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A Homes & Gardens report outlines five October steps for preparing begonias for colder weather: lift and store tuberous types, bring wax begonias indoors, remove damaged foliage, inspect for pests and provide suitable indoor care. The advice is general; local frost timing and growing conditions affect what each gardener should do.
A Homes & Gardens report advises gardeners to prepare outdoor begonias for winter in October by lifting tuberous varieties for storage and moving tender wax begonias indoors. The guidance also recommends removing damaged leaves and checking plants for pests before bringing them into the home, where cold-sensitive begonias can be protected from freezing temperatures.
The report distinguishes between two common garden types. Tuberous begonias develop firm, potato-like tubers and should be allowed to die back as their leaves yellow. Senior Garden Designer Mirela Bajic of House Designer advises reducing watering and stopping feeding at that stage, then cutting the stems back to a few inches above the tuber and lifting it carefully.
After lifting, gardeners should discard any tubers that feel soft or mushy and dry the healthy ones in a frost-free, well-ventilated place for a couple of weeks. Bajic recommends storing them in a box or crate with shredded paper or sawdust in a cool, dark, frost-free location. The report gives 40–50°F as an ideal storage temperature and advises checking tubers periodically for rot.
Fibrous wax begonias, by contrast, have thin, string-like roots and round, waxy leaves. The report says to bring these tender plants indoors for fall and winter, placing them on a bright, cool windowsill. Before moving them inside, remove damaged or rotting foliage, inspect leaf undersides for pests such as mealybugs and spider mites, and clean the leaves. It cautions against hard pruning because begonias are slowing their growth and may respond with weak new growth.
Protecting Begonias From Frost
October preparation can affect whether gardeners have viable plants to grow again next season. Tuberous begonias need a dormant storage period, while tender wax begonias need shelter from freezing conditions. Treating both types the same could leave tubers exposed to moisture or frost, or outdoor wax begonias vulnerable to cold.
Moving plants indoors also brings a practical concern: pests can travel with them and spread to other houseplants. A careful inspection and removal of unhealthy foliage can reduce that risk, though the report does not guarantee that these steps will prevent all pest or disease problems.
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Two Types, Different Winter Care
The report says there are more than 2,000 begonia species, with fibrous wax and tuberous begonias among the popular garden types. Tuberous varieties are known for showy blooms that can last from spring into fall; wax begonias are described by their waxy leaves and fine roots.
Begonia hardiness varies by type and local conditions. The report says begonias are generally hardy across USDA zones 9–11, but advises gardeners to take their own hardiness zone into account. Its October recommendations are seasonal guidance, not a substitute for checking local frost forecasts or the needs of a particular cultivar.
“Let them die back on their own. Once the leaves start to yellow, cut the watering down and stop feeding.”
— Mirela Bajic, Senior Garden Designer at House Designer
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Local Frost Dates Shape Timing
The report does not set a single date for lifting or moving every begonia. Frost timing, hardiness zone and plant variety differ, so gardeners need to adjust the October checklist to local conditions. The source also does not provide detailed care instructions for every species or cultivar, or specify how long an indoor wax begonia should be acclimated before moving back outside.
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Check Plants Before Spring
For now, gardeners can identify whether each plant is tuberous or fibrous, watch for yellowing leaves and upcoming frost, and complete the appropriate winter preparation. Stored tubers should be checked regularly and any that soften or rot removed. Wax begonias can remain indoors through winter; the report says they can be returned to the garden in spring after late frosts have passed.
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Key Questions
When should I lift tuberous begonias?
Use the plant’s condition and local weather as guides. The report recommends waiting for leaves to yellow and the plant to die back naturally, then reducing watering and stopping feeding before lifting. Avoid waiting until frost damages the tubers.
How should begonia tubers be stored over winter?
Dry healthy tubers in a well-ventilated, frost-free place for a couple of weeks, then store them in a box or crate with shredded paper or sawdust. The report recommends a cool, dark location at about 40–50°F and regular checks for soft or rotting tubers.
Can wax begonias stay outside during winter?
The report advises bringing tender wax begonias indoors because they cannot survive freezing temperatures. Place them in a bright, cool spot and return them outdoors in spring only after late frosts have passed.
What should I check before bringing begonias inside?
Remove damaged or rotting foliage, then inspect the undersides of leaves and the plant for pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Cleaning leaves and providing good airflow can help reduce pest and fungal risks, according to the report.
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