Tuberous Begonia double orange - 8 pieces

The flowers of this double orange begonia are large and fully double, similar to a rose or camellia. The orange is warm and strong without looking garish. They stand out clearly above the glossy green, toothed foliage. Because the plant constantly forms buds, several flowers are usually open at the same time.

At about 45–55 cm tall, it is a good choice for window boxes, large containers and border edges in partially shaded spots. Combine it with purple petunias, blue sage or dark sweet potato foliage for a strong contrast. With yellow begonias it creates a warm colour gradient. In terracotta pots the orange looks particularly warm and Mediterranean. If you like, add a few herbs such as thyme or oregano at the edge; they also tolerate partially shaded spots as long as they get enough light.

The flowering season runs from June to October. The flowers are unscented and not cut flowers, but they are very decorative in a shallow bowl. Eight tubers are enough for two window boxes. Carefully overwintered, they will flower for many years.

Start the tubers indoors from March: hollow side up, 2–3 cm deep, so just covered with soil, in loose potting compost. Keep them light and warm, but not in full sun. The young plants may only go outdoors after the Ice Saints (mid-May). In the bed, plant 25–30 cm apart in humus-rich, free-draining soil.

Keep the soil slightly moist but never wet, as begonia tubers quickly rot if waterlogged. A flowering-plant fertiliser every 14 days keeps the flowers coming into autumn. Avoid fierce midday sun. Before the first frost, lift the tubers, let them dry off and store them dry and frost-free in sand or peat-free substrate.