The Cape daisy, which comes from South America, is almost perfectly happy when it is in a sunny location and is watered regularly. But the dream of colorful flowers is coming to an end when the first frost in autumn arrives…
Cape daisies do not tolerate frost very well
Badly hardy in this country
Due to its home in the southern part of Africa, the Cape daisy is not very hardy in this country. Frost doesn't get him at all. Anyone who plants it must therefore expect that it will freeze to death and is therefore only one year old.
The cape basket can only tolerate temperatures down to -5 °C for a short time. But since the winters in Germany are getting colder, this low frost hardness is not important. Even in mild regions of Germany, the Cape daisy usually does not survive the cold season without winter protection or indoor hibernation. Even the best care is useless…
Is hibernation worth it?
Do you want to keep your Cape basket for several years and not buy a new plant from the hardware store or garden center every year? Then it might be worth overwintering this perennial. Sowing is not recommended, since most varieties on the market are hybrids and the sown seeds later have different properties than the mother plant.
However, hibernation is not always possible. Among other things, there may be a lack of space. You need a frost-free, but light and cool place for overwintering this plant. Also, hibernation is not always successful.
How hibernation works
This is to be considered if you want to hibernate your cape basket:
- badly possible outside
- indoors: 5 to 15 °C, light
- well suited places: gazebo, conservatory, cold house
- Cut down to 1/3 before hibernation in autumn
- air regularly during the winter
- cut in February (evergreen - continues to grow in winter)
tips
In spring it is advisable to slowly acclimate the Cape daisy to direct sunlight. First, she should be placed outside in the shade.