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Bulbs/tuberous begonia

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 3/2/2008


Question
I'm in Zone 3 (Manitoba, Canada) Some of my begonias have 2 to 3 inches of growth.  Can I cut some of these tips off at this time to delay planting?

Answer
There is no way to delay growth at this point, but you can slow it down.  Keep the plant cool and don't fertilize or prune (which stimulates growth).  Next year, store at lower temps to delay growth; otherwise you break dormancy with the warmer temperatures.

Bulbs

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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