How to plant Begonias

• Double Begonia Tubers are ideal for containers, pots or tubs.
• After the last frosts, start Begonia tubers off in a well-drained compost in a sunny position.
• We advise planting 3 x tubers into an average hanging basket.
• Position the Begonia tubers just below the compost surface with the 'hole' of the tuber facing up approx 2.5cm deep. 
• Space your tubers about 2cm apart.

Roselilies

• Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.
• If planting in borders in the garden, the soil must be well drained and, preferably, humus rich.
• If planting in pots, make sure lilies are kept moist but do not get waterlogged.
• Lilies prefer to be planted in a location with at least half a day’s full sunshine, if it’s a bit too shady they will lean their stems towards the sun.
• Lily bulbs do not like to be dried out so they must be kept in soil at all times.
• Try to plant your lilies where they will dry out after rain to prevent Botrytis, a fungus that spots the leaves. If you do see brown spots on your leaves, spray with a fungicide recommended for roses.
  If planting in pots, it may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog.
• When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown.
• Lilies like a cold dormant phase throughout winter so they do not need lifting. Do ensure they have adequate drainage so they don't get waterlogged as this will cause the bulbs to rot. 
• After a few years of flowering, you may find your Oriental Trumpet Lily produces less blooms, it may be time to lift your bulbs and divide them by breaking off the bulblets. All the bulbs will then need replanting.
• To prevent Lily Beetles from damaging your lilies, we recommend using the Lily Beetle Prevention Spray or you can make up your own with the Concentrate. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.
• You can feed your lilies with a Tomato Feed to stimulate and strengthen your lilies when you start to see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks. 

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Dahlias

How to care for Dahlias

Care:

• Support Dahlias with canes on planting and tie in as growth develops.
• When your Dahlias reach about 40cm in height, pinch out the growing tips with your thumb and forefinger or use a sharp knife. This will encourage branching.
• Water once a week with a good amount not just a little sprinkle.
• Deadhead flowers as they fade.

Overwintering:

• Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut the plants back to the ground.
• In well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and cover with a generous layer of bark chips or compost to protect them from frost.
• In colder climates or heavier soils, lift and store your tubers over winter.  
• Replant the following spring. 

Lifting and Storing over winter:

• Cut back foliage and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil.
• Allow the tubers to dry off naturally and then clean away any soil. 
• Trim the stems back to 15-20cm and cut off any fine roots.
• Make sure the tubers are completely dry before storing them into open trays or boxes. Pack with peat-free compost or dry sand. Leave the crowns exposed.

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Begonias

How to care for Begonias 

• Feed and water Begonia plants frequently throughout the growing season. Take care not to over water.
• Deadhead faded flower heads regularly, this will encourage new growth for longer.
• Once the Begonia flowering season has finished, the stems and foliage will turn yellow and die back naturally.
• Reduce watering to prevent rotting.
• Once all the stems have fallen off naturally, dig out the tubers, clean and dry them before storing them away in peat or sand in a dry, frost-free area like a garage or shed.
• Replant the following February.