Mentreu is actually a perennial, but not hardy. Because in their homeland in South Africa there is rarely frost. Because sowing is so simple and uncomplicated, in our part of the world, Mannestreu is usually treated as an annual plant.
Is men faithfully winter hardy?
Männertreu (Lobelia erinus) is not hardy because it comes from frost-free regions of South Africa. Perennial potted plants are suitable for overwintering and are placed in a bright, cool place (5-10 °C) without temperatures below zero, such as in a cold greenhouse.
The best location for men's loy alty in winter
Before overwintering your Men's Faithful, make sure it is actually a perennial variety. Potted plants are better suited to overwintering than bedding plants because they don't have to be dug up first. Overwintering in the bed is only possible in relatively warm areas, for example in a wine-growing region, and with very good winter protection.
When frost begins, place balcony or potted plants in a bright but cool place, for example in a cold greenhouse, at the latest after the first frosty nights. There should be no temperatures below zero throughout the winter. Living spaces are not suitable for overwintering male faithful, they are too warm.
How to maintain men's loy alty in winter
Mäntreu needs a lot of light even in winter. However, you can avoid fertilizer altogether during this time. Before you bring your male faithful into winter quarters, cut off any wilted inflorescences. You should continue to water your man regularly, but a little less. The soil should neither dry out completely nor be completely soaked in backwater. Wintering temperatures between 5 and 10 °C are ideal.
Sowing instead of overwintering
It requires significantly less effort and work if you don't overwinter your men's trust and instead bring it forward for the next season. You can start sowing seeds in pots as early as January. Scatter the seeds on potting soil and just press the seeds down, they are light germinators. Then place the cultivation pots in a bright place and keep the seeds evenly moist.
After a germination period of about one to two weeks at approx. 16 - 18 °C, the first plants appear. When they are a little stronger, prick out the young plants. By the time the flowering period begins in June, they have grown into strong plants.
Since Male True is not frost hardy, the young plants should only be planted in the garden after the Ice Saints in May. On warm days, however, they can be left on the balcony beforehand. On the other hand, they prefer to spend frosty nights indoors.
The most important things in brief:
- not frost hardy
- Overwintering often possible
- bright cool place
- ideal: cold greenhouse
- water little but regularly
- do not fertilize
- Avoid dehydration
- Avoid waterlogging
- Alternative: new seeds from January
- Don't plant out young plants until May
Tips & Tricks
As a rule, Mannestreu is not overwintered but re-sown. However, the overwintered plants are stronger and may bloom earlier and more abundantly.