It is autumn. Not only is the season of most fruit plants over, but also the season of ranunculus. In order to be able to enjoy the ranunculus again next year, you should know about their winter hardiness!

In mild regions, the ranunculus can be overwintered outside

Most varieties are not frost proof

Even if many a trader is probating it: Ranunculus are not sufficiently frost hardy in this country. Most varieties do not tolerate frost or only a few degrees below 0. A few specimens are still frost hardy to around -10 °C. However, the compatibility of these minimum temperatures should not be put to the test. The tubers are quickly frozen and the plants are gone…

Overwinter outside in mild regions

Do you live in a region with a mild climate, such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland or the Lake Constance region? Or do you trust the farmer's rules and the upcoming winter is guaranteed to be mild? Then you can overwinter the ranunculus outside.

In order to protect the approximately 5 cm deep tubers in winter, it is advisable to cover them with a warm layer. Brushwood, compost or fleece are well suited for this. Lay the material generously over the area of the nodules.

Vulnerable specimens in need of protection

Not all ranunculus need to be overwintered. Above all, young plants, freshly sown ranunculus, ranunculus that are in rough locations and those specimens that are in pots, boxes or tubs outside on the balcony or terrace should be overwintered.

Dig up the bulbs and overwinter

In addition to being able to cover the tubers outside, you can hibernate indoors. That's how it's done:

  • in late autumn
  • Get the tuber out of the ground
  • remove soil and dried plant parts
  • Lay down for 1 to 2 days to dry
  • overwinter in a frost-free place

The hibernation quarters should not only be frost-free. It is also important that it is cool (6 to 8 °C is ideal), dark, dry and airy. Cellars are well suited. For example, place the tubers in a wooden box, pot with soil, or wrap them in paper and place them in a bowl.

The right timing

When the leaves and flowers have shed, it's the right time to dig up the bulbs for the winter. This is usually the case around mid/end of October.

Hibernation ends in spring around March. The onions are placed in cold water for about 5 hours. They are then placed 5 cm deep in the ground. From the end of April, the plants can be planted outdoors again.

tips

If you decide to dig up the tubers for the winter, take the opportunity to multiply right away! Remove the brood bulbs formed at the root tuber! You can plant them in spring.

Category:

Vegetable garden