How to Overwinter Begonias in the UK: Storing Begonia Tubers and Plants for Winter
Although begonias are often sold as half-hardy annual bedding plants, most varieties are actually perennial. Unfortunately, the majority are not frost-hardy and will not survive a typical British winter outdoors without protection.
The good news is that begonias are relatively easy to overwinter. Whether you grow tuberous begonias in hanging baskets, fibrous-rooted bedding begonias in containers, or decorative houseplant varieties, a little care during autumn can help you preserve your plants for many years.
Overwintering begonias not only saves money but often results in larger plants and more abundant flowers the following season. Mature tubers become bigger with age, producing stronger growth and improved displays year after year.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to overwinter different types of begonias, when to lift tubers, how to store them safely, and how to bring them back into growth in spring.
Types of Begonias and Their Winter Care
Not all begonias should be treated in the same way during winter.
Tuberous Begonias
These are the large-flowered begonias commonly grown in hanging baskets, pots and containers. They develop underground tubers and become dormant during winter.
Winter care:
- Lift and store tubers in a cool, dry place.
- Alternatively, keep them dormant in pots stored frost-free.
Fibrous-Rooted Begonias
These include wax begonias, dragon wing begonias and angel wing begonias.
Winter care:
- Bring indoors before frost.
- Grow as houseplants throughout winter.
Rhizomatous and Rex Begonias
Often grown for their striking foliage rather than flowers.
Winter care:
- Keep indoors in a bright position.
- Protect from cold draughts and frost.
Why Overwinter Begonias?
There are several benefits to overwintering begonias:
- Save money on replacement plants.
- Produce larger displays the following year.
- Preserve favourite colours and varieties.
- Enjoy stronger flowering from mature tubers.
- Reduce waste and make the most of established plants.
I particularly like to save large tuberous begonias from hanging baskets. Older tubers often produce noticeably better displays than newly purchased plants.
Fibrous-Rooted Begonias
Fibrous-rooted begonias such as wax begonias, angel wing begonias and dragon wing begonias can usually be brought indoors before the first frosts.
Prune plants lightly to create a manageable shape and remove any damaged or diseased growth.
I usually repot mine before bringing them indoors. This helps prevent unwelcome visitors such as slugs, vine weevil grubs and other pests from entering the house.
Place plants on a bright windowsill or in a conservatory where temperatures remain above freezing. Avoid cold draughts and keep watering to a minimum during the darkest months of winter.
With reasonable care, fibrous-rooted begonias can continue growing throughout winter and make attractive indoor plants.
Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias naturally become dormant as temperatures fall in autumn.
Although some gardeners leave tubers in pots, I generally prefer lifting them and storing them separately. This allows me to inspect them for disease, remove damaged sections and monitor their condition throughout winter.
When to Lift Begonia Tubers
Lift tubers before severe frosts arrive.
A light frost may blacken the foliage, but prolonged freezing weather can damage or kill the tubers.
The ideal time is usually between October and November, depending on your location and the weather.
How to Lift and Prepare Begonia Tubers
- Carefully dig up the entire plant while foliage remains attached.
- Take care not to damage the tuber.
- Shake off excess soil.
- Inspect for vine weevil grubs and remove any found.
- Cut away diseased or damaged sections with a clean, sharp knife.
- Allow the plants to dry for approximately one week in a sunny, frost-free location.
- Gently remove the stems and remaining foliage.
- Brush away excess soil and compost.
Some gardeners dust tubers with sulphur powder before storage to help reduce the risk of fungal disease and rot.
How to Store Begonia Tubers
Store tubers in:
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper bags
- Seed trays
- Shallow crates
Avoid sealed plastic containers, as these can encourage condensation and rot.
Place tubers so they are not touching one another and keep them in a location that is:
- Dry
- Dark
- Frost-free
- Cool but not freezing
An unheated spare room, garage, shed or loft often works well.
Check stored tubers every few weeks and remove any showing signs of rot.
My Experience Growing Begonias Outdoors in Devon
In my coastal garden in Devon, I have several tuberous begonias that have survived outdoors for years.
The mild maritime climate appears to provide enough protection for them to persist in the ground through winter. During cold weather, I cover them with leaves, compost or straw for additional insulation.
Some have now survived for over six years without being lifted.
That said, I would not recommend relying on this method in most parts of the UK. A particularly harsh winter could easily kill them, and lifting and storing remains the safest approach.
Vine Weevil and Begonia Tubers
One of the most common reasons for losing begonias during winter storage is vine weevil damage.
Adult vine weevils lay eggs in compost during the growing season. The resulting grubs feed on roots and tubers.
Signs of vine weevil damage include:
- Wilting plants during summer
- Poor growth
- Hollowed-out tubers
- Unexpected rot during storage
Always inspect tubers carefully when lifting them.
Any badly damaged tubers should be discarded, as they rarely recover successfully.
Common Mistakes When Overwintering Begonias
Avoid these common errors:
Storing Tubers While Wet
Excess moisture is the most common cause of winter rot.
Using Plastic Bags
Poor ventilation encourages mould and fungal problems.
Forgetting to Check Stored Tubers
Inspect tubers regularly throughout winter.
Allowing Frost Exposure
Even dormant tubers can be damaged by prolonged freezing temperatures.
Overwatering in Spring
New growth is susceptible to rot if compost remains waterlogged.
How to Wake Up Begonias in Spring
Bring stored tubers out of dormancy during March or April.
Planting Begonia Tubers
- Fill pots or trays with fresh multipurpose compost.
- Position tubers hollow-side upwards.
- Cover with approximately 1cm (¼ inch) of compost.
- Place in a bright, frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or windowsill.
- Keep compost slightly moist but never saturated.
Once growth appears, gradually increase watering.
Begonias benefit from good light but should initially be protected from intense direct sunlight.
Feeding
Begin feeding once vigorous growth is established.
A high-potash fertiliser such as tomato feed works particularly well and encourages strong flowering.
Deadhead regularly throughout summer to promote continuous blooms.
Dividing Begonia Tubers
Large mature tubers can be divided to create additional plants.
How to Divide Begonia Tubers
- Start tubers into growth during March or April.
- Wait until buds are clearly visible.
- Use a sterilised knife to divide the tuber.
- Ensure each section contains at least one healthy bud.
- Allow cut surfaces to dry and heal for several hours.
- Pot each division individually into fresh compost.
Dividing older tubers is an excellent way to increase your stock of favourite varieties.
How to Tell if a Begonia Tuber is Still Alive
Healthy tubers are usually:
- Firm to the touch
- Heavy for their size
- Free from soft patches
- Showing pink or green buds in spring
Dead tubers are often:
- Soft and mushy
- Hollow
- Blackened
- Badly shrivelled
- Foul smelling
Don’t be too quick to throw away apparently dormant tubers. Some remain inactive until late spring before producing new shoots.
Why Has My Begonia Tuber Failed to Sprout?
Several factors can prevent spring growth:
- Rot during storage
- Vine weevil damage
- Frost injury
- Incorrect planting orientation
- Excessively wet compost
- Tubers still dormant
Provided the tuber remains firm, it may simply need more time.
UK Begonia Care Calendar
September
Reduce feeding and prepare for dormancy.
October
Lift tubers before hard frosts arrive.
November to February
Store tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free location.
March
Begin waking tubers into growth.
April
Pot up and encourage new shoots.
May
Harden off plants gradually.
Late May to Early June
Plant outdoors once frost risk has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave begonias in pots over winter?
Yes. Fibrous-rooted begonias can remain in pots indoors as houseplants. Tuberous begonias may also remain in pots while dormant, provided they are kept cool, dry and frost-free.
Can begonias be overwintered in a garage?
Yes. A garage is often ideal if it remains frost-free and reasonably dry.
Do you cut back begonias for winter?
Tuberous begonias should have their foliage removed once dormancy begins. Fibrous and rhizomatous begonias generally require only light tidying and pruning.
Can begonias survive a UK winter outdoors?
In mild coastal areas they occasionally survive outside, particularly when heavily mulched. However, this is always a risk and cannot be guaranteed.
Should I water dormant begonia tubers?
No. Dormant tubers should be kept dry during winter storage.
What is the lowest temperature begonias can tolerate?
Most begonias dislike temperatures below 10°C (50°F), and hard frosts will usually kill them.
How long do begonia tubers live?
With proper care, begonia tubers can survive and increase in size for many years. Some gardeners maintain the same tubers for decades.
Can I store begonia tubers in newspaper?
Yes. Wrapping tubers individually in newspaper can help prevent rot and protect them during storage.
Final Thoughts
Begonias are among the most rewarding flowering plants for containers, baskets and shaded borders. Although they require a little attention during autumn and winter, the effort is well worthwhile.
By lifting and storing tubers correctly, or bringing fibrous-rooted varieties indoors, you can enjoy bigger, healthier plants and a spectacular display year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions on Overwintering Begonias
Can you leave begonias in pots over the winter?
Yes, Begonias can be overwintered in pots. Fibrous varieties can be kept as houseplants, whereas tuberous varieties should be left dormant in a cool, dark place. I always leave my fibrous, rooted begonias in their pots over winter and place them outside once the risk of frost has passed. Don’t forget to harden them off!
Begonias can be overwintered in a garage?
A cool but frost-free area that is dry and dark is ideal. Individual paper bags can be used to store them. A garage or an unheated room in the house would be ideal.
Do you cut back begonias for winter?
Tuberous begonias should have their foliage removed once dormancy begins. Fibrous and rhizomatous begonias generally require only light tidying and pruning.
Can begonias survive a UK winter outdoors?
In mild coastal areas they occasionally survive outside, particularly when heavily mulched. However, this is always a risk and cannot be guaranteed.
Should I water dormant begonia tubers?
No. Dormant tubers should be kept dry during winter storage.
What is the lowest temperature begonias can tolerate?
Most begonias dislike temperatures below 10°C (50°F), and hard frosts will usually kill them.
How long do begonia tubers live?
With proper care, begonia tubers can survive and increase in size for many years. Some gardeners maintain the same tubers for decades.
Can I store begonia tubers in newspaper?
Yes. Wrapping tubers individually in newspaper can help prevent rot and protect them during storage.
Final Thoughts
Begonias are among the most rewarding flowering plants for containers, baskets and shaded borders. Although they require a little attention during autumn and winter, the effort is well worthwhile.
By lifting and storing tubers correctly, or bringing fibrous-rooted varieties indoors, you can enjoy bigger, healthier plants and a spectacular display year after year.
Further Reading
More Guides from The Allotment Garden
If you’ve found this guide useful, you may also enjoy the following articles:
- How to Overwinter Dahlias in the UK – A complete guide to lifting, storing and replanting dahlia tubers after winter. Overwintering Dahlias
- How to Plant Dahlia Tubers – Everything you need to know about planting, feeding and caring for dahlias for spectacular summer flowers. How to Plant Dahlia Tubers
- Storing Gladioli Bulbs Over Winter – Learn how to lift and protect gladioli corms during cold weather. Storing Gladioli Bulbs Over Winter
- Hanging Baskets for Shade – Ideal if you grow trailing begonias in baskets or containers. Hanging Baskets for Shade
- Growing Hanging Basket Plants from Seed – Save money by raising your own basket displays. Hanging Basket Plants from Seed
- Browse more seasonal plant care advice in the Garden Care section. Garden Care Articles
Authoritative External Resources
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I am new at this gardening thing thing. I was told I can ‘tent’ my bagonia to save it over the winter. Is it that simple. I live in Bellingham Washington. It is still before the frost.
Barbs
Hi Barbara,
I haven’t heard of ‘tenting’ begonias, except perhaps for propagation purposes. I’m not too sure what kind of weather you have in Bellingham – how cold it gets or general humidity, but I would suggest that digging up and over wintering your begonias is a very safe option. It also gives you the opportunity to perform a little health check on your plant’s tubers. I found a few grubs in mine this year – now I’m glad I checked.
If your begonias are fibrous rooted, then you can either dig them up, trim them back and store as house plants over winter, or take cuttings and keep in a warm spot in your house. Most begonia varieties easily take from cuttings – hardly any labour at all.
I hope this helps.
i’m new at geraniums and begonia over wintering. i have kept plants as indoor but have many pots and not enough room for all so have decided to dryroot them. i am zone 6 (ontrio canada) have done much research and have come to the conclusion that dry root is the best method ?? i have both geraniums and begonias. any advice would be welcome.
Hi Diane. The method doesn’t really matter, as long as you do the following to over winter your begonia tubers:
* Keep in a frost free place.
* Keep dry.
* Check on them every now and then to ensure aginst fungal infections or pest infestations.
* You can pack them in dry compost or in newspaper.
Let the frost just touch the begonia plants before removing the tubers – this will allow for some of the nutrients to return back to the tuber. Don’t leave them in the ground for too long or you will loose them! It’s also a very good idea to label each tuber. I forgot to do this one year and had trailing begonias in tubs and erect forms in my hanging baskets!!!
Last year, I left my tubers on my windowsil to dry for a week. Once dry, I tapped away the remaining compost and found and removed several vine weevil lavae. I’m glad I did this now as the weevils would have had a begonia snack over winter!
Always be careful when cleaning a begonia tuber. They may look as tough as old boots, but they are not. The skins around the tubers are very thin and can easily peel away increasing the chances of fungal infection.
My husband has stored my begonia tubers in newspaper, in an airtight polystyrene box.
Is this OK.
I think that sounds like a reasonable why to store them. Just make sure you check them every couple of months to ensure that they aren’t going rotten and keep each one separately wrapped. Thanks – a good suggestion.
Hi James last year I left my tubers in the tubs in which they had spent the summer months. Letting the compost dry out and storing in a frost free greenhouse.
This spring they came back to life giving me a flying start and enabling me to take fresh cuttings for rooting I then replanted the original tubers/plants into fresh tubs and compost
I may have been lucky but I will try again this year to see if it works again, of course correct labelling is important at the time of storing
To be honest with you, I think that this is the safest approach – keeping them in the tub or container they originally grew in. Be careful though – a sharp frost could still do major damage. A cool greenhouse or shed should be a safe environment for most winters. I would also recommend avoid watering. Don’t let them totally dry out, but a light misting over the compost if it dries out should do the trick.
Hi this will be the first time that I have had begonia tubers and recommend putting them in sulphur powder, which one do you use as when I look on line, there seems to be all different ones. I also have some dahlia tubers which I will be taking up and storing, should I use sulphur powder on them before storing ? I live in Liverpool.
Thanks for any advise, stay safe
Regards
Pat
Hi. I’m new to storing begonias. Do I have to wait until the plant has died back before storing or can I clip off the foliage then dry and store the tubers
My begonias are in outside pots currently. They still have flowers and we haven’t really had frost yet (in November in UK) Should I bring them indoors indoors or will they be ok in the garage over winter? Should I still put things over compost to keep them warm-ish?
Hi Pat, Yes, a light powdering is good, mostly focussing on the areas of the Begonia tubers that have cuts or are damaged.
Either should be fine. Just handle with care. Also, look out for any grubs hanging around the root. This is why it is good to clean the tuber before storing. Just do so with great care. They are easily damaged.
Sorry for the delay. Hopefully, you have brought them in. Some begonias have tubers, some fibrous roots and some are non-herbaceous. How you treat them will depend on these. An non-herbaceous variety should be taken into the house and left in a bright spot. The others can be stored in a dark, frost free environment. I hope that helps for next year 🙂
Hi, What is the best treatment for the vine weevil grubs ,Iam pestered with them every year….many thanks
Sorry to hear about your vine weevil problem. They are a pain. I would firstly opt for the most organic approach; perhaps incourage birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, and shrews. They all eat vine weevils. Also, before planting, check the roots of your plant thoroughly. I hope that helps.