In the garden pond, pike weed delights us all summer long with numerous violet spike flowers. In autumn, the visible parts of the plant wither away. But if the rhizomes safely survive the winter, pike weed will sprout again the following year.

Pike weed can be overwintered in the pond - with appropriate protective measures

Possibilities of wintering

Pike weed is certainly not the only plant in the garden that needs to be brought safely through the cold season. This allows autumn to develop into a busy season. It is therefore important to weigh up possible hibernation alternatives. There are also three options for pike weed:

  • winter in place with protective measures
  • shift to deep water zone
  • Get the plant out of the pond and overwinter in the house

Overwinter on the spot

Planted specimens do not have to be laboriously dug out of the ground and replanted in the pot. They can stay where they are. In order for them to survive, however, they absolutely need a “warming blanket”. In this case, it consists of brushwood, leaves or straw. These natural materials protect the roots from too much cold.

In the spring, the cover must be completely removed again so that it does not stand in the way of new growth.

Move to deep water zone

Hechtkraut is often used against algae. Its planting depth in the garden pond is 10 to 40 cm, depending on the variety. In this area, however, the pike weed is at risk of frost. The chances of survival are better deeper in the pond. The water is warmer and it doesn't freeze.

If you planted the pike weed in a basket with foresight when planting, you can now simply push it down one floor. They should reach a depth of at least 50 cm. The plant remains in the depths until spring, when the greatest danger from sub-zero temperatures has passed. Then it can take a higher place again.

Get the plant out of the pond

If the pike weed is in the basket, it is easy to get the rhizome out of the pond. Because you can also spend the winter outside of it. In one room it is even in your hands that the thermometer never falls below zero.

  • Place the basket or pot in a frost-free, bright place
  • the room may also be sunny and warm
  • Do not expose the plant to drafts
  • Keep roots moist but not soaking wet

From around April, the pike weed can safely return to the pond and sprout new shoots and flowers for the coming season.

tips

If you have a cold water aquarium in the house, you can overwinter pikeweed in it.

Category:

Vegetable garden