Non-stop Begonias have large tubers that can be planted in fresh potting compost during the spring. Use a pot or planter with holes in the base to aid drainage. Cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydro-pellets. Fill the pot with potting compost leaving sufficient space for the bulbs and allowing for watering. Plant the begonia tubers about 20 cm apart and cover with 1-2 cm of compost. Water your 'Non-Stop' mixed begonias well after planting. These begonias will thrive in part shade.

Begonia as a bedding plant

Due to their very strong and profusely flowering stems, the 'Non stop' begonias mix also make great border plants, in groups surrounded by box, or along the garden path in all their pretty colours. They appear throughout the entire summer and will attract many admiring glances. Fertilise regularly when planted in the ground.

Remove the dead flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. For extra profuse flowering, Bakker advises regular liquid fertiliser during watering. The compost around the tubers should not be too wet as this may cause your begonia tubers to rot. Protect the plants from full sun. The stems and foliage contain lots of moisture, so these plants are definitely not frost tolerant.

Overwintering begonias

Begonia tubers are easy to keep over winter. After the first frosts and when the begonia foliage begins to go yellow, dig up your tubers. You will already have reduced watering until the pots have dried out. Cut the stems back to just above the tuber and label it safely as 'Non Stop Mix' for next year. Shake the extra soil from the begonia tubers and place them in a box with peaty compost and sharp sand. Store the tubers in a frost-free area. Next spring, you can plant the Mixed 'Non-Stop tubers out again and the plants will reward you with their beautiful flowers.

If you want your 'Non Stop' begonias to flower earlier they can be 'forced'. Place your Begonia 'Non-Stop' mixed tubers in a shallow potting tray in moist, peaty compost at 15-20°C from April on. When shoots begin to appear, plot them up. At the beginning of May, allow them to acclimatise then from mid-May onwards they can go outdoors into the garden or planters.