Overwintering guide
How to overwinter begonia 'zip code'
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — begonia 'zip code' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills begonia 'zip code' in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and begonia 'zip code' rots from the base.
More begonia 'zip code' care
Overwintering begonia 'zip code' — FAQ
Does begonia 'zip code' need to come indoors for winter?
Begonia 'Zip Code' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Begonia 'Zip Code' is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move begonia 'zip code' for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water begonia 'zip code' in winter?
Cut watering right back — begonia 'zip code' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills begonia 'zip code' over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and begonia 'zip code' rots from the base.