- Is it worth wintering ice begonias?
- What is the best way to winter ice begonias?
- When can I plant ice begonias again?
The name suggests a certain winter hardiness and frost tolerance, but wrongly so: ice begonias freeze to death when the temperature drops to freezing point. Its leaves break as easily as thin ice, hence the misleading name.
Ice begonias are not hardy
Is it worth wintering ice begonias?
From a purely financial point of view, overwintering ice begonias is not worthwhile. The plants can be bought very cheaply in nurseries and garden centers in the spring. So if it's just a matter of cost, you can save yourself the work. On the other hand, if you want to protect the environment and the existing plants, then overwintering ice begonias is a worthwhile task.
The additional work is relatively small, because ice begonias do not need extensive care. This is also rewarded with a rich abundance of flowers. If the ice begonia doesn't get a frost, then it sometimes blooms all winter long. For this, however, it needs a lot of light and sufficient warmth.
What is the best way to winter ice begonias?
In order for the hibernation to actually be successful, an ice begonia must not be allowed to freeze under any circumstances. In autumn, therefore, pay close attention to the weather forecast and, above all, the announcement of possible night frost. It's better to bring your Ice Begonias indoors too early than too late.
A frost-free winter quarters is sufficient for the polar begonia to survive, but it only continues to bloom when it is warm enough. Temperatures between 16 °C and 20 °C are therefore recommended. For example, a (heated) greenhouse or conservatory with lots of light is suitable.
When can I plant ice begonias again?
The hibernation of a polar begonia takes quite a long time. Only after the Ice Saints in May, when no more night frosts are expected, can it be planted in the garden again. Before that, you should slowly get used to the ice begonia in the new location.
The polar begonia in brief:
- not hardy
- absolutely does not tolerate frost
- perennial
- easy to overwinter at about 16 °C to 20 °C
- continues to bloom in winter
tips
If you would like to hibernate your ice begonias, then it is essential that you move the plants to a frost-free winter quarters in good time before the first night frost.