The vanilla flower (heliotrope, solstice) is usually only cultivated as an annual in our latitudes because it is not hardy. In its homeland, however, the flowering plant thrives perennially and it is definitely worth overwintering particularly beautiful specimens.
How do I overwinter the vanilla flower correctly?
To overwinter the vanilla flower (heliotrope) successfully, bring it into the house before the frosts, make sure it is in a bright, cool and frost-free location, water it sparingly and do not fertilize it. Only put them outside again when night frosts are no longer expected.
Bring it into the house before the frosts
When the night temperatures drop below five degrees, it's time to bring the vanilla flower into the house. Check the plants beforehand for pest infestation, because spider mites or aphids can attack and cause massive damage not only to the solstice but also to other plants in the winter quarters.
Relocating bedding plants
Vanilla flowers thriving in the flowerbed are carefully dug up. Make sure to dig out as much of the root ball as possible. The heliotrope is then planted in standard potting soil and watered.
What does the ideal winter quarters look like
Place the pots in one place:
- hellen
- cool
- frostfree
Square. It is important that the temperatures here do not fall below five degrees. For example, an unheated stairwell or a bright basement room is ideal.
Care during the winter
Water the plant very sparingly, there is no fertilization at all. During winter dormancy, the solstice sheds some of its leaves and some shoots dry out. This is not a bad thing. In the spring, remove all dead plant parts and the vanilla flower will readily sprout again.
Moving to the open air
Only when no more night frosts are expected can the vanilla flower be moved back outdoors. After the winter months, carefully acclimate the plants to the changed conditions and initially place the pots in a shady, protected place. Only after about two weeks will it be transplanted to its final, sunny location.
Tip
In harsh locations with cool summers and very frosty winters, heliotrope should preferably be cultivated as a pot plant. You can place the vanilla flower directly in the planter in the bed in the summer months. This saves you having to repot twice a year.
