Begonia x hiemalis 'Solenia Red Orange'

Tubers can be started off from early spring in a heated greenhouse or a month later in a non-heated one. It is very important that a sprout appears before the tuber is planted. If your tubers seem slow to sprout, move them from the cool storage area to a warm dark place. When sprouts appear, the tubers are ready to be planted. Harden off and plant out once risk of frost has passed. It is also possible to plant the tubers directly into their flowering positions in late spring. This results in a later start to flowering. It may take up to three months from planting the tuber to full bloom, so tubers should be started indoors at least a month before the last frost date. Tuberous begonias are native to high altitudes growing conditions in the Andes Mountains. They perform best when grown in a similar environment with high humidity and cool nights. Though they need to be shaded from hot sunlight, they do need some sun to flower best. Morning light or light that is filtered through leaves or a lattice roof is best.