From our perspective, the shortening days and cooler temperatures of autumn signal a critical change. As tuberous Begonias, we are not equipped to survive freezing conditions. Our life cycle is intrinsically tied to the seasons; we grow and bloom vibrantly during the warm, long days of spring and summer, storing energy in our tubers. When the cold approaches, our above-ground foliage naturally begins to yellow and die back. This is not a sign of distress but a biological imperative. We are entering a period of dormancy, a deep sleep that allows us to conserve our energy safely underground in our native habitats. To overwinter us successfully indoors, you must facilitate this natural process, providing the conditions we need to rest and rejuvenate for the next growing season.
Do not rush to bring us inside at the first sign of a cool night. The key to a successful dormancy begins while we are still outdoors. After the first light frost has blackened our leaves, it is time to act. Carefully lift our tubers from the soil using a garden fork, taking great care not to pierce or bruise us. Gently shake off the excess soil, but do not wash us, as moisture at this stage can lead to destructive rot. Leave our stems and foliage attached for now. We need to reabsorb the remaining nutrients from these parts to fortify our tubers for the long winter. Place us in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated, and frost-free location like a garage or garden shed for about two to three weeks to cure.
Once our stems detach easily with a gentle twist and our skins have toughened, we are ready for storage. Please remove any remaining dried soil and carefully cut away the dead foliage. To prevent fungal diseases, you may dust us with a fungicide powder. The choice of storage medium is crucial for regulating moisture. We need to be kept dry but not desiccated. Pack us individually in breathable materials such as slightly moistened peat moss, vermiculite, or dry sand. Place us in a cardboard box or a paper bag, ensuring we are not touching each other to prevent any potential rot from spreading. The ideal storage location must be dark, with a consistent, cool temperature between 45-55°F (7-13°C). A basement or a cool closet often provides these perfect conditions.
As the daylight increases in late winter or early spring, we will naturally begin to stir from our dormancy. You will notice small, pinkish buds (eyes) starting to swell on the top, concave side of our tubers. This is your signal to wake us up. Gently plant us in a pot filled with fresh, well-draining potting mix, with the hollow side up and just barely covered. Place the pot in a warm room with bright, indirect light and water very sparingly, only enough to moisten the soil. As our shoots grow stronger and develop several leaves, you can gradually increase watering. Once all danger of frost has passed and we have developed a robust root system, we can be acclimatized and moved back outdoors to begin another glorious cycle of growth.
