Hybrid Tuberous Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida
Tuber starting to sprout after I have placed it in a shallow pan so that the water touches only the bottom third of the tuber. I soak them outside if the weather isn't freezing from 7 to ten days and then plant them. It seems to give them a head start. (San Antonio, Tx.)
I have never tried that method of starting the tubers....already have mine potted for this year, but will try to remember that tip for next time. Thanks.
I started doing this procedure last year. Late in the season, I found some caladium bulbs that I had forgotten to plant. I needed them to sprout even more quickly than they usually do. It worked very well. So, now I presoak any bulbs that need to sprout quickly.
We have such a long dormant period here that I usually have the opposite problem...keeping them from sprouting too early. But I have noticed on newly purchased bulbs, like caladiums, that it is sometimes difficult to start the process. That reminds me, I have a whole bunch of caladiums coming from eyesoftexas' coop last fall. Might try soaking them when they arrive.
I totally submerge the whole caladium bulb if it has not sprouted out yet and let it soak for one day. Then, I remove enough water so just a small portion of the bottom is in the water.
Okay, thanks...I was just going to soak the bottoms...
htop,
Hi,
Noticed that you are in 8b.....In my zone will they still go dormant or will they just flower themselves to death?
Hap
Hap, I have a feeling that they will go dormant in your zone also because I think that their dormancy period is determined by day lengrh; however, I am not sure.
Okey, Dokey....
I will try them next whatever...Thanks for responding...
Hap
