How to Spot Poor Quality Begonia Bulbs for Sale

Nothing beats the disappointment of planting a whole batch of seeds, only to have them yield unsuccessful results, or worse, nothing at all. It takes weeks, maybe even months, and as you wait, you have to prepare the soil properly. Then you are left with nothing to show for your effort, or only a meager collection of sprouts that are barren of life and unable to flourish. It is frustrating to say the least. To make matters worse, buying bad quality begonia bulbs is an all too common issue. And while browsing begonia bulbs for sale, the good quality bulbs may not be that obvious at first.

What you should be looking for, and what bulbs to stay away from are clear.

What Size Tuber to Buy

Most people don’t realise how big a difference size can make. When it comes to bulbs, the larger the size, the more stored energy it has. Consequently, the more energy it has, the more shoots, leaves, and flowers it can produce. On the other hand, any tuber smaller than 4cm typically in their first growing season. When it comes to looking for begonia bulbs for sale, be sure to check the sellers for their storage tuber size. Most people will not be clear about this, and as a result, their sales will suffer.

What do begonia tubers feel like?

A healthy, good, big tuber feels good solid tuber. There are no soft sections, no sunken areas, no surface mold, etc. Tubers that are hollow, or feel light won’t do anything good because they are dehydrated or going bad. The hollow, concave side of the tuber is where shoots come from, and it should be clean, with no dark, inward rotting edges. 

Where to buy begonias from, and why you should stay away from large bulk bags.

It is tempting to buy big bags of assorted begonias for really cheap, but they are usually empty bags of leftovers like undersized and damaged bulbs, or bulbs of varieties that will not mix well. A good indicator of a reliable supplier is that they name the varieties, while not good suppliers will just do it by color or mix. Named varieties means that there is traceability, which usually means responsibility.

When trading with new suppliers, consider to check their certifications and the origin of the goods.

Also, consider their reputation as a trading partner and the number of years they have been in business. Look for suppliers that have participated in the Chelsea Flower Show. These suppliers care about the quality of goods they sell and the reputation of their business.

The first impression of the tubers you receive, their storage and the manner of transit (warm, poorly ventilated, or tubers that clearly have been shaken during the transportation) = the more prone they are to rot and disease. Shipping tubers that are able to compost is unacceptable. Good packaging does matter.

Watch the advice about planting windows

A supplier who either does not provide advice on planting windows, or provides advice that seems automated or generic, should be approached cautiously. Quality suppliers know their stock and provide agreeable planting windows based on UK conditions, i.e. indoors from late March, then outdoors after mid-May due to no more frost risk. If the advice seems written for a different climate, this should reflect on the supplier’s quality and care. 

Pay the right price

As for begonia bulbs for sale, low prices should be treated with suspicion. Well-grown, appropriately stored and graded tubers take time and resources to produce, and the lowest price does not reflect that. As one Bloms customer said after trialling bulbs from different suppliers — you really do get what you pay for.

Buying now means that you lock in the best chance of success. Months of colour will be your reward for planting good tubers from a reputable supplier at the correct time and providing reasonable care. Quality at the buying stage will save you from high losses due to replanting, disappointment and time wasted in the growing season.