Begonia – Double – Pastel Assorted

Planting

• Plant in spring after the last frost.
• If you cannot plant your bulbs and perennials right away, store them in a cool, dry, dark location, like a basement.
• Plant in the garden when soil temperature reaches 10 °C (50 °F) or more.
• Position tuber flat, with the curved/hollow side up, just barely below the soil surface and 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) apart.
• Since the tubers are susceptible to rotting, keep the potting soil moist, but not wet.

Growing

• If early blooms are desired, pot up and start indoors up to six weeks ahead of last frost date.
• Plant your begonias where they will receive partial shade. The hotter your growing region, the more shade they prefer.
• For best results (stronger stems, fewer but more spectacular flowers), pinch off all but 2 to 4 stems while the plants are young and developing.

Taking Care

• Water as needed during active growth periods, but allow the soil to become dry between watering.
• Keep them healthy by removing dead flowers, leaves and stems, and fertilize once a month.

Winterizing

• These bulbs cannot tolerate frost.
• In fall, once flowering ceases and before the first frost, bring in begonias for the winter.