case, the main thing to remember is the difference in the rate of drying of the soil in different utensils. In an unglazed clay pot, it is much higher than in a glazed or plastic one. Accordingly, the plant in such a pot will have to be watered more often.
Another difference is that clay pots heat up more in the sun than plastic, especially light-colored ones, which can lead to overheating of the roots, especially in small pots.
The height of the pot or container for tuberous begonias should be 14-15 cm, because. tuberous begonias are prone to flooding and drainage (for example, expanded clay) is very important for them for the free outflow of water. And, of course, pots and containers at the bottom should have drain holes.
The diameter of the pot depends on the size of the planted tuber, as well as on the type of begonia. It should not be too large - 13-15 cm is enough.
When planting tubers in containers (balcony boxes), the width of the container should be 13-15 cm, and the length can be calculated as follows: there should be a distance of 5 cm from the side edges of the container to the tubers and 10 cm between the tubers.
The soil for growing tuberous begonias should be loose and nutritious. I use Fasco soils: " nutrient soil"Flower" and "Earth for your favorite plants."
If desired, the substrate for planting tuberous begonias can be made by yourself from a mixture of leaf, humus, peat soil and sand in a ratio (2: 1: 1: 1).
Also, by the time of planting or transplanting tubers, you need to prepare a sufficient amount of drainage (for example, expanded clay), which we will lay on the bottom of pots or containers with a layer of 4-5 cm.
Tuberous begonia is a crop that requires an annual spring transplant with the renewal of depleted land. When planting, it is important that the tubers are already with small sprouts.
Consider three options planting material to be prepared for landing.
1. Tubers wintered in the ground in their pots and containers.
This is my case, because I don’t dig up my begonia tubers for the winter.
In early March, pots with begonia tubers should be taken out of the cool place where they were stored in winter, put in a bright place (usually on a windowsill) at a temperature of 18-20 degrees and start regularly, but very moderately, water the soil. When sprouts appear, it's time to transplant the tubers into new soil. Sprouts, from the moment they appear, need to be shaded from straight lines. sun rays and provide them with access fresh air without drafts (tuberous begonias do not like stuffiness).
2. Tubers dug out of the ground in autumn and stored in a refrigerator or other cold place.
It is necessary to wake the tubers from mid-February. Remove the tubers from the refrigerator or from another cold place where they hibernated. Place the tubers, hollow side up, on a damp (not wet!) gauze or cloth laid on the bottom of a shallow pan (instead of a cloth, you can put the tubers on thin layer sawdust or peat), and put in a warm dark place (for example, on the upper kitchen cabinets and refrigerator). Moisten the cloth gently from time to time to keep the tubers from drying out. When moistening the fabric, it is necessary to avoid getting water on the tubers to prevent rotting. If after 2 weeks the kidneys do not wake up, try spraying with a solution of some stimulant (Epin, Zircon). When 0.5–1 cm sprouts appear from the awakened buds, the tubers can be planted in a pot.
Here's another piece of advice I found on one of the forums: "You can wrap the tubers in a very wet towel(wrung out so that the water does not flow), put everything in plastic bag, do not close it completely, and put it under the battery. Check once a week. When small sprouts appear, begonias can be planted in new soil in pots and containers.
3. Newly acquired tubers.
When buying, it is important to choose the right tuber. Hatched buds should be visible on the tuber (the more, the better). Moreover, begonias with red or pink flowers the kidneys must be red (and not green!). It is better if there are already sprouts on the tubers, but their length should not be more than 1 cm. If they are longer, this is bad, because. the tuber is depleted and the first leaves will be misshapen.
I write out the tubers by mail, until now they came already with sprouts, it only remained to plant them in the ground. But if the tubers come sleeping, they need to be awakened as described above.
Planting tubers in pots and containers
Take a pot or container that is 14–15 cm high.
First, we lay on their bottom, in which there must be drain holes, drainage (for example, expanded clay) with a layer of 4–5 cm.
Then we pour and level the ground so that the soil level is 6–6.5 cm below the top edge of the container.
We spread the tubers on the surface of the earth without burying them completely - 1/3 of the tuber should remain above the ground, otherwise the bases of the young stems may rot.
Immediately after planting the tubers, carefully water the ground around them. In the future, until the tubers are completely backfilled, the earth must be kept slightly moist by watering (when upper layer dry) very moderately and carefully around the tubers so that water does not fall on the tubers. After watering, the top layer of the earth must be loosened.
Begonia tubers germinate slowly and unevenly over several weeks: first they take root (tuberous begonia grows new roots every year) and only then sprouts (after about 2-3 weeks). After 1 month, the sprouts reach 3 cm in height.
As the begonia sprouts grow, you need to gradually pour the soil. By the time the begonia sprouts turn into a good shoot with well-formed leaves (reaching 8–10 cm), the tuber will be covered with 2–3 cm of earth from above, and 1–1.5 cm will remain to the top edge of the container free space(this space is needed for watering).
During the growing period of tuberous begonias, twisting of their leaves is often observed. This is due to the fact that the air in the room where the begonias are located is dry and constantly warm (there are no differences in day-night temperatures). The roots of begonias at this time are still weak and the leaves do not have enough moisture. It is pointless and dangerous to increase watering, it remains only to moisten the air around the begonias, because begonias do not like direct spraying.
Twisting the leaves will not affect the future life of the plant and will stop after the begonias are taken out into the street.
In May, we begin to harden the begonias, opening windows for ventilation during the day or taking the begonias to the loggia, shading them from the sun.
I finally put pots and containers with begonias on my open loggia when the night temperature outside does not drop below 12-15 degrees.
As a rule, begonias bloom 2 months after planting. It all depends on the age of the plant - the older it is, the sooner it begins to bloom. Those. every year the first bud is laid lower and lower. Before the formation of an inflorescence, plants of the 1st year of life usually form 5-6 true leaves, and plants of the 2nd year - 3-4. In subsequent years, only 2-3 leaves develop before the formation of an inflorescence.
The period from shoot germination to flowering in plants of the 2nd year of life and older is 56–69 days instead of 112–130 in plants of the 1st year of life.
Well, we repeated the theory. Now we will germinate, plant and grow our favorites, exchanging impressions.
http://samozvetik.ru/blog/43641985508/Pora-budit-begoniyu
When planting in the ground, it is important that the begonia tubers already have small sprouts (0.5–1 cm). If there are no sprouts on the tubers, but there are swollen buds, then these tubers must be germinated before planting in the ground. And those tubers of begonias, which by the time they leave winter state dormancy still continue to sleep soundly (swollen buds are not visible on them) will need to be awakened and germinated before planting in the ground.
To speed up the awakening process, the tubers are placed in a warmer and more humid place than the earth in a pot on the windowsill. All this is done so that the tubers wake up sooner and do not rot. If, however, fast-sleeping tubers immediately after the cold are even partially buried in the ground and placed on a relatively cold windowsill, they will wake up for a very long time, while the risk of decay will increase.
So, we begin to wake up and germinate tubers.
1. Begonia tubers wintered in pots with earth. In the middle - the end of February (or at another time that is more suitable for you, as I wrote about earlier), pots with tubers are taken out of the cool place where they were stored, put in a bright place (usually on a windowsill) at a temperature of + 18– 20°C and begin to regularly, but very sparingly, water from above. When sprouts appear from the ground, it's time to transplant awakened begonias into fresh, nutritious soil, because. tuberous begonias require annual spring renewal of the soil. Tubers with sprouts are carefully dug up, very carefully cleaned of old earth and planted in pots and containers with fresh soil.
2. Begonia tubers that were dug out of the ground in autumn and slept in the basement, refrigerator or other relatively cold place. At the same time that I indicated above, they need to be taken out of the place where they wintered.
I use the method of awakening the tubers on the substrate, and not under a damp cloth or using a spray.
Lay the tubers, hollow side up, on a damp (not wet!) gauze or cloth, folded in several layers and placed on the bottom of a shallow pan or container (instead of a cloth, you can put the tubers on a thin layer of sawdust or peat, you can also use Sphagnum moss), and put in warm (+22–24°C) and not very bright place, because two conditions are important for the awakening of tubers: high humidity and warm, and bright light is not needed during this period. There is no need to cover the tubers from above.
In the future, as the substrate dries, it will be necessary to periodically moisten it carefully and not much. In this case, it is necessary to avoid getting water on the tubers so as not to provoke their decay. To awaken the tubers, it is enough that only their bottoms are constantly moistened.
If after 2 weeks the kidneys do not wake up, it will be possible to spray the tubers with a solution of some stimulant (Epin, Zircon). I will write about this separately.
When 0.5-1-centimeter sprouts appear from the awakened buds, it is time to plant the tubers in accordance with all the rules (I will write about them in a separate topic) in pots with fresh earth and put them on a bright windowsill.
3. Newly acquired tubers. When buying in a store, it is important to choose the right begonia tubers. You need to pay attention to their size and appearance.
It is best to take young tubers 5-6 cm in diameter - these are their standard size. Only tuberous begonias Champagne and Daffodil Salmon have slightly smaller tubers - 3-5 cm. But, in any case, it is better not to take tubers less than 3 cm in diameter.
Tubers should not be very dry and light. Usually sold tubers are entwined with old, dried roots, but where the tubers are free from roots (usually on top), they are smooth and dense to the touch.
On the tubers, hatched buds should be visible. It is even better if there are already small sprouts on the tubers, but it is desirable that their length is no more than 1 cm.
From online stores, tubers usually come already with sprouts, it remains only to plant them in the ground.
So, if there are already small sprouts (0.5-1 cm) on the newly acquired tubers, then they can be immediately planted in pots and put on the windowsills. And if you got dormant tubers, you need to wake them up and germinate before planting as described in the second paragraph.
Tubers that are in a state of "crackers" can be tried to reanimate. I will also write about this separately.
And yet, the roots of begonias are formed over the entire surface of the tuber, new every year. Therefore, often purchased tubers are completely braided with the remnants of old dry roots. Sometimes it is even difficult to distinguish where the top of the tuber is and where the bottom is. Before sprouting tubers, they (if necessary!) Remove only thin, dry old roots. Thick old roots (if any) are not removed - they are alive, and new roots will grow from them, as well as from the tuber itself.
Among the many flower crops, begonia is perhaps the most sought after plant. This demand can be explained by the variety of varieties, colors, ease of reproduction and unpretentious care. Among the wide range, tuberous begonia stands out. Popular favorite won attention and reverent attitude not only as a houseplant, but also as a decoration of flower beds, rose gardens, gardens, verandas, terraces and arbors.
Not only a professional florist, but also a novice amateur gardener is able to grow a chic, abundantly blooming flower.
There are 3 main subgroups of tuberous begonias:
- with large flowers;
- with medium flowers;
- With small flowers(simple, terry).
However, this is not the whole list of division of culture. Varieties and types tuberous begonia number much larger list. Here is a photo of 10 options for the most common. One of them is the ever-blooming begonia.
Begonia tubers bought in the spring, how to save the tubers before planting in a pot or soil?
Those who want to grow in their own garden or personal plot chic begonia bushes often acquire unique specimens spring. Here it is important to know how to save the tubers before planting in a pot or soil. If you bought begonia tubers in the spring, but the heat has not yet come, and the earth has not warmed up enough, you can do the following.
First of all, the tubers should be processed special solutions, stimulating growth (Stimulus, Epin) and preventing decay (Fitolavin, Maxim). They can be bought at garden and garden stores, or you can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Processed tubers are placed in prepared shallow containers with a substrate of sand, peat, napkins, toilet paper. The mixture must be thoroughly moistened, arrange the tubers in rows, cover the containers with foil and clean in warm room. This procedure will allow the tubers to take root and prepare for further planting.
When to plant a tuberous begonia in a garden pot after winter?
For correct transplant flower, it is important to know when to plant a tuberous begonia in a garden pot after winter. The best option in this case would be the time after the rooting of the treated tubers. As a rule, this is February, March. How to do this was discussed above.
Well-rooted tubers get rid of old roots and dried substrate. Properly selected pot and high-quality soil will allow you to save the plant until planting in the garden. Therefore, the container is chosen not too deep and wide, about 1 liter and up to 12 cm in diameter.
When to plant begonia tubers in the ground after winter?
Fans of indoor flowers are often interested in the question of when to plant begonia tubers in the ground after winter. Here, experienced breeders unequivocally advise not to rush into planting, to wait for heat and good soil warming. Begonia is a fairly thermophilic plant, therefore the best term landing in the ground for her will be May - June.
Before planting in open ground, begonias should be hardened off. To do this, containers with tubers during the day can be placed in a shaded, cool place, and put in a warm room at night. The hardening procedure can take a month or two.
A lot of buds woke up in begonia tubers, how can a tuber be divided for reproduction
Very often, by spring, a lot of buds wake up in begonia tubers. And lovers flower culture interested in the question of how you can divide the tuber for further reproduction. It should be said right away that plants propagated in this way bloom later than ordinary begonias. It is possible to divide tubers only in 3-year-old begonias.
In order for the plant to survive this method more easily, the tuber must be prepared in 2 weeks, germinated on a moist peat substrate. Only after waiting for the appearance of 5 cm shoots, the tuber is cut into pieces along the shoots.
How to disinfect tuber incisions?
After the division procedure, gardeners are often interested in how to disinfect tuber cuts. Slices must be processed strong mortar manganese, crushed with activated or ordinary charcoal, allowed to dry and left in a peat mixture for 2 weeks for germination. Such a simple treatment is needed to avoid possible suppuration of the tuber.
How to plant a begonia tuber in a pot?
Despite the fact that begonias are unpretentious indoor plants, lovers should know how to plant a begonia tuber in a pot. Rather, it is important to understand which capacity is better to choose. Begonia roots do not grow deep, but are located in breadth, so the device must be wide enough. If there is no intention to transplant begonia in the spring in open ground, then it is better to buy a large pot, up to 3 liters.
The tuber itself with the germinated process is slightly pressed into a small depression in the soil so that the new bud is visible. The opinion that the tuber should be buried at least 5 cm deep is erroneous. Perfect fit the protruding part of the tuber is considered to be about 1 cm above the ground. As the buds grow, the soil mixture around the tuber with shoots is poured again.
How to plant a begonia tuber in the ground?
As mentioned earlier, before landing in open land begonia must be well hardened. The hardening has passed, the begonia has prepared for the upcoming landing. How to plant a begonia tuber in the ground?
To begin with, remember that begonia came to us from the distant tropics. Therefore, a flower should be transplanted into open places only in warm weather, it is better if it is the month of June. Landing on insulated balconies and loggias can be carried out earlier. Cold air and unheated earth in a garden in a flower bed will destroy an exotic beauty.
Depending on the variety, the tubers are planted at a distance of 15 by 15 cm, 20 by 20 cm, 30 by 30 cm from each other. Tubers with sprouted roots are deepened 5 cm into the ground, after which they are sprinkled with ash and humus.
Which place is considered good for begonias: sun shade or partial shade?
Coming up with the design of the flower bed on garden plot it is important to know what place is considered good for begonia: sun, shade or partial shade. Begonias do not like bright direct sunlight. They burn their tender beautiful leaves. The shadow is also not good. capricious beauty. Too shaded places do not allow begonias to show flowering in all its glory. The flowers in this case are faded, small and quickly fall off. by the most good option there will be light partial shade, without direct sunlight.
Wind and tuberous begonia how to protect?
An important factor in choosing a site for begonias is correct location. Wind and tuberous begonia are incompatible things, so you need to know how to protect quite tender plant from violent impulses.
Summer thunderstorms with strong gusty winds are not uncommon. For most plants, fresh coolness is only beneficial, and powerful wind currents are not terrible. But not for tropical begonias, whose stems are so tender and fragile that, despite the voluminous bushes, from strong winds break in an instant. To avoid this, begonia is best planted in places covered from the winds. The ideal option even for the garden, container planting still serves.
Begonia stem garter, photo
As one of the measures for caring for the plant is the garter of the begonia stem, a photo of the correct support is presented below.
Usually, indoor begonias mostly undersized. Tuberous flowers are much larger and need a garter. With proper support, the stems will not break and the flower will delight its owners abundant flowering and the beauty of the leaves for a long time.
Top dressing and watering tuberous begonias
For begonias to please long flowering you need to take good care of them. Top dressing and watering tuberous begonias in the right amount give strength to a luxurious plant. It is important to observe the proportions of mineral additives exactly according to the instructions, otherwise you can harm the flower. Tuberous begonias require a competent approach with fertilizers.
First feeding ammonium nitrate to stimulate growth and increase greenery, you can do it even when planting tubers in pots. Further, this fertilizer should not be used, since an excess of nitrogen will lead to the fact that the plant will begin to gain only green mass, but will not bloom.
The main feeding of begonias is carried out once every 2 weeks.
It is very important to bear in mind the following:
- the plant itself should be located in a well-lit and ventilated room - this is necessary for better absorption of fertilizers;
- a couple of hours before fertilizing, the soil must be well moistened;
- begonias are fed in the evening;
- fertilizers should not be allowed to come into contact with the flower itself;
- observance of strict proportions.
To improve flowering, begonia is fed with complex mineral fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron. All this composition plus additional set beneficial vitamins contained in such preparations as "Kemira Lux", "Good Force", "Begonia". In addition to those mentioned, there are many others that are no less useful and in demand.
In addition to top dressing for tuberous begonia, proper watering is very important:
- the plant cannot be sprayed, otherwise, upon contact with water, the leaves will begin to turn yellow, rot;
- use settled water;
- in summer, water abundantly, but every other day, otherwise the plants cannot be avoided;
- water only in winter warm water and once a week;
- after watering, it is recommended to loosen the topsoil for oxygen saturation and better moisture impregnation;
- as an option, you can use the method of immersing the container in a pan with water for 20 minutes;
- next to the begonia, you can place a container with water to humidify the air.
Having spent some time and a little effort on caring for begonias, lovers of indoor flowers will be able to enjoy lush and long flowering for a long time.
Autumn in the life of tuberous begonias
After warm summer just like people in the life of tuberous begonias, autumn comes. Since the plant is thermophilic, gardeners need to properly prepare the begonia for wintering. With the onset of autumn, they wait for the complete death of the upper part of the plant. After that, before the onset of frost, the tubers are carefully dug up, leaving part of the earth and placed in a sand-peat mixture in a cold basement.
Alternatively, storage of tuberous begonias in the refrigerator is used. To do this, place the tubers in a bag with a substrate of needles, sawdust. Periodically, the contents of the package should be moistened.
All tuberous begonias need rest and rest. Therefore, after harvesting, the tubers should not be moved, pulled for at least 3 months.
How to save tuberous begonia in winter?
Lovers of indoor and garden plants often worried about the question of how to save begonia tuberous in winter. There is nothing difficult in this. The main thing is to dig up the tubers in time and correctly. If the plant blooms, wait for the leaves to die and the flowers to fall. The tubers are not shaken off the ground. Be sure to sort by size, cut, let dry and place in prepared pallets with a substrate of peat, sand, sawdust, needles.
Awakening begonia tuberous spring
Begonia awakens after a long winter hibernation tuberous spring. This usually happens in March - early April. Buds begin to swell on the tubers and sprouts become barely noticeable. At this point, the begonia is placed in a warmer room, waiting for the growth of the kidneys to 5-6 cm and seated on individual containers. The transfer process has been discussed above. Germination of begonias can reach one month. Do not rush things, but let your pet gain strength for a new summer flowering.
Video: planting and care of tuberous begonias
Tuberous begonia from seeds, planting and care master class
When to transplant begonia and how to store in winter? Let's take a look at landing times. Learn to organize the germination of begonias until spring.
Tuberous begonia - the view is beautiful flowering plant with massive material for planting. The tuber is buried in the ground in the spring, and dug out for storage for the winter. Begonia is transplanted after flowering - in late autumn. Material for planting is taken out for germination at the end of winter.
Planting dates are selected according to the region of cultivation: the earlier the spring, the earlier the germination and planting.
Gradual awakening of a begonia tuber in winter:
- Remove from storage.
- Put in 4 cm each tuber.
- Create temperature conditions and select lighting.
The begonia tuber does not germinate in the ground, but on a half-deck in a warm and lit place. It is easier and faster to wake up a healthy tuber: put it in a lighted place, check the air humidity and temperature, and then it's up to nature. A diseased tuber, in which wounds, depressions, rot are cut and processed, and then awakened.
Begonia tuber processing
Before we wake up the tuberous begonia after the winter, we cut off the rotten parts, places where there are black wounds, crusts. Sprinkle after cutting powder "Fitosporin" - it is a fungicide that inhibits the development of fungal diseases, disinfects wounds and prepares tuberous begonias for planting.
Treatment with a solution of potassium permanganate or a mixture of peroxide and water is used as an alternative to a fungicide. Stimulation of the awakening of tuberous begonia after winter is carried out with the additional preparation "Epin" or "Kornevin".
Awakening tuberous begonia
How long does it take to wake up a tuberous begonia: 3 weeks.
Put a begonia tuber on a table or window sill. Choose a place for the tuber warm, without drafts. The conditions for the awakening of tuberous begonia coincide with the departure.
How to wake up a tuberous begonia after winter:
- Air temperature +25° С.
- Air humidity 55%.
- Lighting due to placement in the eastern zone.
Temperature drop to wake up the begonia
To awaken the tuber with the help of a temperature difference - to make a warm bath, as flower growers say. First place the tuber in conditions of +35°C, then lower the temperature to +25°C. The tuber is not soaked in water or solution, but transferred to places with different temperatures. After 4 days repeat distillation: raise and lower the temperature.
Lighting along temperature difference
Changing the lighting of the begonia tuber instead of temperature distillation is the second option on how to wake up after winter. Move the material for germination to a lighted place, then transfer it to a cabinet or table drawer. After 2 days return the tuberous begonia to a lighted place.
Planting begonias after winter
The florist understands that the tuberous begonia was awakened if sprouts appeared. The tuber has woken up and is ready for planting. The soil mixture is prepared 2 days before planting, then it is soaked with water or a growth stimulator, and a deepening is made in the mixture. Place the tuber with the upper part with the buds so that the buds are not covered with earth.
After planting, sprinkle 2/3 of the begonia tuber with earth, and leave 1/3 above the surface. Do not shed the earth for the first 3 days after planting. Check the condition of the tuber with an arrow daily. Top dressing of begonias is carried out after planting with mineral mixtures every 2 weeks.
How to feed tuberous begonias:
- 1 time in 2 weeks.
- mineral components.
- Dry or liquid additives.
↓ Eat, what and how did you wake up tuberous begonia after winter?
Tuberous begonia is a flower that loves warmth. They are able to survive the winter period only in a state of sleep.. Since September, the flower has been preparing itself for a state of rest, shedding leaves and getting rid of the stems. Let's talk about storing tuberous begonias in winter.
In the first year of life, Begonia tubers are small and weak, so they need special care. If you leave them for the winter to be stored together with adult plants, then there is a possibility of death of the first years.
Young tubers are removed from the garden and placed together with an earthen clod in boxes. where the peat mixture has already been prepared. The peculiarity of the first years is that their rest period is a relative concept. Often their upper part (stems and leaves) remains green for the winter. Therefore, flowers in boxes are placed in lighting and a cool place. Watering at this time is required infrequently. It is enough to slightly moisten the soil once or twice a month. In spring, the plant re-enters the stage active growth. In April, they should be transplanted first into pots with peat, and then, closer to summer, planted in the ground.
In the second year, the plant is already independently and consciously preparing for hibernation, and this time in autumn by October, his upper part to be cut off.
Rest period and awakening of tubers
The period of rest or hibernation in the ever-flowering begonia starts in November and continues until the beginning of spring. With the help of this event, the plant hides from the cold. The main task of flower growers during this period is to preserve the tubers and protect them from drying out.
If the flower is stored early, she may not have time to get ready for bed, as the stock nutrients at this point will not be enough. That's why do not rush and remove the flower at the very beginning of autumn. Optimal time end of October - beginning of November. The main thing is to have time before the onset of frost.
With the onset of heat, namely in March - April, the flower buds swell and the flower wakes up. At this time, cuttings should be carried out and planted in a peat mixture.
A couple of months before planting, the tubers must be removed from the container in which they were stored and planted in a container for germination.
Tubers should be planted so that their crown looks up. Usually it is concave or flat, with kidneys. Germination requires heat, not lower than 18 degrees, and daily watering.. In a few weeks, the first shoots will appear.
Tubers can be divided, the main thing is that each part of them has several buds. The incision site is treated with ash or charcoal. It is desirable to treat the places of cuts with charcoal.
The difference between wintering begonias at home and in the open field
Caring for tubers of domestic and garden plants is significantly different. In order to properly prepare them for the winter, some features of both should be taken into account.:
- Begonia tubers living in the open field much larger than those that grow in pots in the house. Garden flowers should be harvested at the onset of the first hard frost. The rule of the golden mean is important here, since the first light frosts are not able to kill the plant, so there is no need to rush either. Let the flower gain strength and prepare for hibernation on its own. The optimal time is when the leaves and stems of the plant die off by themselves. After that, the stems are cut off, and the tubers themselves are placed in a box and left so that they can dry out. After that, containers with plants are stored for storage until spring.
- home plant care winter period looks a little different. The tubers are not dug up, but remain in their pots. At the first appearance of wilting stems, they are also cut off. Watering from this point on is reduced to a minimum. In the spring, Begonia must be transplanted into new soil, after dividing it into several parts if many buds have formed on them.
When buying an already germinated homemade Begonia at the end of summer, be sure to check if the flower has tubers in the pot. Since there are annual varieties. They do not leave tubers and their life span is only one season.
It's not uncommon when home begonia does not drop leaves for the winter and remains green. In this case, you do not need to cut it. The plant remains in its place until the spring transplant.
Is it necessary to dig for the winter?
Begonias are heat-loving flowers, so preparing them for winter is very important for further growth. When answering the question “do I need to dig it out for the winter”, it is worth considering the type of plant and the condition:
- Street large tubers flower growers advise after withering, dig out and place in a bowl with peat to a cool place.
- Large tubers of domestic plants are left in pots in the same place for the whole winter.
- Sprouted begonias from seeds and flowers with small tubers also clean and store in a cold, lit place.
Preparing tubers for storage
The result of storage and further growth depend on how well the planting material will be prepared for the winter and how you will take care of this plant.
Firstly, Begonias that grow in the garden must be dug up before the first hard frost.. At this time, the upper part of the plant is cut off, while leaving stumps no less than 1 centimeter in size.
Secondly, the tubers are cleaned in a dry and cool place where they must dry out. Only after they are completely dry can it be put away for storage.
It is best to dig out the lubni with a pitchfork and in no case should you shake off the ground from them.
Begonia that grows at home, is stored differently. Preparation for hibernation begins in October. First, watering is reduced, after a month, it is completely stopped. When top part the flower fades, it is cut off. If it doesn't die, leave it as it is.
Compliance with the rules of storage is the key to successful wintering and further growth in the future.
The main methods and conditions of storage in winter
There are several methods for storing such plants.
The most common way is in the basement. Dried begonia tubers are laid out in boxes or wooden boxes. They fall asleep from above with sifted sand and clean it in the basement. You can make a mixture of sand, peat and sawdust in equal quantities. This method is convenient for a large number planting material.
Storage in the cellar is prohibited, as it is very high humidity. This is very harmful for Begonia.
From time to time it is necessary to sort out and remove the rotten ones.
The second, no less popular way of storage is in an apartment.. The best place will become a plot balcony door or under a window. There are two types of storage in the house:
- In the box when the tubers are placed in them and covered with sand and sawdust.
- in pots. Flowers that grew in a pot remain in it, are cut off and transferred to a cool place. In this case, it is necessary to water the plant no more than once a month.
In the spring, after germination, they are transplanted into new soil.
The third way to store is in the refrigerator. Suitable for small quantities of planting material. For this, Begonia tubers are placed in plastic bags with sawdust, after making holes in them for breathing.
If there is no sawdust, you can take plain paper and wrap each tuber in a separate sheet.
The bags are placed in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator for vegetables.
Compliance with all of the above storage rules guarantees the successful growth and flowering of Begonias in the next season.