Horned violets are among the first flowers to appear in spring. Sometimes their flowers even peek out from a soft blanket of snow. But do horned violets tolerate frost? Are they perennial and sprout again after a winter period?

Horned violets easily tolerate temperatures down to -5°C

Used to low temperatures

Horned violets originate in the Pyrenees and parts of northern Spain. They can thrive at altitudes of 2,500 m. This shows that they are not afraid of low temperatures. They can tolerate frost.

Glycerin protects against frostbite

There is glycerin in the cells of horned violets. This substance protects the plants from frostbite. Nevertheless, these plants are usually only one to two years old. But they can also be perennial if they are regularly rejuvenated.

Hybrids are frost hardy to 15 °C

If you're looking for extra hardy horned violets, make sure to ask which varieties are advertised as hardy when you buy them. There are hybrids that are frost-resistant down to -15 °C. The majority of horned violets can easily cope with temperatures down to -5 °C.

Protect in winter as a precaution?

To make sure that the horned violets survive the winter, you can hibernate them or make them frost-proof. This is particularly worthwhile if you live in a region that is prone to longer periods of frost in winter.

If the temperatures are below 0 °C for a long time, winter protection is recommended. Otherwise, you don't need to worry about these growths. Winter protection can be implemented in the form of a protective material. For example, the following materials are suitable:

  • brushwood
  • leaves
  • Spruce and fir branches
  • fleece

A layer of brushwood is good for horned violets outdoors. The brushwood is simply placed over the root area. Horned violets that are in a pot or box on the balcony should be covered with fleece.

Beware of frost and winter wet

There are two things that harm horned violets in winter. These are frost and winter wetness. If it is cold and there is no snow, the horned violets could dry up (the root ball is frozen and cannot absorb any new water). It is better if there is a protective blanket of snow over the horned violets.

To avoid winter wetness, the horned violets should be protected in the pot and have good drainage. It is also important not to overwater them. Watering should be avoided unless the soil is dry.

Plant before or after frost

When there is no frost and no heat, the best time for planting horned violets has come. For spring blooms, these edible plants should be planted in fall.

tips and tricks

If the winter is mild, the horned violets can bloom all winter long. Only when severe frosts prevail will the flowering of these plants be interrupted.

Category:

Indoor plants