Begonias – submitted photo

While temperatures are near freezing, gardeners can begin many plants indoors for their spring gardens. Horticulturists with Iowa State University and Extension say now is the perfect time to start preparing and growing tuberous begonias indoors. They can later be moved outside when spring arrives. They can be grown from seeds and tubers; there approximately 1 million seeds per ounce and grow slowly. The crop time for tuberous begonias is 18 to 20 weeks and they should be planted indoors about eight weeks before the average last spring frost. The tubers should be started in pots with a well-drained potting mix and placed in a 70 degree location. Keep the soil moist but not wet and once they sprout move them to a sunny window or under a florescent light. The tuberous begonias can be moved outdoors after the danger of frost is past, usually mid-May is the appropriate planting date.