- Winterproof down to -20 °C
- No winter protection necessary, or is it?
- Does the winter hardiness also apply to shady locations?
- Even in winter, care must not be neglected
- In winter, the seeds are stimulated to germinate
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Chickweed convinces many gardeners with its cushion-like growth, with which it is able to cover entire areas in a picturesque way. The highlight of the year is the flowering period between May and June, during which delicate white flowers are presented. But what happens in winter?
Chickweed is very hardy and normally does not need winter protection
Winterproof down to -20 °C
Chickweed withstands temperatures down to -20 °C without batting an eyelid. Due to its low growth of 10 cm on average, it is not exposed to icy winds. Its evergreen foliage is also preserved with bravur. The 5-part, round leaves make the chickweed a valuable specimen all year round.
No winter protection necessary, or is it?
Only in exceptional cases should you use brushwood to protect the chickweed from frost. These exceptional cases include:
- tender young plants
- Plants in pots on the balcony or terrace (provided with protection from -10 °C)
- Temperatures drop below -20°C
- Heavy snowfall followed by a thaw (danger of wet weather)
Does the winter hardiness also apply to shady locations?
Whether the chickweed is in a sunny or shady location is irrelevant for its winter hardiness. But basically you should not plant it in a shady place. It hardly grows there…
Even in winter, care must not be neglected
Even in winter, the care of this evergreen groundcover should not be neglected. This plant is particularly threatened by drought. If it has been dry for several weeks (kaleidoscope), you should water your chickweed sparingly.
Fertilizers should be avoided in winter. Also important: The ideal time for pruning has come before or after winter. Old flowers and weak shoots are removed. Sharing is also properly timed before or after winter.
In winter, the seeds are stimulated to germinate
For chickweed, winter time means germination time or time of stratification. The seeds are cold germs and need a cold period of at least 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the temperatures should be between -3 and 3 °C. When it gets warmer again, the first leaves form.
tips
If you have provided the chickweed with winter protection, you should quickly remove it as soon as it is no longer necessary. This prevents rot from forming under the protective layer.