I have gone bonkers over tuberous begonias in container gardens. I used to consider them kind of boring, but now I have completely lost my heart to them. Begonias can look great in hanging baskets as well as in mixed containers. The only tricky thing about them design wise, is that they are pretty distinct looking, so I like letting them be the main feature in a container garden design. I often put them on their own in hanging baskets, because they are so gorgeous.
For growing tuberous begonias successfully:
- Use, good, fast draining potting soil
- Keep begonias in indirect light - not direct sun, but not full shade
- Begonias like moderate temperatures, with not too much humidity (though there are some begonias that tolerate heat and humidity better than others, including this one)
- Start tubers inside, in small pots, to get a start on the growing season. Once leaves are full and roots have filled small pot, transplant to larger pot
- Feed weekly during growing season using a diluted, liquid fertilizer
- Plant one tuber per 7-12" pot
- For huge, luscious blooms, pinch off the smaller outer flowers
- Make sure to keep begonias hydrated - do not let soil fully dry out. Soil should be kept moist at all times but not wet.
