Can I split Begonias

  • 4 Replies
  • 22037 Views
*

chrisnchris

  • Experienced Member
  • ***
  • Location: Fleet Hants
  • 343
Can I split Begonias
« on: August 28, 2011, 11:21 »
Hi all, I have a few pots of giant begonias that are just coming into full flower, this has been their first year of planting.
I assume that the tubers are lifted & stored in a dark frost free area over winter, but when is the best time to lift them & can the tubers be split in two (or more) if big enough, how big would that be & should they be split in the autumn or just before planting.

Thanks

Chris

*

mumofstig

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Location: Kent
  • 57873
Re: Can I split Begonias
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2011, 13:47 »
They can be split when really big, but tend to rot off easily when cut :(

The big ones they keep for shows the tubers can get up to 6inches or more across, and obviously they produce many more flowers than the small tubers we buy. So IMO it's worth keeping bigger corms, rather than splitting them up.

*

sunshineband

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Location: Reading, Berkshire
  • 32056
  • Tallest Sunflower prizewinner 2014
    • A Little Bit of Sunshine
Re: Can I split Begonias
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2011, 14:45 »
I agree with MoS, that it is better to keep them as large and very prolific corms.

However, if you absoutely must cut them up, wait until they have dies back completely and then make sure you have at least one bud on each. Dust the cut surface with fowers of suplphur to prevent it (hopefully prevent it) rotting.

But I have some that are four years old and give amazing displays -- corms are about 4-5 ins across  :D
Wisdom is knowing what to ignore - be comfortable in your own skin.
My Blog
My Diary
My Diary Comments

*

Goosegirl

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Location: Caton, Lancaster.
  • 8941
Re: Can I split Begonias
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2011, 16:34 »
I love them and bought lots of plug plants from Jersey Plants - this year I mean to dig them up after the first frosts, separate them into colours, dry them off and store the corms in my shed for next year. I can't believe that about eight survived from last year over the last winter at minus 15C !!!
I work very hard so don't expect me to think as well.

*

chrisnchris

  • Experienced Member
  • ***
  • Location: Fleet Hants
  • 343
Re: Can I split Begonias
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2011, 09:12 »


However, if you absoutely must cut them up, wait until they have dies back completely and then make sure you have at least one bud on each. Dust the cut surface with fowers of suplphur to prevent it (hopefully prevent it) rotting.


Thanks, that's very useful, when you say "bud" I take it to mean to do the splitting in the spring when the corms are coming back to life.

I have 12 (I think) so I'll try a couple & see what happens.  :)  :)



clip
GG's begonias.

Started by Goosegirl on General Gardening

5 Replies
955 Views
Last post September 02, 2023, 08:56
by Goosegirl
smiley
Begonias

Started by Gardener Girl on General Gardening

0 Replies
1852 Views
Last post February 26, 2010, 07:35
by Gardener Girl
clip
Begonias...

Started by Growster... on General Gardening

7 Replies
2164 Views
Last post July 21, 2021, 12:14
by Goosegirl
xx
begonias ?

Started by starry on General Gardening

3 Replies
1903 Views
Last post September 22, 2010, 16:19
by savbo
 

Page created in 0.16 seconds with 39 queries.

Powered by SMFPacks Social Login Mod
Powered by SMFPacks SEO Pro Mod |