Storing begonia tubers over winter

Tuberous begonias such as ‘Apricot Shades’ can be kept from one year to the next. They need frost-free storage over winter.

Let the top growth die back. Stop watering as the leaves turn yellow. Once the stems come away with very little force, remove them gently. Lift the tubers, brush off soil or compost and check for vine weevil grubs.

Store them cool and frost-free. Lay the tubers hollow side up in shallow trays of sand or compost, with their tops exposed. Keep the medium only just moist to avoid rot. The video also shows hanging them in nets or old tights. Check that they don’t shrivel or rot.

A cool spot at about 6–9°C suits them while dormant. Bring them into warmth to start growing again in spring.