Non Stop Begonias Not Blooming?

[Elena Zimmerman]

I got a few tubers this winter, and planted them according to the instructions, leaves came up, a couple of them grew huge, but none of them is blooming. I watered them last weekend with generic flowering fertilizer, but other than that, anything else I could do? Is there such a thing as not enough sun for begonias or too wet or something? So far, we have had a lot of rainy days, and they are in a bed with dappled shade.

[DonnaZn2SK]

Begonias are prone to root and crown rot, so be careful with watering. Giving it a shot of fertilizer was probably as good idea. I bought three plants from a nursery this Spring and it looked like they were on steroids; I have never seen such large potted begonias. I could only put one plant in each pot because they were so large (can normally put in 2-3), and they've been blooming their heads off.

Were the tubers really small? Almost always, the larger the tuber, the better the performance. I actually like tuberous begonias planted in pots because they don't get splashed with mud when watering, unlike when they are in-ground.

[Northpine]

None of my begonias are blooming yet. I was late getting them started though. For some reason I couldn't get my act together. Then when i did get them out, I thought they weren't in very good shape but I planted them anyway. and they are growing. Time will tell, I guess.

[Elena Zimmerman]

Thank you, ladies. I was not watering at all, just natural rain. We got a sunny break starting last afternoon, plus I am due for monthly fertilization of everything this weekend so I am keeping fingers crossed that this will get the begonias the right idea.

So, the deeper shade should not be a problem?

Given how early everything is, I should probably be grateful if they start late! It is my very first try with begonias and I really want to see the blooms!

[A Closet Canuck]

Elena, I agree with Donna. Water is not tuberous begonia's best friend. I usually grow a terra cotta tub full of them, fertilize with slow-release fertilizer when they are planted, and water when the soil in the pot is very dry. Rain is usually suffficient. For a good display, mine need about half of the day in full sun. They tolerate blazing hot for several hours each day.

[Elena Zimmerman]

I think I will soon see some good action then, since it's getting drier and hotter here. The plants look rather well, and I might be seeing some 'budding' action. Kind of a red sliver? a bud? on one. We'll see.

[A Closet Canuck]

..........The plants look rather well, and I might be seeing some 'budding' action. Kind of a red sliver? a bud? on one. We'll see.

Sounds promising!

[Elena Zimmerman]

yes, it'sa BUD! I looked at the blooming begonias on the flower beds, and that's how they look when they start out. So cool!

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think I will be much better next year with the placement.