Overwintering Begonias: The Best Methods to Keep Your Plants Alive Through Winter

Introduction

Overwintering begonias is essential to protect these tender perennials from frost and ensure they regrow the following season. While begonias thrive in warm months, they cannot survive cold winters without proper care.

Instead of letting frost kill your begonias, you can store tubers, bring plants indoors, or use greenhouse protection to keep them healthy for next year.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best methods for overwintering begonias
✅ How to lift and store begonia tubers
✅ How to keep potted begonias indoors for winter
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips for strong regrowth in spring

Why Overwinter Begonias?

Begonias are not frost-hardy, meaning they will die if left outdoors in winter. Overwintering them allows you to:
🌱 Save money by reusing tubers instead of buying new ones.
🌺 Grow stronger, more established plants year after year.
❄️ Ensure early blooming when spring returns.

💡 Tip: If your area experiences temperatures below 5°C (41°F), you need to overwinter your begonias.

Best Methods for Overwintering Begonias

1. Lifting & Storing Begonia Tubers Indoors (Best for Tuberous Begonias)

✅ Step 1: Wait Until Foliage Starts Dying Back

• When leaves turn yellow or after the first frost, begonias enter dormancy.

✅ Step 2: Cut Back & Lift Tubers

• Trim stems down to 5-10 cm (2-4 inches).
• Use a fork or spade to carefully dig up the tubers.

✅ Step 3: Dry Tubers for Storage

• Shake off excess soil and let tubers dry for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place.

✅ Step 4: Store in a Frost-Free Place

• Place tubers in a box with dry compost, sand, or newspaper layers.
• Store at 5-10°C (41-50°F) in a garage, basement, or shed.
• Check monthly for mold or shriveling—mist lightly if they dry out.

💡 Tip: Label tubers with variety and color to make spring planting easier.

2. Keeping Potted Begonias Indoors (Best for Fibrous & Rex Begonias)

✅ Step 1: Bring Potted Begonias Indoors Before Frost

• Move plants inside before temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F).

✅ Step 2: Place in a Cool, Bright Location

• A windowsill, conservatory, or unheated room (10-15°C / 50-60°F) is ideal.
• Reduce watering—only water when soil is completely dry.

✅ Step 3: Trim & Maintain Foliage

• Remove dead or damaged leaves to prevent disease.

💡 Tip: Avoid placing begonias near radiators—dry heat can cause leaf drop.

3. Keeping Begonias in a Greenhouse (Best for Mild Winters)

✅ Step 1: Move Potted Begonias to a Greenhouse

• Heated greenhouses above 5°C (41°F) will keep begonias actively growing.
• Unheated greenhouses need extra insulation.

✅ Step 2: Water Sparingly

• Water once a month to prevent tuber dehydration.
• Avoid overwatering—cold, damp soil causes root rot.

✅ Step 3: Insulate in Freezing Weather

• Use bubble wrap, fleece, or straw around pots.

💡 Tip: If temperatures drop below freezing (-2°C or lower), move begonias indoors or use a small greenhouse heater.

When to Bring Begonias Back Outside in Spring

✅ March – April: Check stored tubers and start watering lightly.
✅ April – May: Pot up tubers indoors for early growth.
✅ After the last frost: Replant begonias in borders, containers, or hanging baskets.

💡 Tip: Feed begonias with a balanced liquid fertilizer after planting for healthy blooms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overwintering Begonias

🚫 Digging up tubers too early – Wait until foliage naturally dies back.
🚫 Storing tubers wet – Damp storage leads to mold and rot.
🚫 Keeping begonias in a too-warm place – They need a cool, dark spot for dormancy.
🚫 Overwatering indoor begonias – Less water is better in winter.

💡 Tip: If tubers become soft or mushy in storage, discard them and only keep healthy ones.

Conclusion

Overwintering begonias is a simple way to protect your plants and ensure bigger, better blooms next year.

By choosing to store tubers, bring plants indoors, or use a greenhouse, you can keep begonias alive through winter and enjoy vibrant flowers again in spring!