Actually, men's loyalty is a perennial shrub, but not hardy. Because in their homeland in South Africa there is rarely frost. Since sowing is so easy and uncomplicated, in our latitudes, Mannentreu is usually traded as an annual plant.

Man-loyal is not hardy and must be brought indoors for the winter

The best location for men's loyalty in winter

Before overwintering your men's faithful, make sure it's actually a perennial variety. Container plants are more suitable for overwintering than bedding plants because they do not have to be dug up first. Overwintering in the bed is only possible in relatively warm areas, for example in a wine-growing region, and with very good winter protection.

Place balcony or container plants in a bright but cool place, for example in a cold greenhouse, when frost begins, or at the latest after the first frosty nights. There should be no sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter. Living quarters are not suitable for the wintering of men's faithful, they are too warm.

This is how you maintain men's loyalty in winter

Mannentreu also needs a lot of light in winter. On the other hand, you can completely do without fertilizer during this time. Before you bring your men's faithful to the winter quarters, cut off withered inflorescences. You should continue to water your men's faithful regularly, but a little less. The soil should neither dry out completely nor be completely soaked in backwater. Overwintering temperatures between 5 and 10 °C are ideal.

Sowing instead of overwintering

It requires significantly less effort and work if you don't hibernate your Mannentreu and prefer it for the next season instead. Already in January you can start sowing in pots. Scatter the seeds on potting soil and just press the seeds, they germinate in the light. Then place the seed pots (€16.68) in a bright place and keep the seeds evenly moist.

After a germination time of about one to two weeks at about 16 - 18 °C, the first little plants will appear. When they are a little stronger, prick out the young plants. By the beginning of the flowering period in June, they have grown into strong plants.

However, since men's loyalty is not frost hardy, the young plants should only be planted in the garden after the ice saints in May. On warm days, however, you can stand on the balcony beforehand. On the other hand, they prefer to spend frosty nights indoors.

The essentials in brief:

  • not frost hardy
  • Hibernation often possible
  • bright cool place
  • ideal: cold greenhouse
  • water little but regularly
  • do not fertilize
  • Avoid dehydration
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Alternative: reseeding from January
  • Do not plant young plants until May

tips and tricks

As a rule, men's loyalty is not hibernated but newly sown. However, the overwintered plants are stronger and may flower earlier and more profusely.

Category:

Vegetable garden