Except for the hardy begonia, which will survive winters in South Carolina, begonias don t tolerate cold temperatures, and are grown either as annuals or dug up in the fall, stored and replanted in the spring. South Carolina gardeners interested in having begonias year round can grow many different potted-types indoors all year. Classification of begonias can be confusing, but for our discussion here we will classify them as flowering houseplant begonias and foliage begonias. More information on begonias grown outdoors is available in Begonia , HGIC 1159. They flower during different times of the year, depending on the type.
Most tuberous begonias have spectacular flowers in summer and autumn.
Tubers can be saved over winter and replanted in spring. At the end of the flowering season stop watering and cut off shoots. Lift tubers from the soil and store in dry peat in a cool, dry place. More information on storing and replanting tubers is available in Begonia , HGIC 1159. These winter-flowering begonias are compact and evergreen, growing to about 1 feet.