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Starting Begonias Indoors
 February is an excellent month to start tuberous begonias, or begonia “bulbs” as they are often referred to, indoors as this will allow them to bloom by June. Stein Gardens & Gifts offers a wide selection of begonia bulbs to choose from including both upright and hanging basket varieties ($3.99 each or 3 for $11.00). We also offer unique scented varieties in pink and orange ($9.99 each). Our begonia bulbs are larger than most at 2 ½ to 3 inches (2 to 2 ½ inches for scented) which means they will grow into more substantial plants with more blooms than other smaller size bulbs.
 Once you’ve selected your bulbs you are ready to get started. Plant your bulbs in peat pots, plastic pots or hanging baskets with adequate drainage holes. Fill the containers within one inch from the top with Stein Premium Potting Soil or Stein Seed Starter Soil. Plant the begonia bulbs hollow side up just below the soil level with no more than a half-inch of light soil covering them. Place the container in a shallow container of warm water until the soil’s surface is barely moist to the touch. Then, remove the container from the water and let it drain in a sink for approximately two hours.
Keep the container in a warm, sunny area of your home where the temperature remains between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t allow it to get soggy because begonia bulbs can begin to rot. The bulbs should produce sprouts in approximately one to three weeks. Once the begonias develop a minimum of two true leaves, water regularly and fertilize with liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure to rotate the container in the window to encourage straight stem growth.
Transferring Begonias Outdoors
 Once the danger of frost has passed you can acclimate your begonias to the outdoors by placing them in a shady, outdoor location during the day. After about one week, your begonias will be strong enough to be left out at night. Continue to keep the potting soil evenly moist. If you wish, you can transfer your begonia bulbs to larger containers, hanging baskets or plantings beds making sure that they remain in partial shade. If you transfer them to planting beds, find a location where the soil drains well. Loosen the soil and plant the tubers by just tucking them in the soil. Plant them eight to twelve inches apart and water them generously. If you transfer them to larger containers, plant them three to five inches apart by gently tucking them in the soil and water thoroughly.
Once the begonias have finished blooming for the season, make sure to leave the foliage in place as these help care for and nourish the tuber until next growing season. Dig up the tubers before the first frost, allow them to dry for a few days and place them in paper bags or cardboard boxes filled with Stein Premium Potting Mix and store them in a cool place until next year.
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