Begonia Bulbs Begonias are beloved for their ability to bring bright colour to the shadiest corners of the garden. It is Begonia Tuberhybrida that we plant in the end of winter for spring and summer bloom. New, exciting varieties of Begonias arrive every year at the nursery. White, cream, yellow, pink, apricot, salmon, orange, and red camellia-like flowers are fully double, some with ruffled edges.

Flowers from 2" to 4" across. Thick, dark green foliage. Begonias have varying growth habits. Some are quite upright and others are pendulous. All thrive in partial to full shade.

As the name suggests, B. Tuberhybrida is grown from a tuber, and some care is required to get them started right. Step One - start your tubers about six weeks prior to the last frost of winter. Set them hollow side up in a flat with about 1/2" of leaf mold, ground bark, or other fine mulch over them. Set the flat in an indoor spot with bright, indirect light. Give them a good watering to wake them up, but do not water again until leaves appear. When the stem reaches about 2", they can be transplanted into fine soil and moved outdoors, provided the last danger of frost has passed.

Never expose Begonias to direct sunlight or drying winds. They are an excellent subject for the hanging basket, and the pendulous variety is especially beautiful when set amongst other plants in an open work basket stuffed with peat moss. A recent German offering, Begonia Nonstop, will bloom right up to fall. Though Begonias do require a little special attention at the start, their elegant blooms and shade-loving nature make them worth your time.