This semi-double begonia has caught the rain but not the perfect top slot.

The Flower

This is judged in three respects but you would want to add the lasting or keeping quality.

1. The depth from the front to the rear of the flower about 1 inch less than the diameter of the flower.
2. Secondly the individual petals must be broad 2-3 inches and of good substance
3. Thirdly the flower should have a rose shaped centre. Muddled or multiple centres are unacceptable

The Tuber and Plant

1. Tuber size isn’t everything but a good sized tuber will store better throughwinter
2. Vigour and resistance to disease are key features of a plant
3. The ability to throw cuttings for propagation either basal or stem cuttings

Gardeners Tips for Begonia

• As cut flowers they need a good drink immediately after picking and they will then hold the rigidity
• Seedlings are small and frail but can be handle by with narrow slivers of wood or a notched end cane
• Begonias don’t like limey or sandy soil so add manure or peat.
• Disbud the first few flowers to strengthen the plant then it will flower strongly from the beginning of August
• Named varieties should have been propagated from cuttings and are more expensive than unnamed varieties
• Start tubers by covering them in moist compost with modest heat
• Stake the shoots at the back, begonias are asymmetric and have a distinct front

Types of Tuberous Begonia

• The old fashioned Camelia and Rose form of double begonias
• Picotee have an attractive red edging to the petals
• Frilled doubles or Frimbriata can be deeply serrated to the point where the petals loose individuality
• Multiflora begonias bear a profusion of smaller flowers and can continue blooming for a long perios as a pot plant indoors.
• Facination, Crested and Crispa marginata types are dropping out of cultivation