They will be indoors a full month longer than they should be and during this time they will be struggling to make the right kind of growth. Leaves and stalks will be pale and weak and the plants will not be the strong, vigorous type needed to start the season outdoors. Tuberous begonias started to root about the first of March will be developing during more favorable light conditions: the days are brighter and longer in April when they will be making leaf growth.
Sometimes tuberous begonias are planted too early because they have started to sprout and this suggests to the grower that the tuber wants to start growing again, that they will suffer if not permitted to grow. The young, pink sprouts may appear early, due to the storage conditions being too warm, thus encouraging growth.
By keeping the tubers in a cooler place this can be prevented. Preliminary rooting before top growth is made is essential with tuberous begonias. This rooting period takes about 30 days. By then there are enough roots, the top has grown a few inches and potting should be done.
Rooting in March, slow, steady growth in April and May, then planting or placing outdoors in late May is the time schedule for the handling of tuberous begonias in the North.
February is best devoted to getting prepared for the coming gardening season so that when the opening date arrives there will be no time lost in securing seeds and supplies, tools and equipment.
This is the month to visit the garden store. Storing begonia tubers and stocking up on things needed are necessary when the season starts. The gardening season is too short and northerners have too much to do in spring to be wasting time indoors purchasing begonia tubers when they can be in the garden.
Shopping in a garden store can be done much more leisurely now than after the season starts. Store associates have more time to serve you.
There be more time to discuss new varieties, equipment and methods. Now is the time to become acquainted with new soil conditioners, fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides.
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