Scented Hanging Begonia - Tuber

In the spring you can plant the hanging begonia tubers in fresh potting compost. Beware of late night frosts as the begonia tubers will need protection. Use a flower pot or planter with holes in the base to provide adequate drainage. Cover the bottom with pot sherds or a layer of hydro granules. Put the compost in the flower pot or planter and place the begonias approximately 30-35 cm apart, covering them with a 1-2 cm layer of compost. Water them immediately after planting.

For an extra early flowering of your Cascade ‘Odorosa’ hanging begonias you can ‘withdraw’ them. In the spring place them in moist compost and store at 15-20° C. As soon as the begonias begin to shoot put them in potting compost and let the tubers acclimatise to the outside. Finally in mid-May they can be planted in the ground or in a flower pot. You will soon be able to enjoy the many beautiful flowers of this begonia variety.

Deadhead the begonias regularly and this will encourage a second flowering. For an extra rich flowering we recommend using plant fertilizer regularly when watering. The soil around the begonia tuber must never be too wet, as this may cause the begonia tubers to rot. Protect the plant from direct sunlight. The stems and leaves contain a lot of fluids therefore they are not tolerant of frost.

Begonia tubers are very easy to overwinter. Lift the plants after the first night frost. Cut back all the stems to just above the tuber. Attach a label with the name of the begonia, so that next year you will know which variety they are. Shake the soil from the tuber and place in a box with dry compost and sharp sand. Store the tubers in a frost-free area. Next spring you can plant them again and look forward to the reward of their beautiful flowers.