Any chance the basket begonias were Reiger types, instead of tuberous? That's what I mentally picture with that discription. I'd think that tuberous cuttings would have formed tubers by fall. You're also saying that the two tubers you planted did not maintain tubers underground?

In years past I grew Reigers as houseplants; I remember them having shiny leaves. These look much like the leaves of the ones I planted as tubers, just a shape difference. Leaves are a bit hairy. IÂve been letting these dry out, I hope that is the right approach. They have stopped blooming now, still have leaves; though the biggest ones at the bottom have all dropped off, and some minor branches have dropped off. I donÂt know if they have tubers, IÂm afraid to try digging them up too soon.

The ones I planted mayself as tubers have now had the stems drop off completely, so I guess that means I can dig them and see if there is a tuber left under there.