First, they bloom magnificently. Then they withdraw their powers completely into the onion. A period of calm begins. Some flower bulbs can wait for the coming year on the spot. Others, on the other hand, have to leave in the meantime. So each is overwintered in its own way.

Frost-sensitive flower bulbs must be dug up and overwintered in the dark

Frost resistant and chilblains

When it comes to hardiness, flower bulb varieties can be divided into two groups. One group includes the spring bloomers, which are not damaged by sub-zero temperatures. The other group includes those with a tropical origin who, despite a long tradition of cultivation in this country, are still at ease with the cold.

Spring bloomers overwinter

Since spring bloomers tolerate frost, they can stay in the garden forever after planting. They hibernate in the bed and reliably sprout when their time comes in spring. The best-known representatives are crocuses, daffodils, tulips and snowdrops.

If the bulbs still don't sprout in spring, it's not because of the frost. Voles are usually responsible for this. Some types of onions are on their winter menu.

tips

You can protect flower bulbs from voles if you put them in mesh baskets and plant them with them.

Overwinter sensitive bulbs

Bulbs like begonias, cannas, dahlias and gladioli need to be out of the ground before the first frost. First the stems are shortened to 5 to 15 cm. Then there's the digging. The soil should be carefully loosened with your fingers.

Since the onions still have some residual moisture, they should dry off in a shady, airy place. Flat wooden boxes or nets lined with newspaper are ideal.

Optimal storage conditions

Flower bulbs want to spend the winter like this:

  • cool
  • dark
  • dry

A basement room is usually suitable for this purpose. But before the onions come in, bad specimens have to be sorted out. Onions infested with pests or rotting would otherwise pose a threat to healthy onions.

Overwinter in the pot

Flower bulbs in balcony boxes or pots can spend the winter outside, provided they are hardy. However, they should be protected from major temperature fluctuations.

Category:

Vegetable garden