Rules for planting tuberous begonia at home

Tuberous begonia is valued for its gorgeous flowering throughout the summer season. It is most often grown as a balcony or outdoor plant, but it is also suitable for indoor use. It is best to plant begonia with tubers, but it can also be propagated by seeds, stem and leaf cuttings.

Bright, lush, long-lasting flowering creates a festive atmosphere in the garden and interior

What is tuberous begonia?

Tuberous begonia is a hybrid; it was obtained as a result of complex selection. Work on creating the plant began in the 19th century. The plant has a strong stem. The height reaches 60–80 cm. The leaves are large, can be completely glossy or covered with small fibers.

The flowering period is long - from May to October. The color can be varied. There are double, fringed, non-double, serrated and folded flowers. Depending on the variety, the diameter of the flower varies from 3 to 20 cm. With proper planting and care, flowering will be abundant and long-lasting.

Subtleties of the process

The subtleties of the transplantation process largely depend on the specifics of the particular type and structure of the root system. But the general rules remain the same:

• Begonias need the right soil; specialized soil bought in a store is best, but you can mix the composition yourself (2 parts leaf humus, 2 parts peat and 1 part river sand).
  Before planting, the soil must be sterilized, regardless of whether it was purchased in a store or mixed independently. This will help avoid various diseases that can affect the plant.

• 
  You need to carefully consider the choice of the shape of the pot for planting begonias; due to the characteristics of the root system, preference should be given to containers whose diameter is slightly greater than their height.

• Proper organization of drainage is of great importance for the healthy development of the plant - the drainage layer should occupy up to a quarter of the total volume of the substrate.
• To make it easier to remove the begonia from the old pot, you can water it abundantly several hours before the planned replanting, or immerse the pot in a container of water at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.

Begonia roots are thin and fragile; when transplanting, it is important not to damage them , otherwise the rooting process may take much longer. If significant damage is caused, the plant may not take root and may begin to turn yellow and wither.

Main types and varieties

There are several types of tuberous begonia: erect and ampelous. They have a large number of varieties.

Varieties of erect tuberous begonia

Most varieties of tuberous begonia are erect. They are distinguished by fleshy stems. Popular varieties:

• Picotee Harlequin. The flower grows up to 25 cm. It has large double yellow flowers. There is a small red border. The petals are arranged in tiers, so the flower looks like a cone.

• Bouton De Rose. Low plant. It has double pink flowers with a diameter of up to 18 cm. The color is white and pale pink. The contrast of the border depends on the presence of sunlight and the level of air humidity.

• Dark Red. The low-growing bush has peony-shaped flowers of dark red color. They grow up to 10 cm in diameter.

• Crispa Marginata. Spreading flower, maximum height - 15 cm. The shape of the flowers resembles pansies. Color - white or pale yellow. There is a red border.

There are also erect begonias of the varieties Crispamarginata and Samba.

Varieties of cascading or ampel tuberous begonia

Ampelous begonia is distinguished by long and flowing stems with a large number of flowers. The most popular variety is Chanson. It has a large number of shades. The following varieties are distinguished:

• Begonia Boliviensis;
• Santa Cruz Sunset;
• Copacabana;
• Bossa Nova.

The shoots of Begonia Boliviensis first grow upward, and upon reaching 30 cm they begin to fall down and form a multi-tiered cascade. Shoots of Santa Cruz Sunset grow up to 40 cm. This variety is distinguished by red-orange fuchsia-shaped flowers. It is perfect for growing in pots.

Copacabana is an easy-to-care variety that tolerates excess sun. The plant has bell-shaped red flowers. The shoots of Bossa Nova reach 50 cm. The color is red, pink and orange. The flower has a fuchsia shape.

Plant characteristics

Tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida) is an unpretentious perennial plant. It looks great anywhere, is very versatile and extremely popular. Begonias were first described in history in 1690 by the French botanist Charles Plumiere. The name comes from another French plant expert, Michel Begon, and was used as a tribute. However, the delicate colorful flowers were known much earlier - according to historical sources, they were grown in China as early as the 14th century.

Numerous varieties make the begonia flower widespread and very popular among gardeners. The plant has been known in Europe for many years. Garden begonia flowers grow well in our climatic conditions; many varieties are created by crossing numerous species from Africa and the Andes.

Begonia is a small plant, the length of its shoots rarely exceeds 30 cm. The flower tends to branch quickly, which makes it even more attractive. It looks like a small bush decorated with beautiful flowers. The leaves are noteworthy - short, heart-shaped, fleshy and shiny, planted on rather long petioles.

Outdoor begonia blooms from June until the first frost, so it becomes the best decoration for the summer and autumn garden. Winter or ever-blooming begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) is also known. Tuberous begonia owes its name to the fact that it forms underground tubers with the help of which it reproduces. Plants planted in the garden look very impressive. These flowers are also suitable for growing in pots, outdoor containers, and on balconies.

Planting tuberous begonia at home

In order for tuberous begonia to delight with flowering, it must be planted correctly. All rules of agricultural technology must be followed. It is important to buy high-quality seed material.

What time of year is best to plant a flower?

In autumn and winter the plant remains dormant. It is recommended to plant the flower in early March. In this case, the begonia will quickly enter the vegetative stage.

How to choose the right tubers when buying

In many specialized stores, the sale of begonia tubers begins at the end of January. Main criteria for choosing planting material:

• absence of light spots;
• dark brown and uniform color;
• size no more than 4 cm;
• the presence of a depression on the top of the tuber.

It is not recommended to buy tubers that are too small. It is necessary to pay attention to the weight; if it is too small, there is a risk that the material is too dry. Such a tuber may not germinate.

Tubers purchased at the end of February or beginning of March should have awakening buds.

How to awaken tuberous begonia from the store?

To awaken tuberous begonia, it is necessary to create certain conditions. The optimal temperature for germination is 22–24 degrees. The tubers should always be on something damp and should not be exposed to sunlight.

If the tubers are partially buried in the ground and placed on a cold windowsill, they will take a very long time to sprout. The risk of rotting increases several times.

Treatment with drugs

Before planting, begonia tubers are soaked in a growth stimulator. It is recommended to use the drug Stimul or Epin. Treatment with a weak solution of fungicide or potassium permanganate will help reduce the risk of rotting.

Tuber preparation

The tubers must first be properly prepared for planting. They must be cleaned of rotten sprouts. If the onion is too large, it needs to be divided into several parts. The cut site is sprinkled with charcoal.

All manipulations with tubers should be performed as carefully as possible. They should not be dropped or squeezed.

Optimal soil composition

For good plant growth, it is necessary to choose the correct soil composition. Begonias prefer a nutritious and loose substrate with a neutral acid reaction. Soil composition:

• deciduous soil;
• peat;
• sand.

For 1 part sand and peat, take 3 parts deciduous soil. If desired, you can add a small amount of rotted cow manure.

Which pot is better to choose?

For planting begonias, it is recommended to choose wide but shallow pots. The plant has a shallow root system, so it will grow wider. The volume of the container should not be less than 3 liters.

This type of begonia does not have roots or fibers that will cling to the surface, so the material of the pot does not matter. You can use a plastic or ceramic container.

How to plant tubers

Initially you need to create a drainage layer. The pot is filled ⅓ full with expanded clay or other material. The prepared tuber is placed in a container filled with substrate. To do this you need to make a small recess. The tuber is placed in the ground with its growth points facing upward. It should be sprinkled so that the buds remain open.

When the young shoots grow to 4–5 cm, you need to add a little substrate to completely cover the tuber.

Caring for tuberous begonia after planting

It is recommended to place the begonia pot in a sunny place, but it should not be exposed to direct rays. A window sill with east and west windows is best suited. If the sun is too active, you need to create shade with a curtain or other plants.

The optimal temperature is 20–22 degrees. This is a tropical plant, so it needs adequate moisture. The soil should always be moderately moist. Water should not get on the tuber itself, as it may begin to rot.

Growing in pots

Potted begonias sometimes resemble tiny roses, which is why they are very popular. Caring for potted varieties is very similar to growing garden varieties.

1. Landing place. The main thing is to provide shading; the flower grows well on northern windowsills without sun. Similar requirements apply to the beautiful royal begonia, which is found more often in homes than other species. The tuberous variety can be grown indoors all year round - it does not need a wintering period. The plant looks great in the back of the room - on shelves, on a table.
2. Watering . The plant needs fairly regular irrigation - it cannot be filled with water in a pot, but it does not like even temporary drying out of the soil.
3. Feeding . If you want to get thick, beautiful flowers, you need to take care of regular fertilization throughout the season - from February, March to late autumn. This is very important because begonias in pots have a very high demand for minerals. Properly selected fertilizers will be the best way to maintain an adequate level of substrate acidity. For this reason, it is worth using preparations specifically designed for fertilizing begonias.

Rules for planting seedlings in open ground

The first step is to find a place to land. It should be well lit, but at the same time protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. The plant is planted in early June.

The tuber is pre-treated in a fungicidal solution and germinated. A plant with young shoots should be gradually prepared for planting outside. To do this, the flower is first taken out onto the balcony, and then simply into the fresh air. The duration of stay in the fresh air should gradually increase.

Preparing the planting site involves creating planting holes and filling them with ash or rotted humus. Then the plant is planted. Seedlings should be mulched immediately. Large tubers are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, medium ones 20 cm, and small ones - every 15 cm.

Selecting a container for sowing

The most suitable container for begonia is considered to be a wide pot, about 8-10 cm high. Considering that the root system develops not in depth, but in breadth, such a pot is good for ventilation and access to oxygen to the roots. The capacity changes as the plant grows and develops.

For a young plant that has only recently taken root from a cutting or leaf, the container should have a diameter of about 6 cm. After 6 months, after the begonia has taken root and grown, it is transplanted into a pot with a diameter of about 12 cm.

You should also pay attention to the size of the plant and its age. When the begonia turns 3 years old, it should be transplanted into a container wider than the previous one. A small begonia should not be immediately planted in a large pot. If there is too much soil, the roots may rot and the soil will not have time to dry out.

How to properly store tubers

In winter, begonia tubers can be stored in an apartment or basement. Each of these options has its own nuances.

Storage in the apartment

In an apartment, it is recommended to store flower tubers in a cool place. This could be a place under a window or balcony door. The temperature should be in the range from 0 to 9 degrees.

There are 3 main storage options:

• In a box or crate. The tubers are sprinkled with sand, sawdust or peat.
• In pots. The container is transferred to a cool place, and all the green part is cut off. The soil needs to be watered periodically, it should remain slightly moist.
• In a refrigerator. The tubers are thoroughly dried, placed in bags with holes and wrapped in paper. They are best stored in the bottom of the refrigerator with fruits and vegetables.

When stored in pots there is a risk of rotting. To avoid this, the soil should be watered through a tray.

Basement storage

The basement should be dry and cool. A cellar for storing begonias is not suitable. It contains high humidity and planting material can begin to rot. The tubers are placed in a box or box. They must be covered with sawdust or sand.

Step-by-step instruction

If the time is right, the substrate and the new pot are prepared, you can start replanting. The sequence of actions is extremely simple:

1. A drainage layer, for example, expanded clay, is laid on the bottom of the new pot. On top of it, to better protect the root system from waterlogging, you can place a small amount of charcoal.
2. Next, a layer of earth approximately 2 cm thick is poured.
3. The begonia is carefully removed from the old pot.
4. The root system is carefully examined; all damaged, dried, rotten areas must be removed. If fungus or mold is suspected, it is recommended to treat the root system with a fungicide solution.
5. Next, the begonia is placed in the center of the new pot and carefully sprinkled in a circle with the substrate so that at least 1 cm remains to the top edge of the pot. There is no need to compact or compact the soil, since the roots need access to air.
6. Water the transplanted begonia generously so that the entire substrate is saturated with moisture. Be sure to drain excess liquid from the pan half an hour after watering.

If after watering the substrate in the pot settles, you must add the missing amount so that the roots are completely covered.

How to plant? When replanting, it is important to ensure that the growing point of the begonia remains above the surface. If the plant is planted too deeply, it may rot and die. It is almost impossible to save a flower whose growing point is damaged.

Caring for tuberous begonia

Caring for begonias in open ground involves timely watering and fertilizing. Particular attention is paid to preparing the plant for wintering.

Lighting and locations

The plant should not be in the scorching sun. The light should be diffused. In the first month after planting, it is recommended to shield the flower from the sun with greenhouse film.

Temperature

Temperature is important for normal development. Optimal values ​​are from 10 to 15 degrees. At low temperatures the flower will grow very slowly.

Watering and air humidity

Proper watering will help maintain flowering even in the hottest weather. The plant needs to be moistened early in the morning. The water should be warm. Daytime watering is dangerous due to the formation of burns and falling leaves. If you use cold water, the roots will die.

After completion of the active flowering phase, the amount of watering should be gradually reduced.

Feeding

In order for the plant to tolerate heat normally, it must be sprayed with growth substances. For example, Gumate, Zircon or Epin. Potassium nitrate improves the condition of foliage. After planting, it must be applied 2-3 times at weekly intervals.

After this, complex fertilizers are applied, with a small amount of nitrogen. If there is too much nitrogen, the begonia may begin to rot in wet weather. The last feeding is carried out in early October.

Wintering begonias

Closer to autumn, the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow. At this time, you need to remove all buds and flowers. Feeding is stopped and watering is reduced to a minimum. Tubers are dug up before the first frost. They must be dried thoroughly in a warm room. The greens should dry completely.

The tubers are placed in sand or soil and stored at a temperature of 5–7 degrees. Periodically you need to moisten the soil and check the condition of the tubers. Planting material should not freeze.

Bloom

Club begonia is one of the ornamental plants. It has simple, double, two-color, large and small flowers. The flowering period lasts throughout the summer.

Soil preparation

Regardless of whether you plan to grow your plants at home in pots or in open ground in the future, you will definitely plant the tuber at home. And only a little later, when your crop gets stronger, grows to a certain level, and there are favorable weather conditions outside, it will be permissible to move it into the soil on your own plot or transplant it into a larger pot.

So that later, for lush and long flowering, you can simply take proper care of your pet. An excellent option for modern gardeners is to purchase a special primer with the optimal composition in the store.

If you know exactly how to properly grow begonia at home and take into account all the nuances, then you can prepare such soil yourself. Its main characteristics should be a loose structure, an increased degree of fertility, and a low level of acidity. The following composition may work well - leaf and turf soil taken in equal parts in combination with compost and perlite. Experts also advise adding rotted humus here in a ratio of 1:10.

Propagation of tuberous begonia

There are several options for propagating tuberous begonia. This can be done by seed, dividing tubers or cuttings.

Growing tuberous begonia from seeds

This propagation method allows you to preserve the varietal characteristics of the plant. The growing process itself is long and labor-intensive. Seeds should be scattered on damp soil and covered with polyethylene. Place the container in a sunny place and spray it with water daily. Once a day, open the pot for an hour. If this is not done, the seeds may begin to rot from dampness. The optimal room temperature is 24 degrees.

The seeds should sprout in 2 weeks. When the sprouts have 2-3 leaves, they can be placed in cups.

Tuber division

For division, it is best to take old tubers. It is recommended to carry it out in early spring. Until the sprouts reach 4–5 cm, the tuber can be divided into several parts without damaging the plant itself. The cut areas are treated with charcoal powder or a special preparation.

After dividing, parts of the tubers are placed in different pots. Next, they need to be cared for as full-fledged plants.

Propagation of tuberous begonia by cuttings

Cuttings are the fastest and easiest method of plant propagation. You will need a shoot 10 cm long with several leaves. The cut is sprinkled with charcoal powder. Rooting should be done in moist soil in a bright and warm place. The soil should not touch the leaves of the cutting.

The planted cuttings are covered with a jar and ventilated daily. After 3 weeks it can be transplanted into a pot.

Optimal time

The optimal time for replanting is considered to be the beginning of spring , when the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. Adaptation during this period will take place much faster than in autumn or winter, when all life processes slow down significantly.

Attention! It is strictly not recommended to replant during flowering. Except in extreme cases, when delay can lead to the death of the plant, before replanting it is necessary to wait until the begonia has bloomed.

Questions and answers

How long does a flower live?

The lifespan of begonia is 2–3 years. However, some varieties with proper care can grow for up to 5 years. The tuberous begonias sold in stores are second-year plants. To rejuvenate a tuber, it should be divided.

How to care for tuberous begonia in autumn?

In autumn, the plant begins a state of dormancy. It lasts until spring. At this time, all excess leaves and shoots are removed. Watering is kept to a minimum. At a temperature of 10 degrees, the plant should be removed to a cool place.

How to wake up tuberous begonia

If the begonia tuber cannot be awakened, then it may be too dry. He can be revived. There are several ways. The first option is to wrap the tuber in a wet towel and place it in a plastic bag. It should be placed near the heating device. The tuber needs to be ventilated once a week.

The second option is to wrap the tuber in a damp cloth, perlite or moss. The plant is placed in a greenhouse.

How many days does it take for begonia to sprout?

In most cases, begonia seeds germinate in 10 days. However, the germination period can last from 8 to 26 days. Tubers begin to sprout only after a few weeks. First they form roots, and only then shoots.

Is it possible to pinch tuberous begonia?

Tuberous begonias do not pinch. Strongly grown shoots are simply suspended or attached to a high base. Hybrid tuberous begonias branch well without pinching.

At what depth should I plant tuberous begonia?

It is recommended to plant the tubers of the plant at a depth of about 5 cm. However, experienced gardeners recommend planting the plant so that the buds are visible. The soil is added as the shoots grow.

How to distinguish tuberous begonia from root begonia

The main difference between tuberous begonia and root begonia is the presence of tubers. This flower can be grown as a perennial garden plant or as an indoor plant. The thickness of the rhizome-tuber is about 5–6 cm. The stem itself is quite thin, but strong.

Why do tuberous begonia leaves curl?

Curling of leaves during the initial stages of growth is normal. This temporary modification will not affect the further development of the flower. This phenomenon is observed because the roots are still weak and the leaves do not have enough moisture.

To ensure normal self-regulation of humidity, a good drainage layer should be made. In this case, a sufficient amount of moisture will enter the leaves and they will not curl.

Care after landing

Tuberous begonias always need a lot of light. But direct exposure to the sun is excluded.

Rules of care during the first period after planting:

1. Watering. Only after the substrate has dried to the depth of one phalanx of the finger. The penetration of moisture into the core is excluded for the entire life of the plant - water around, along the edges of the pot.
2. There is no need to cover while waiting for germination. This is dangerous due to waterlogging of the tuber.
3. Germination and rooting temperature is from 15 to 20°C. Lower is not allowed, higher is undesirable.

After 12-15 days, sprouts and leaves appear. As soon as their height exceeds the edges of the pot higher than 2-3 cm, the grower begins to add nutritious soil. A tall, strong shoot will find it easier to maintain an upright position when the soil level is higher.

Diseases and pests

Begonia is a capricious plant that needs constant care. If agricultural practices are violated, the flower may be attacked by insects and become sick.

Main pests:

• leaf nematode;
• greenhouse aphid;
• spider mite

The nematode attacks young shoots and buds, as a result the plant dies. To eliminate the pest, flower bushes must be treated with heterophos. Affected areas of the plant are removed and burned.

Greenhouse aphids feed on plant sap. To get rid of it, it is recommended to use tobacco infusion, soap solution or insecticides.

Spider mites form thin webs on leaves. After this they turn yellow and fall off. With severe infection, flowering stops and the plant dies. To combat spider mites, it is recommended to spray with an infusion of onion and garlic. Near the plant itself you need to place a container with chopped garlic.

Possible diseases:

• Powdery mildew. It affects the above-ground part of the plant. White spots of plaque appear and the leaves begin to dry out. To treat the flower, fungicides or a copper-soap solution are used.
• Gray rot. This fungal disease appears as gray spots. The plant needs to be treated with Benomyl.
• Bacterial spotting. Forms on the lower leaves in the form of small watery spots. For treatment, spraying with a systemic fungicide is carried out.
• Tomato virus. Yellow-green spots form on the leaves. Affected plants are destroyed.

The main reason for the development of diseases is constant waterlogging, which promotes the proliferation of pests. Improper care leads to the development of diseases.

What does the plant suffer from and methods of treatment

Tuberous begonia is a rather unpretentious plant, but if you do not follow the rules for its care, you may encounter the following problems:

• Curled leaves that have dried at the edges
  may be a result of sunburn or high temperature; you need to move the begonia to a cool place. But if the leaves begin to fall off, it means the plant is cold.
• Dull leaves covered with a thin web
  are symptoms of the appearance of spider mites; to get rid of them, the begonia needs to be sprayed with any insecticide and take care of the correct level of humidity - at least 60%.
• The appearance of rot both on the stem and on the leaves of begonia
  is gray rot, which affects the plant due to excessive watering and stagnation of moisture, as well as regular contact with drops of water on the surface of the crown. In order to get rid of this, you need to review the plant’s watering regime - let the soil dry out after the previous watering, and treat the affected areas with crushed sulfur or a solution of colloidal sulfur.
• Plaque on the leaves:
  greenish-brown is another symptom of gray rot, white powdery is powdery mildew. In order to cure the plant, you need to treat it with a fungicide and move the begonia to a well-ventilated place.
• The most dangerous diseases are very difficult to fight, so if begonia is affected by them, then in order not to infect other plants, it must be thrown away. These are root-knot nematodes and soft scale insects, which have very similar symptoms - growths and swellings on the stems
  .

A mild fungicide that can be used frequently for preventative purposes is 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 3 liters of water.

Tuberous begonia - planting and care.

Some difficulties when growing tuberous begonia

When growing tuberous begonia, an inexperienced grower may encounter a number of problems. The main ones:

• yellowness of leaves - lack of light or insufficient watering;
• brown tips of leaves - the air in the room is too dry;
• buds falling off - too much moisture;
• leaf falling means lack of light.

You can get rid of such problems only by eliminating the cause. Further proper care will help to avoid them.

Tuberous begonia can be used both as an ornamental plant in the garden and as a home flower. To ensure abundant and lush flowering, maintain the correct temperature and water conditions.

Begonia sowing time

The choice of time for sowing begonia seeds depends on the desire: to wait for flowering in the same year or the next.

For example:

• When sowing seeds in January, by summer the tubers will grow, the plant will get stronger and the begonia will bloom in August. However, it must be remembered that additional lighting will be needed. For these purposes, use a fluorescent lamp.
• If you sow seeds in February and March, the plant will not have time to gain strength and will bloom only the next year. But there is no need for additional lighting; caring for seedlings is not so difficult.

What tubers should you buy for growing begonias?

If you dream of growing a beautiful, lushly flowering begonia, then you should choose bulbs not in supermarkets, but in stores specializing in various plants.

The most suitable time to purchase tubers is February, since at this time they begin to arrive in stores from Holland. Do not focus on the label, because the most important thing in the choice is the planting material. In addition, under no circumstances wait until prices for a given product begin to decline, as this will indicate that the product is of poor quality, which means that you may not wait for the long-awaited flowers.

Your choice should be on a hard, not overdried tuber, which has no traces of mold or plaque. Often there may be more than 2 tubers in one package; be sure to inspect everything contained in the package. If you notice that one of the planting materials is of poor quality, you should put this packaging aside and look for larger bulbs. Give preference to those specimens that already have awakened buds.

We display the final result:

• High-quality and “correct” tubers will always be plump to the touch without bruises, brown in color, and not have suspicious spots;
• If the period is already suitable: the end of February or the beginning of March, growing buds should be present on the nodules;
• You should not rush at the emerging stem shoot, these are already overgrown tubers, and the shoot may be injured during planting.

Brief description of cultivation

1. Temperature regime . This flower feels best at an air temperature of 20 to 25 degrees.
2. Air humidity . Needs regular moistening from a spray bottle.
3. Illumination . A large amount of bright light is needed, which must be diffused. Need protection from direct sun rays.
4. Watering . Moisten the soil mixture in the pot generously after its top layer dries.
5. Substrate . It should be moisture-absorbing, loose and nutritious.
6. Fertilizer . During the time that the bush is blooming, it is fed with a mineral complex for flowering crops.
7. Transplant . It is carried out once a year at the end of the rest period.
8. Reproduction . Cuttings, seeds and dividing tubers.
9. Features of care . If the bush experiences an acute lack of moisture and nutrients, then simple flowers may form instead of double flowers.

Tuberous begonia - growing from seed sowing to flowering

How to replant a flowering begonia from a store

First of all, you should remember that you need to replant a houseplant only when it no longer fits in its container and the roots extend beyond.

1. According to the rules, this procedure is carried out no earlier than March and no later than May.
2. Carefully remove from the container.
3. We clean the roots from the remnants of old soil.
4. Place in a weak manganese solution for 15-20 minutes.
5. We remove all damaged and diseased roots, sprinkle all cut areas with crushed coal.

What affects germination?

In order for begonia seeds to sprout together, it is necessary to create favorable conditions. These include maintaining optimal temperature and maintaining soil moisture.

It is necessary to wait a maximum of about 3 weeks for seed germination. If they do not sprout, you will need to sow them again. We must remember that it is not easy to germinate begonia seeds. It has been observed that the germination rate is generally around 50%.

What types of begonias are there?

All varieties and hybrids of this flower are divided into three main groups, namely:

• Plants with decorative leaves.

Small, slightly branched flowers, no more than 1 meter high, with beautiful unusual leaves.

• Royal begonia (Begonia rex)
• B. diadema (Begonia diadema)
• B. dotted (Begonia maculata)
• B. Mason (Begonia masoniana)
• B. powerful (Begonia robusta)
• Imperial begonia (Begonia imperialis)

This subgroup attracts lovers of beautiful and unusual-looking leaves.

Tuberous begonia growing in the garden video:

• Samples with decorative flowers.

There are two subspecies: rhizomatous and tuberous. The first variety is capable of producing buds regardless of the time of year, which cannot be said positively about the second type. In winter, tuberous plants shed all their foliage and remain dormant.

• Begonia Lorraine
• Begonia boweri
• B. wintering (Begonia hiemalis)
• Begonia heracleifolia
• B. ever-flowering (Begonia semperflorens)
• B. tall (Begonia elatior)
• Tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida) and its varieties - ampelous Limming Begonia (Begonia limmingheiana), or pendulous (Begonia x tuberhybrida pendula), multi-flowered (Begonia x tuberhybrida multiflora)

These constantly and abundantly blooming individuals invariably attract the gaze of others.

• Bushy plants.

There are both upright plants and those with drooping stems. Flowers and foliage of this group are endowed with decorative qualities.

1. Metal begonia (Begonia metallica)
2. B. bright red (Begonia coccinea)
3. B. red-leaved (Begonia x erythrophylla)
4. Begonia nitida
5. B. glaucophylla (Begonia glaucophylla)
6. B. coral (Begonia corallina)
7. B. manicata (Begonia manicata)
8. Double yellow begonia (Begonia xanthina)

It is worth noting that some begonia varieties can belong to several groups at once. So metallic begonia can be either a bushy plant or with decorative leaves.

Common types of indoor begonias:

1. Marmorata is the most popular and favorite variety among gardeners. First of all, because of its giant double snow-white flowers, and on the edge of each petal there is a thin pink line.
2. Cleopatra (Begonia Cleopatra) or American maple. Highly decorative appearance with rich olive-colored leaves on the upper side and fluffy leaves on the lower part.
3. Camellia (Camelia Flora pink-white) begonia in the form of a beautiful camellia, easily tolerates darkening, despite the bright red color with a white stripe on the edge.
4. Gryphon (Gryphon Begonia hybrida) is a hybrid variety of decorative foliage royal begonia. Dark green leaves with black spots and silver veins look like the paw of a mythical griffin.
5. Fimbriata is red and yellow, white and pink with a fringe along the edge of the double petal. Planting and care are not difficult.
6. Pikoti is a multi-colored large-flowered begonia, with original colors of double buds: pinkish, white or golden with salmon edging.
7. B. Red (double red) caring for red begonia consists of timely replanting, watering and removing inflorescences that have bloomed.
8. Gloire de Lorraine is a profusely blooming beauty with pinkish flowers of varying shades.
9. Chanson is an ampelous beauty with miniature, slightly terry-shaped flowers.
10. Splendide Apricot (Begonia Splendide Apricot) is an ampelous pink-shaped begonia with amazing apricot flowers of different shades. Blooms from early summer until winter. Grows best in partial shade.
11. Tiger - tiger begonia. It has unusual emerald leaves with bronze spots on the leaves. Caring for it at home does not require much effort.