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Thu, Oct 1, 09 at 23:09
| I've stopped watering my 2 tuber begonias. Question is, should I cut them down, and then let them die back on their own before digging out of the pot? Am I too late, since it's gonna get cold tonight? Or do I just let nature take its course? Wait until just before hard frost to dig out? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| I've always just let the first frost take the top growth back, cut it off clean above the soil line, bring the pots into the garage and let them dry out. I had better success just storing the pots in the basement rather than digging the tubers out. I occasionally give the dormant pots a dribble of water about once a month in the winter to keep them from getting totally dessicated. They normally begin sprouting, in the dark no less, in mid March, I bring them out under lights and resume watering, being careful not to over water them. Deanne |
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- Posted by started_with_bean Zone 5--MA (My Page) on Fri, Oct 2, 09 at 13:52
| Thanks! I like the idea of just leaving them in the pot; saves a lot of hassle and worry. |
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| bean starter, I agree that leaving them in the pot can be a simple successful way of wintering them over. I thought however I should mention that not everyone’s basement or garage is the same. My basement for example has an oil burner that tends to keep it rather warm (high 60s) and damp, I have repeatedly been unsuccessful over wintering tubers as they want cool (50’s), dry, and dark. Cloud9 made a suggestion about using a picnic cooler for winter storage which I am going to try on the steps of my bulkhead area. I would suggest that you be open to experimenting and fingers crossed you’ll meet your tubers requirements this winter. Katy |
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| Yes indeed, my basement storage area stays under 50 degrees. I use this area to store all my dormant fuchsias, brugmansias, banana, dahlia tubers, colocasia, lantana, etc. etc.... Deanne |
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| Deanne I too can vouch for the save in the pot method and store in cool basement. |
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