Tuberous begonias are non-hardy rhizomatous perennials. This is why they are often grown as houseplants. However, they can be planted outdoors provided certain rules are followed, particularly avoiding frost. To increase your stock of tuberous begonias, they can be propagated. This operation requires great care. Follow our step-by-step advice on propagating tuberous begonias.

propagating tuberous begonia, begonia cuttings

Purple tuberous begonia propagated in pots (Photo Laura Blanchard)

When to take cuttings from tuberous begonias?

Tuberous begonias are propagated after a forcing phase carried out in March or April lasting about 1 month. Propagation can therefore begin in April or May.

What equipment will you need?

For forcing

  • a tray or pots (our pots made from plant fibres are 100% natural and biodegradable!)
  • seed compost

For propagation

heated propagator for cuttings

How to propagate tuberous begonias?

Forcing tuberous begonias

Forcing tuberous begonias is simple. It involves placing the tubers on moist compost for about 1 month to encourage sprouting. To find out more, see our tutorial: How to force tuberous begonias?

Propagating tuberous begonias

  • Fill the base of the mini greenhouse with coarse, free-draining compost
  • Cover with seed compost, firm down and water
  • Take a shoot from a sprouted tuber by carefully cutting a piece of the tuber (heel cutting) without damaging the parent plant.
  • Make a small hole in the compost and plant the cutting leaving the piece of tuber exposed above the growing medium
  • Cover the mini greenhouse and keep it closed to create a humid environment
  • Place the mini greenhouse somewhere warm with a minimum temperature of 18°C in a bright spot but not in direct sunlight.
  • Mist regularly to keep the growing medium moist without overdoing it to prevent mould. You can air every 3 days. Also ensure the plant does not touch the sides of the mini greenhouse or it may rot.
  • You can replant the tuberous begonias outdoors around mid-May after the last frosts.

Discover our complete range of begonias!

tuberous begonia planted in the ground