Greetings, human cultivator. We, the Tuberous Begonias (*Begonia × tuberhybrida*), are prepared to share our needs for a spectacular display. To coax us into our full, resplendent glory, please attend to the following requirements.
Do not rush our awakening in spring. When our tubers show small, pink buds, it is time. Plant us in a pot with excellent drainage, shallowly, with the concave side up. Use a light, peat-based potting mix. We despise wet, heavy soil that will cause our tubers to rot. Water us very lightly at first, only when the soil is dry to the touch. Place our pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. As our first shoots and leaves emerge, you may gradually increase watering.
We are creatures of dappled light. Imagine us on the forest floor; we thrive in bright, filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Harsh, direct afternoon sun will scorch our beautiful, delicate leaves and flowers. We enjoy warmth but not extreme heat. Protect us from strong winds, which can easily damage our succulent stems and heavy blooms. A sheltered patio, balcony, or under a tree canopy is perfect.
Our water needs are a delicate balance. We crave consistent moisture during our active growth and bloom period, but we insist you never let our roots sit in water. Water us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing the excess to drain away completely. We are heavy bloomers and require regular sustenance. Feed us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks from the time our flower buds form until the end of the growing season.
For a bushier plant with more flowers, pinch off the tips of our stems when we are young. To direct our energy into producing larger, show-stopping flowers on hybrid types, carefully remove the smaller female flowers (identifiable by the winged seed pod behind the bloom) and leave the magnificent male flowers. Regularly remove any faded flowers or yellowing leaves to keep us healthy and tidy, and to encourage more blooms.
As autumn arrives and daylight wanes, our growth will slow. Gradually reduce watering. After the first light frost blackens our foliage, it is time for our rest. Cut our stems back to about 2-3 inches. You may leave our tuber in the pot, storing it completely dry in a cool, dark, frost-free place like a garage or basement. Alternatively, carefully lift the tuber, brush off the soil, let it dry for a week, and store it in a box of dry peat moss or vermiculite until spring returns.
