In its native South Africa, lobelia grows as a perennial plant. However, it cannot tolerate frost. In our latitudes it cannot overwinter outside, even with winter protection. Therefore, Mannestreu is often sold as an annual summer flower.
Can men's faithful be cultivated and overwintered for several years?
Männertreu (Lobelia) is perennial in its native South Africa, but is not frost-resistant and is therefore cultivated as an annual plant in temperate latitudes. For successful overwintering, it should be kept bright, cool and frost-free, for example in a cold greenhouse at 5-10 °C.
For this reason, most varieties are not designed to last long and it is quite possible that the blue lobelia will not survive the winter. As a rule, exhausted plants are disposed of after flowering. Next spring you can sow again. This is much less time-consuming than overwintering the old plants.
How to maintain men's loy alty in winter?
If you would like to try to overwinter your man, then it is best to choose potted plants. The blue lobelia may survive the first frosty nights outside, but then it should be placed in a bright and cool but frost-free place. Living spaces are not very suitable for wintering; a cold greenhouse with temperatures of 5 – 10 °C would be ideal.
During the winter you can avoid fertilizing your male litter; it only needs the additional nutrients in the spring when it sprouts. However, you should water it regularly, but only a little. The soil should neither dry out nor be waterlogged. Both can lead to you becoming loyal to men.
Alternative for wintering
If you shy away from the work of overwintering your male faithful, then you also have the choice of buying new plants next year or preferring your own plants over the winter. Sowing in warm weather is possible from January onwards. From May you can plant the lobelias that have grown vigorously on the balcony or in the garden.
The best tips for faithful men in winter:
- hardly tolerates frost at all
- Overwintering in a cold greenhouse possible
- winter cool and bright
- water little
- don't let it dry out
- Avoid waterlogging
- Sowing new seeds is easier than overwintering
- Sowing in warm conditions possible from January
- Don't plant early plants until May
Tips & Tricks
Get involved in the adventure and overwinter your male faithful, then you may be able to look forward to early and lush flowering.
