The checkerboard flower with its interestingly patterned flowers is one of the most popular early bloomers. From the end of March to May it decorates the garden with its flowers. But how hardy is this delicate plant?
Is the checkerboard flower hardy?
The checkerboard flower is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. It does not require any special winter protection, but should be watered additionally in dry conditions and frost.
Surprisingly robust and frost-resistant
The natural distribution area of the chess flower extends from Europe to Siberia. The plant has adapted optimally to the often very harsh winters here and can tolerate temperatures of up to -30 degrees. It can therefore be overwintered in the flowerbed without protection and proves to be extremely robust.
Survivalist Onion Plant
In its natural habitat, the chess flower has to withstand extreme conditions. Thanks to its storage organ, the onion, it has adapted excellently to this. During the growing season, the checkerboard flower stores nutrients and starch in the bulb, which enable it to sprout early. That's why it's very important not to cut back too early the foliage that has become unsightly over time. The weakly competitive plant sprouts quickly in spring and goes through the cycle very quickly until fruit formation.
Snow acts like a warming blanket
Even when the outside temperature is low, the bulbs lying underground are well protected. Not only the snow cover, but also the top, frozen centimeters of ground offer the onions excellent protection from frost, so special winter protection is actually not necessary. If you want to be absolutely sure that the plant survives the winter well, you can still cover the bed with a layer of leaves, humus or brushwood.
More dangerous than frost: drought
The chess flower is extremely sensitive to drought, even in winter. If there is no snow and temperatures are low below zero (cold frost), the onions cannot absorb water from the frozen ground. The snow cover, which also serves as a moisture reservoir, is missing. That's why you should water the hardy checkerboard flower additionally on these days. However, use very cold water to avoid encouraging the plant to sprout prematurely.
Tip
If you care for the attractive plant in the flower pot, it is important to offer the plant the most even conditions possible during the cold season. Frequent temperature changes must be avoided at all costs. We recommend a dark, very cool winter quarters, for example in an unheated garden house.
