Yes, begonias can survive winter; however, their survival is largely dependent on the specific type of begonia and whether they receive proper care and protection from frost. As tender plants, most begonias cannot tolerate freezing temperatures outdoors and require different overwintering strategies.
Understanding Begonia Winter Survival
Begonias are a diverse group of plants, and their ability to endure colder months varies significantly. While some are grown purely as houseplants, others are popular outdoor annuals or perennials (in warmer zones) known for their vibrant blooms and foliage. The key to successful overwintering lies in understanding these differences and providing the appropriate conditions.
How to Overwinter Different Begonia Types
The method for overwintering begonias depends on whether they are grown indoors, are fibrous-rooted outdoor varieties, or are tuberous begonias.
Pure Indoor Begonias
Pure indoor begonias can be easily overwintered in the home as they are already acclimated to indoor environments. Varieties like Rex Begonias or Iron Cross Begonias, typically grown as houseplants, simply continue their growth cycle indoors.
- Lighting: Ensure they receive adequate indirect light, especially during shorter winter days. You might consider supplemental grow lights if natural light is scarce.
- Watering: Reduce watering slightly as plant growth slows. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Humidity: Maintain humidity, especially if your home becomes dry due to heating. Pebble trays or a humidifier can help.
- Temperature: Keep them in a stable environment, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C), away from cold drafts or heat vents.
Outdoor Fibrous Begonias
Outdoor begonias, often treated as annuals in cooler climates, include popular varieties like Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens). These can be brought indoors to survive the winter. Outdoor begonias should be brought indoors and kept cool and frost-free over winter.
Here’s how to bring them inside:
- Preparation (Late Summer/Early Autumn): Before the first frost, inspect plants thoroughly for pests. You can take cuttings to propagate new plants if the parent plant is too large.
- Pruning: Lightly prune the plant to a manageable size, removing any dead or damaged foliage.
- Pest Check: Treat any existing pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate new indoor plants for a week or two to prevent spreading pests to existing houseplants.
- Repotting: Gently dig up the plant from the garden and pot it into a container with fresh potting mix.
- Indoor Conditions: Place the potted begonia in a bright, cool location (ideally 50-60°F or 10-15°C) that is frost-free. Reduce watering significantly, only watering when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid fertilizing until spring.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias, known for their large, showy blooms, go dormant in winter. Tuberous begonias are cut back in autumn and overwintered in a dry, dark, and cool place – either as a bare tuber or in dry soil.
Follow these steps for successful overwintering:
- Preparation (Autumn): As temperatures drop and foliage begins to yellow, reduce watering.
- Cutting Back: After the first light frost or when foliage has fully yellowed, cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches above the soil line.
- Digging Up (Optional): If overwintering bare tubers, carefully dig them up, taking care not to damage the tubers.
- Drying/Curing:
- In Soil: If keeping them in pots, stop watering and let the soil dry out completely.
- Bare Tubers: Gently brush off excess soil from dug-up tubers. Lay them out in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to cure.
- Storage:
- Bare Tubers: Once cured, pack the tubers in a mesh bag, old nylon stocking, or a box filled with peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite. Ensure good air circulation and no contact between tubers to prevent rot.
- In Dry Soil: If storing in pots, simply move the pots to the storage location.
- Ideal Conditions: Store in a dry, dark, cool, and frost-free place with temperatures ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C). A basement, unheated closet, or garage can work well.
- Replanting (Spring): In late winter or early spring, bring the tubers out of storage and begin watering them to break dormancy.
General Tips for Successful Overwintering
- Pest Vigilance: Always check for pests before bringing plants indoors. Pests thrive in indoor conditions.
- Reduced Watering: Most begonias, especially those in cooler temperatures, require less water during their dormant or semi-dormant winter period. Overwatering is a common cause of rot.
- Avoid Fertilizing: Do not fertilize begonias during winter dormancy or reduced growth periods. Resume fertilization in spring when new growth appears.
- Air Circulation: Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, especially in stored tubers or indoor plants.
Begonia Overwintering Summary
| Begonia Type | Typical Outdoor Use | Winter Care Strategy | Ideal Winter Location | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Indoor | Houseplant | Continue growing indoors with reduced water and consistent temperature. | Home interior (60-75°F / 15-24°C) | Adequate indirect light, humidity, consistent temperature. |
| Outdoor Fibrous | Annual (cooler climates) | Bring indoors, prune, check for pests, keep cool and frost-free. | Cool, bright, frost-free room (50-60°F / 10-15°C) | Reduce watering, avoid drafts, pest prevention. |
| Tuberous | Annual/Perennial (warmer zones) | Cut back, dig up tubers (optional), cure, and store dry and dormant. | Dry, dark, cool, frost-free place (40-50°F / 4-10°C) | Ensure tubers are dry, good air circulation, no moisture. |
By understanding the specific needs of your begonia variety, you can successfully overwinter these beautiful plants and enjoy them for many seasons. For more detailed information on begonia care, you can consult resources like the Royal Horticultural Society or Gardening Know How.
