Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Identifying Your Begonia Type
- Wintering Over Tuberous Begonias
- Wintering Over Wax and Foliage Begonias
- Watering and Feeding During Winter
- Common Wintering Challenges
- Waking Begonias Up in Spring
- Choosing the Right Containers
- Regional Considerations
- Why Wintering Over Is Worth the Effort
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Begonias are some of the most rewarding plants in the summer garden. Their lush foliage and vibrant blooms bring a tropical feel to porches, patios, and flower beds all season long. At Longfield Gardens, we know how hard it can be to say goodbye to these beauties when the first frost of autumn approaches. The good news is that you do not have to treat them as one-season wonders.
With just a little bit of preparation, you can keep your begonias alive and healthy through the cold months. Whether you have tuberous begonias that need a winter nap or wax begonias that can brighten up your living room, the process is straightforward. For a quick shopping path, browse the Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to protect your plants so they can return even stronger next spring.
Learning how to winter over begonia plants allows you to build a collection of your favorite varieties year after year. By matching your winter care to the specific type of begonia you grow, you can ensure a successful transition from the garden to the indoors.
Identifying Your Begonia Type
Before you start moving pots or digging in the dirt, you need to know which type of begonia you are growing. The way you handle the plant for winter depends entirely on its growth habit. Begonias generally fall into three main categories for home gardeners: tuberous, wax (fibrous), and foliage (Rex).
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are known for their large, spectacular flowers that look like roses or camellias. Popular series like Non Stop Begonias or Illumination fall into this category. These plants grow from a thick, potato-like root called a tuber. Tuberous begonias require a period of dormancy during the winter. This means they naturally want to stop growing, drop their leaves, and rest until the weather warms up again.
Wax and Bedding Begonias
Wax begonias are the classic bedding plants often used in garden borders or mass plantings. They have succulent stems and shiny, heart-shaped leaves that can be green or bronze. Unlike tuberous types, wax begonias do not have a dormant period. They are technically perennials in frost-free climates and can live all winter as houseplants if they get enough light. For a trailing shopping path, the Hanging Begonias collection is a good place to look.
Rex and Foliage Begonias
Rex begonias are grown for their "electrifying" leaf patterns and colors rather than their flowers. They have unique, swirling textures and metallic shades of silver, purple, and red. Like wax begonias, these do not go dormant. They are most successful when brought indoors and treated as foliage houseplants throughout the winter months. For a broader look at begonia forms, see What is a Begonia Plant? Types and Essential Care Guide.
Key Takeaway: Always check the root of your plant. If you find a firm, woody tuber, the plant needs a dormant rest. If the roots are thin and fibrous, the plant should stay in its green, growing state indoors.
Wintering Over Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are the most common type that gardeners want to save because the tubers actually get larger and produce more flowers as they age. Successfully wintering them over requires mimicking their natural cycle of rest. For a fuller overview of the family, read All About Begonias.
Preparing for Dormancy
In late summer or early autumn, you will notice your tuberous begonias beginning to look a bit tired. The leaves may start to yellow, and the flower production will slow down. This is your cue to reduce watering. By letting the soil dry out more than usual, you signal to the plant that it is time to store energy in the tuber for the winter. For more growing advice, see Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias.
Wait for the first light frost to touch the foliage. A light frost will blacken the leaves but won't hurt the tuber underground. This "killing frost" is actually helpful because it tells the plant to shut down completely. If you live in a region where a hard freeze happens suddenly, you can also manually trigger dormancy by cutting the stems back to about five inches once the weather turns consistently chilly.
Lifting and Curing the Tubers
Once the foliage has yellowed or been nipped by frost, it is time to lift the tubers. If they are in pots, you can simply bring the entire pot into a dry area like a garage. If they are in the ground, use a garden fork to gently lift the tuber and its surrounding root ball. Be careful not to nick or bruise the tuber, as wounds can lead to rot during storage.
Curing is the most important step in this process. Curing allows the outer skin of the tuber to toughen up and any remaining moisture in the stem to dry out.
- Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight.
- Spread them out on a newspaper or a screen so air can circulate around them.
- Let them sit for about two weeks.
- After this time, the remaining stems should be dry and brittle. They will usually pull away from the tuber with a gentle tug.
Storing for the Winter
After curing, gently brush off any loose soil. You do not need to wash the tubers; keeping them dry is the priority. Some gardeners like to dust their tubers with a light fungicide powder to prevent mold, but this is usually not necessary if your storage area is dry.
Pack the tubers in a breathable material. We recommend using a cardboard box or paper bags filled with dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. This insulation protects the tubers from temperature swings while allowing them to breathe.
Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place. An ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 50°F. A cool basement, a root cellar, or an insulated crawl space usually works perfectly. Avoid spots that might drop below freezing, such as an unheated shed, as freezing will kill the tuber.
What to Do Next:
- Mark your calendar to check the tubers once a month.
- Look for any soft spots or signs of rot.
- If a tuber feels mushy, discard it immediately so it doesn't affect the others.
- If the tubers look extremely shriveled, you can lightly mist the packing material with water, but be very careful not to make it wet.
Wintering Over Wax and Foliage Begonias
If you have wax begonias or Rex begonias, you will treat them as indoor guests rather than dormant tubers. Because these plants do not rest, the goal is to keep them green and growing until they can go back outside. If indoor begonia care is new to you, How Do I Care for a Begonia Plant? Top Tips for Success is a helpful companion guide.
The Acclimation Process
Plants experience shock when moved from the humid, bright outdoors to the dry, dimmer conditions inside a home. To make this transition easier, start the process before you turn on your home's heating system.
Move your pots to a more shaded area outside for about a week. This helps the leaves adjust to lower light levels. After a week, bring them indoors and place them in their permanent winter spot. You should expect some leaf drop during the first few weeks. This is a normal reaction to the change in environment, and the plant will eventually grow new leaves adapted to the indoor light.
Sanitizing Your Plants
Before bringing any plant inside, it is essential to check for hitchhikers. Insects like aphids, spider mites, or fungus gnats love the warm environment of a house.
- Give the plants a gentle rinse with a hose to knock off any visible bugs.
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the stems.
- If you find pests, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil before it enters your home.
- It is also a good idea to remove any dead leaves or debris from the surface of the soil, as these can harbor mold or pests.
Indoor Care Requirements
Once indoors, begonias need a spot with bright, indirect light. A window facing east or west is usually best. Avoid south-facing windows where the intense midday sun might scorch the leaves, especially for Rex begonias which prefer softer light. A trailing choice like Begonia Hanging Golden Balcony also appreciates that kind of light.
The biggest challenge for begonias indoors is the dry air. Most homes have very low humidity in the winter. You can help your plants by creating a "pebble tray." Fill a shallow tray with small stones and add water until it is just below the top of the stones. Place your pot on the stones. As the water evaporates, it creates a small zone of humidity right around the plant without making the soil soggy.
Watering and Feeding During Winter
Watering is where most gardeners make mistakes when wintering over begonias. Whether your plants are growing indoors or dormant in a box, they need much less water than they did during the heat of summer.
For Growing Plants (Wax and Rex)
The "water correctly, not constantly" rule is vital here. During the winter, begonias grow very slowly. They don't need much moisture. Always check the soil before adding water. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. If it feels even slightly damp, wait a few more days.
When you do water, do it thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes, then let the pot drain completely. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water, as this is a fast track to root rot. You should also stop fertilizing entirely during the winter. Feeding a plant that is trying to rest can lead to weak, leggy growth that is prone to pests.
For Dormant Tubers
Dormant tubers don't need "watering" in the traditional sense, but they shouldn't turn into hard, bone-dry rocks either. If your storage area is very dry, the tubers might lose too much moisture. Every time you check on them, give them a gentle squeeze. They should feel firm, like a fresh potato. If they feel slightly flexible or look shriveled, a very light misting of the packing material (not the tuber itself) can help.
Common Wintering Challenges
Even with the best care, you might run into a few hurdles. Knowing how to handle them calmly is part of the gardening journey.
Dealing with Leggy Growth
Indoor begonias often stretch toward the light, resulting in long, thin stems with few leaves. This is called "leggy" growth. If your plant looks a bit sparse, don't worry. You can gently pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage a bushier shape. Rotating the pot every week also ensures that all sides of the plant get equal light, preventing it from leaning too far in one direction.
Managing Pests Indoors
If you see tiny webs (spider mites) or sticky residue on the leaves (aphids), act quickly. Most indoor pest issues can be solved by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle soapy water spray. Consistency is key; you may need to treat the plant once a week for a month to ensure you have caught all the life cycles of the pests.
Monitoring for Rot
In storage, rot is the main enemy. It is usually caused by the tubers being too wet when they were put away or the storage area being too humid. If you find a small soft spot on an otherwise firm tuber, you can sometimes save it. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut away the soft area until you reach healthy white tissue. Let the cut area dry and "callus" over for a few days before putting it back in storage.
Waking Begonias Up in Spring
The most exciting part of wintering over your plants is seeing them come back to life. As the days get longer in late February or March, it is time to start thinking about the new growing season. If you need a refresher, see How to Start Tuberous Begonias Indoors.
Starting Tuberous Begonias
Take your tubers out of storage about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. You may already see tiny pink or white buds (called "eyes") starting to sprout on the concave (hollow) side of the tuber.
- Fill small pots with a fresh, high-quality potting mix.
- Place the tuber on the soil surface with the hollow side facing up.
- Press it in slightly, but do not bury it deep; the top of the tuber should be just at or slightly below the soil line.
- Water lightly and place the pots in a warm, bright spot.
Be patient. Tubers can be slow to wake up. Do not water again until you see green growth emerging or the soil feels very dry. Overwatering at this stage is the most common cause of failure.
Transitioning Houseplants Back Outside
For your wax and Rex begonias, spring is the time to start fertilizing again. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength to encourage new growth. Once the nights stay consistently above 50°F, you can begin "hardening off" your plants. This means taking them outside for a few hours a day in a protected spot and gradually increasing their exposure to the wind and sun over two weeks. For zone-based timing and order updates, see our Shipping Information page.
Choosing the Right Containers
If you are transplanting begonias from the garden into pots for the winter, the container you choose matters. At Longfield Gardens, we always recommend pots with plenty of drainage holes. Begonias have relatively shallow root systems, so they don't need incredibly deep pots. For container-friendly forms, browse the Upright Double Begonias collection.
Always use a fresh potting soil rather than garden soil. Garden soil is too heavy for containers and can become compacted, suffocating the roots. A "soilless" mix containing peat moss or coco coir and perlite provides the airy structure that begonias love. A classic example is Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink.
Regional Considerations
Your local climate plays a big role in how you winter over your plants.
- Northern Climates: In zones with harsh winters, storage in an insulated basement or closet is a must. Indoor plants will struggle more with low humidity due to heaters running constantly.
- Southern Climates: In warmer zones (Zone 9 and higher), tuberous begonias can sometimes stay in the ground if the soil stays dry. However, if your winters are wet, it is still better to dig them up to prevent them from rotting in the damp soil.
- High Altitude: If you live in a very dry climate, you will need to pay extra attention to your pebble trays and may need to check your stored tubers more frequently for shriveling.
Key Takeaway: Success depends on your specific microclimate. Use a thermometer in your storage area to ensure it stays in the safe 40-50°F range. To find your growing zone, use the Hardiness Zone Map.
Why Wintering Over Is Worth the Effort
While it might seem easier to buy new plants every year, there is a special satisfaction in seeing a plant you've cared for return for another season. Older tubers often produce significantly more flowers than brand-new ones. Additionally, many of the unique foliage patterns on Rex begonias become more intricate and beautiful as the plant matures.
By keeping your begonias from year to year, you also save money and reduce waste. It is a sustainable way to garden that connects you more deeply to the life cycles of your plants. Plus, a blooming begonia on a windowsill in the middle of January is the perfect antidote to winter blues, and our 100% Quality Guarantee helps make the process easy.
Conclusion
Wintering over begonia plants is a simple and rewarding skill that every gardener can master. Whether you are tucking tuberous varieties away for a long winter nap or finding a sunny spot in your home for a wax begonia, the key is understanding what the plant needs during its rest period. By controlling moisture, providing the right temperature, and being patient, you can enjoy these stunning plants for many years.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you make the most of your garden in every season. For the best results, remember to:
- Identify your begonia type before the first frost.
- Cure tuberous begonias thoroughly before storage.
- Provide humidity for indoor houseplants.
- Wait for warm nights before moving plants back outside in spring.
"The secret to successful overwintering is not a magic trick; it is simply respecting the plant's need for a slower pace during the cold months. Give them a break from water and food, and they will reward you with a spectacular show when the sun returns."
We are here to support your gardening journey with quality plants and practical advice. Now that you know how easy it is to save your begonias, you can plant even more varieties next season with confidence!
FAQ
Can I leave tuberous begonias in their pots all winter?
Yes, you can leave the tubers in the pots if the soil is completely dry. Simply cut back the dead foliage, move the pot to a cool, frost-free location like a basement, and do not water it until spring. In the spring, it is usually a good idea to repot the tuber in fresh soil to provide new nutrients for the growing season.
How do I know if my stored begonia tuber is still alive?
A healthy tuber should feel firm and heavy for its size, similar to a fresh potato. If you gently scratch the surface with a fingernail and see creamy white or light green tissue underneath, the tuber is alive. If the tuber feels light, hollow, or mushy, or if it appears black and shriveled all the way through, it has likely succumbed to rot or dehydration.
Why did my wax begonia lose all its leaves when I brought it inside?
This is a common reaction to environmental shock. The air inside a house is much drier and the light is significantly lower than it is outdoors. To prevent this, try to acclimate the plant gradually and provide extra humidity with a pebble tray. As long as the stems remain firm and green, the plant will likely grow new leaves that are better suited to indoor conditions within a few weeks.
When is the best time to dig up begonias for winter?
The best time to dig them up is right after the first light frost in autumn. The frost will signal to the plant to stop growing, but the ground will not yet be frozen. If you live in an area that does not get frost, you can start the process in late October or November by gradually reducing water and cutting the stems back manually once the weather cools.