Tips On How To Indoor Force Begonias From The Devon Landscapers At Green Grounds

How to indoor force begonias

Devon landscape gardeners have a lovely emerald green backdrop as a foil for very strong fiery colours, such as those of Begonias. These are so useful and reliable for lifting those dull shady corners that most gardens have, and it is much cheaper to start your own bedding plants indoors.

It's easy to learn how to indoor force begonias through tubers indoors, even if you have never tried it before. Begonias can be challenging for beginners to grow, but if you are prepared, follow instructions carefully and do not forget about the begonia tubers even beginners can achieve good results with these fiery-colored plants.


Late winter is an ideal time to learn how to indoor force begonias. Lift the tubers in the Fall before the cold weather sets in and the ground gets frosty. They can come indoors to spend the winter out of the extremes of the weather outside. If the tubers are damp, they need to be dried carefully first, to lessen the risk of any damage resulting from mould or disease. Fungicide should also be used to powder the tubers before they are put into store. Choose a location that is cool but not subject to frost, such as a garage, unheated porch or store-room.
(Or grow your beautiful Begonias from seed through Amazon:)
Begonia F1 Nonstop Mix Seeds (1 Pkt - 50 seeds)

In late February, plant your begonia tubers in compost, but not too deeply. Arrange them so that they are just covered by the growing medium. Lay the tubers out so that they are concave side up. Ensure that the growing medium is moistened and that there is not so much compost on top that the light is drowned out. A thin covering is sufficient.
When planted, move the trays of begonias to a warmer location, still indoors, but too hot a spot! About sixty degrees is good. They like a good, light position and it is sensible to have them where you can see them regularly so that you can see and feel when the compost is getting dry. You can then watch the height of each begonia, ready to remove it to its own pot when it is ready. This should be when the shoots of the new plant have grown to about three inches. Learning how to indoor force begonias is not difficult and waiting for these shoots to show is exciting.



As soon as the weather is warm enough, usually from late May until about mid-June, start to plant out your new begonias with their cool white or hot spicy shades. Choose a spot in shade or a partly shaded area in which to plant them and make sure they have a light, free-draining soil to grow in.
Alternatively, brighten a dull, uninspiring corner in the garden, or welcome visitors, with tubs full of vividly colored begonias.There are many hot shades and hues to choose from from hot pinks, to fiery oranges and scarlet reds - all of which look stunning when accompanied by Bizzie Lizzies as a foil to the planting scheme. If using begonias in the garden, choose a location near to the front of the bed, due to the height of the flowers. No matter what the weather, at least you can be sure of a fiery hot show of garden color if you start your Begonia tubers early! Next year you will already know how to indoor force begonias.
For more Devon landscapers tips from Green Grounds,or for help with projects large and small, call us on

01364 73630
(Devon landscape gardeners covering Plymouth,Plympton,Ivybridge,Totnes,South Brent,Torquay,Buckfastleigh and Ashburton.)