Saving begonias through the winter?

Question

I planted a bunch of wax begonias and they have been doing so well this summer...and I would hate for them all to die. Could I replant them into large pots and keep them inside until the spring? And if so, when can I replant them into the pots before they die outside and do I care for them the same way as I did outside? Thanks

If it helps, I live in upstate NY...the days are around 78 degrees now and the nights are getting down to the mid 50's.

Answer 1

yes.  place them in the light and be careful to not water them too much after the normal growing season.  

Answer 2

They are annuals and will eventually die off. I have taken them in but it's messy with flowers dropping off all the time. I make cuttings and put them in water, so I can enjoy them awhile longer. Your plants should be able to stay outdoors until frost sets in. I hope that bringing them in isn't more trouble than it's worth, but it was for me. I'd rather start off fresh with a couple of new plants next season, and take cuttings from those to save money on additional plants.  

Answer 3

Sure.  They over winter inside really well.  Will get leggy just before spring (oh, boo hoo, I have to take cuttings to make more plants, waaa).  Cut them back, water start the cuttings, fertilize, back atcha in bunches.  (Oh, the flower "mess" referred to vacuums up easily with the hose thingie attachment doo dah.)

They are prone to spidermites inside (as are impatiens) Disyston is a smelly but effective cure.

Answer 4

wax begonias reseed themselves easily so collect seeds - bring the plants in to the house over winter is a futile exercise