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Growing Non-GMO Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia Bulbs
When planting Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia tubers, select a location with partial to full shade and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Tubers should be planted concave-side up, about 1 inch deep in the soil. If you're working in a cooler region (below USDA Zone 8), it's recommended to start tubers indoors about 8 weeks before the last expected frost. This provides a head start for blooms later in the season. For direct sowing outdoors, wait until the soil temperature is consistently above 60 F, as begonias are sensitive to cold. Space the tubers 10-12 inches apart to allow for airflow and avoid overcrowding, which helps prevent disease. They can also be planted and grown entirely indoors as houseplants.
Once planted, Bi-Color Picotee Begonias require consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging, as overly wet soil can cause the tubers to rot. Water deeply and allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilization is essential for these heavy feeders—apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Maintenance includes removing spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage continuous flowering and prevent energy wastage on seed production. In addition, pinching back the tips of young plants can help promote a bushier growth habit, especially in the early stages.
Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Be cautious when handling the delicate stems and leaves, as they can be easily damaged. In regions with frost, lift the tubers before the first freeze, clean them of soil, and store them in a cool, dry place for replanting the following year.
Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia Tubers in the Flower Garden
Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia tubers are prized for their vibrant, double-flowered blooms with strikingly edged petals in contrasting colors. These begonias thrive in shaded environments, making them an invaluable addition to gardens where sunlight is limited. Their lush, green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the large, camellia-like flowers, which create a bold statement in beds, borders, and container gardens. They bring continuous color from mid-summer to frost, enhancing the garden's appeal during the growing season.
These begonias are equally stunning in hanging baskets, where their flowers can be appreciated up close or as focal points in shaded garden corners. Their compact, bushy growth habit makes them ideal for edging pathways or filling gaps in the garden design, and their ability to thrive in pots means they can be moved to create dynamic arrangements in patios or balconies.
Companion Planting With Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia Bulbs
These begonias benefit from companion planting with shade-loving plants like impatiens or hostas, which can complement their vibrant blooms while maintaining similar light and soil needs. If planting in containers, ensure they have adequate drainage and consider mixing begonias with cascading plants like fuchsias or lobelias for visual interest. Since tuberous begonias are fairly deer-resistant, they are perfect for shaded gardens frequented by deer. Thanks to the tubers, even if the deer eat the leaves and flowers, they are likely to return before too long.
About Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia Tubers
Bi-color Picotee Tuberous Begonias are renowned for their vibrant, double blooms with contrasting petal edges, known as the "picotee" effect.
British botanist Richard Pearce introduced several species of begonias from the Andes Mountains of South America to Europe in the mid-19th century. Over time, horticulturists in Europe and North America crossbred these species to produce hybrids with larger flowers, diverse colors, and unique patterns, including the distinctive picotee edging.
While this variety is not intended for consumption, certain begonia species have been used in culinary applications in various cultures. For instance, in Indonesia, begonias were utilized to make sauces for fish dishes, and in China, the flowers were added to salads.
Begonias are great for those wanting indoor flowers without heavy fragrance. While there are fragrant varieties available, these hybrid tuberous types are not fragrant at all.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"When it comes to shady gardens, begonias are some of the best on the market for flowers. You really can’t beat it. So many other flowering plants require full sun in order to bloom. Not begonias!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Bi-Color Picotee Mixture Begonia Bulbs Per Package:
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