Tuberous begonia: planting, dividing and storing the tuber

Store	Tuber. Knobbly, with eyes or dimples; solid when cut.
Depth	2-3 cm to the base of the tuber
Spacing	30 cm apart
When	Tender: start indoors, plant out after frost. Start indoors: 6 weeks to 3 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant out: from your last spring frost to 2 weeks after. Work out your dates.
Pets	Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

Store

Tuber. Knobbly, with eyes or dimples; solid when cut.

Depth

2-3 cm to the base of the tuber

Spacing

30 cm apart

When

Tender: start indoors, plant out after frost. Start indoors: 6 weeks to 3 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant out: from your last spring frost to 2 weeks after. Work out your dates.

Pets

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

About Tuberous begonia

A flattened, dished tuber that is planted hollow side up. Flowers all summer in shade.

Depth and spacing

Typical range: 2-3 cm deep and 30 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the tuber; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 2.5 cm deep and 30 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.

When to plant

Tender: start indoors, plant out after frost. Start indoors: 6 weeks to 3 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant out: from your last spring frost to 2 weeks after. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.

Dividing and propagating

Cut the tuber in spring into sections each with a shoot or a bud, dusting cuts to prevent rot.

Lifting and storing

Lift before frost, dry gently, and store in dry sand or compost in a cool frost-free place.

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

The ASPCA lists Begonia spp. as: toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Toxic principle: Soluble calcium oxalates. Signs: Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. Most toxic part is underground. If your pet has chewed any part, call your vet or an animal poison helpline. ASPCA entry.