Harvesting Begonia Tubers Without Losses

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30110, 19 April 1963, Page 3

Harvesting Begonia Tubers Without Losses

The display of tuberous begonias both under glass or outdoors is nearing its end if it is not already over. These plants rest during the winter as a dormant tuber. When they have finished flowering it is common practice to just stop watering than and turn their pots, on their side and dry them 'off. This practice is not the best for the begonias and can cause considerable losses of the tubers.

The correct way to care for the begonias after they have finished flowering is to keep them growing as long as possible. Continue to apply water as long as the leaves remain green and withhold water only when the plants indicate that this is necessary*. which is when the leaves begin to turn yellow As this time less water will be necessary than when the begonias were in full growth. Give the plants water when they require it which is as they dry out.

After the leaves have turned yellow, the stem will begin to fall into pieces, segment by segment, until the tuber is left. The tubers can then be removed from the pots and stored in boxes of dry soil or sand. Store the boxes in a frost-free place. It should be not too dry or the tubers will shrivel. Those growing out of doors should be allowed to grow for as long as possible. In colder areas, they can stay out of doors until frost kiilk the tops. When lifting the tubers, take them with a ball of soil and store in the way described.

Should it be necessary to lift them before they have finished their growth in order to make room for the summer bedding, allow them to remain growing until the very last minute. After lifting, place in boxes and keep the soil moist until they begin to die down naturally.