The chocolate flower feels at home in warm, sunny locations. But what happens in winter when these conditions are no longer met? We reveal if it's possible to successfully overwinter a chocolate flower outdoors.
The chocolate flower doesn't like frost at all
hardy?
Although the chocolate flower belongs to the perennials, it is not hardy. Due to its origin - the black cosmos originally comes from California - it is used to a warm to hot climate and does not know frosty temperatures in the cold season. Although it is now a popular ornamental plant in Germany, it has not adapted to the European climate. So in the winter she can't stay outside.
When to bring home?
Before the first frost, the chocolate flower must be moved to a warm location. The first night frosts can occur as early as October.
You should also wait until the ice saints are over in mid-May before you take the chocolate flower out of its winter quarters.
Note: In beds, the chocolate flower impresses with its dark red flowers. However, it is also suitable for keeping in buckets, which makes it much easier to change location for the winter.
Tips for wintering
The following site conditions are recommended for overwintering:
- dry location (moisture causes rot)
- cool basement room
- as dark as possible
- Temperatures from 8°C to 10°C
Note: You should ventilate your cellar on frost-free nights.
Overwinter chocolate flowers in pots
When keeping buckets, no further measures are required apart from changing the location. The tuber can easily remain in the substrate of the plant pot.
Hibernate chocolate flowers from the bed
After the chocolate flower has bloomed, only its bulb remains in the ground. which you have to dig up for the winter.
tips
Would you like to expand your stock of chocolate flowers? Then now is the right time to share. To do this, cut off any number of sections from the existing tuber and overwinter them as individual specimens.
It is common for the chocolate flower to shrivel up the bulbs and hang them in a potato sack during the winter. In very dry cellars, however, it is advisable to store them in fresh substrate that you fill in an aerated wooden box.
After the hibernation
Late February, early March is the time to acclimate the chocolate flower to the rising temperatures. This can be done in the same pot in which the tubers spent the winter. When the weather is nice, the plant looks forward to a few hours in the fresh air. Choose a bright, warm location that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
You should also water your flower regularly from now on. The resumption of fertilizer administration also benefits growth in the spring.
However, keep in mind that you can only plant your chocolate flower outdoors again after the ice saints in mid-May, when the night frosts have completely subsided.