This common annual flower is in full bloom now, gracing hanging baskets and containers with its colorful double, sometime fragrant, blooms. It's origins go back to the Andes Mountains and it was all the rage in the late 1800's in Europe. But it wasn't introduced to North America until around World War I when a soldier, Carlton Lowe, saw it growing in Belgium and brought seeds back home to Ohio. What's the name of this globe trotting flower? It's the tuberous begonia.
Although this flower is stunning when in full bloom, many consider it difficult to grow. There's nothing worse than seeing a rain stained, wind whipped, powdery mildew ridden tuberous begonia struggling to survive. But, under the right conditions, it's a show stopper. I once saw a hoop house filled with tuberous begonias at White Flower Farm in Connecticut and it was jaw dropping. Grow these tubers in a bright area with morning sun in containers protected from the wind and rain. If you've had trouble with powdery mildew, spray Serenade organic fungicide to prevent this disease. Also, bottom water the plants so the leaves and flowers don't get stained by water.
The best part of growing tuberous begonias is they can be saved each year. After a light frost, move the plants to a garage or basement and remove the shoots once dry. Take the tubers out of the pot and let them dry for a few days. Store the tubers in dry peat moss in a 40F to 50F degree location. In late winter place the tubers, hollow side up, in a shallow tray filled with light potting soil. Cover them with 1 inch of soil and keep moist. Once they start to sprout, pot them up and let' em grow.
And now for this week's tip, avoid the disappointment of half eaten root crops, by protecting potatoes, carrots and beets from hungry mice and voles with traps, repellent sprays or wire fencing dug 1 foot down around the bed.
Next week on the Vermont Garden Journal, I'll be talking about employee gardens. Until then, I'll be seeing you in the garden.
Broadcast on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 5:57 p.m. and Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 9:35 a.m.
The Vermont Garden Journal with Charlie Nardozzi is made possible by Gardener's Supply, offering environmental solutions for gardens and landscapes. In Burlington, Williston and Gardeners.com
Resources:
Growing Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous Begonias Growing Guide
