How to plant "annuals" inside during the winter months
September 14, 2024 12:04 PM Subscribe
I have some annuals, particularly begonias, growing outside (Zone 7b). I would like to take them inside when it gets colder and put them in containers I have with plant lights ("gro-lights").
These annuals have been flowering all summer. If I put them under grow lights, (1) what should my lights on/lights off schedule be? (2) should I just plant them in the soil with their flowers intact, or should I cut the plants way back? (Ick -- I would like to plant them with their flowers);(3) do "annuals" in their natural habits (tropical, I guess (?)) flower all year long? (I doubt it, right?) So should I try to replicate their natural habitat, with some sort of flowering/seeding/(dormancy?) cycle? How can I find out what that might be for begonias? or other flowering plants that we call "annuals" here in Zone 7b? (I have plenty of tropical "house plants" -- the thing that's different here are the (large, conspicuous, FLOWERS that sort of define the concept of "annuals"). THANK YOU!
These annuals have been flowering all summer. If I put them under grow lights, (1) what should my lights on/lights off schedule be? (2) should I just plant them in the soil with their flowers intact, or should I cut the plants way back? (Ick -- I would like to plant them with their flowers);(3) do "annuals" in their natural habits (tropical, I guess (?)) flower all year long? (I doubt it, right?) So should I try to replicate their natural habitat, with some sort of flowering/seeding/(dormancy?) cycle? How can I find out what that might be for begonias? or other flowering plants that we call "annuals" here in Zone 7b? (I have plenty of tropical "house plants" -- the thing that's different here are the (large, conspicuous, FLOWERS that sort of define the concept of "annuals"). THANK YOU!
What kind of begonias are they? Most Begonias do fine indoors as long as their lighting, and more importantly, their humidity levels are met. They need good circulation as well as humidity levels of anywhere from 50-90% depending on the species.
FWIW there are no true "annual" begonias in the nursery trade, only begonias grown as annuals.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:43 PM on September 14, 2024
FWIW there are no true "annual" begonias in the nursery trade, only begonias grown as annuals.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:43 PM on September 14, 2024
Regarding begonias
On the one hand, purists will tell you that begonias can be a pain in the ass to overwinter because each subspecies differs in how it grows and how much light, water, humidity, etc it needs to thrive. Some subspecies go dormant for the winter, others don’t and continue flowering and growing in freezing temperatures. Some need “deep shade” (maximum 2 hours a day under grow lights, and no direct sunlight at all), others need “partial shade” (direct sunlight up to 6 hours a day), and so on. They’ll go on to say that successful overwintering begins with identifying which subspecies of begonia you have, and then researching it until you’ve identified with quantitative precision what it needs to thrive
On the other hand, you could overwinter begonias a-la Ranko Bonn, the Croatian owner of my favorite nursery. His advice re lighting: “keep the grow lights on when you’re awake, turn them off when you’re asleep.” Regarding watering: “if the edges of the leaves start turning yellow, give it some”
good luck (I've failed completely each of the two times I've tried overwintering begonias)
posted by BadgerDoctor at 2:35 PM on September 14, 2024 [1 favorite]
On the one hand, purists will tell you that begonias can be a pain in the ass to overwinter because each subspecies differs in how it grows and how much light, water, humidity, etc it needs to thrive. Some subspecies go dormant for the winter, others don’t and continue flowering and growing in freezing temperatures. Some need “deep shade” (maximum 2 hours a day under grow lights, and no direct sunlight at all), others need “partial shade” (direct sunlight up to 6 hours a day), and so on. They’ll go on to say that successful overwintering begins with identifying which subspecies of begonia you have, and then researching it until you’ve identified with quantitative precision what it needs to thrive
On the other hand, you could overwinter begonias a-la Ranko Bonn, the Croatian owner of my favorite nursery. His advice re lighting: “keep the grow lights on when you’re awake, turn them off when you’re asleep.” Regarding watering: “if the edges of the leaves start turning yellow, give it some”
good luck (I've failed completely each of the two times I've tried overwintering begonias)
posted by BadgerDoctor at 2:35 PM on September 14, 2024 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: These are all great answers; thank you!. Just adding that the reason I brought up lights is because my NYC apartment does not have enough light to keep anything but really shade-loving plants (e.g pothos) alive. I'm excited to see what happens to my begonias! (I have no idea what types I have)
posted by DMelanogaster at 3:47 PM on September 14, 2024
posted by DMelanogaster at 3:47 PM on September 14, 2024
Are the plants already in pots or will you have to dig them up and pot them? For already potted plants, just bring them in and keep an eye on them. If you're disturbing the roots (digging or re-potting) it's generally good to trim any flowers off to help the plant focus on root repair. No need to try and replicate their natural environment--they're already not in it. Moderate temps, moderate watering, moderate light. Slowing growth will help the plants transition more easily. You should also take a few cuttings and try rooting them--this is a traditional way of continuing some annuals and begonias propagate really well from leaf and stem cuttings.
posted by radiogreentea at 6:20 PM on September 15, 2024
posted by radiogreentea at 6:20 PM on September 15, 2024
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posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:42 PM on September 14, 2024