The carnation is not only very easy to care for but is also hardy. However, you should keep a few things in mind when overwintering your carnations so that you can enjoy the plants and their decorative flowers for a long time.
Is the carnation hardy and how do I care for it in winter?
The carnation is hardy and can survive temperatures down to -15 °C. In winter you should protect the plants from cold wind and moisture, cover them with brushwood, protect them from frost in planters and water them lightly on frost-free days. Fertilizer is not necessary.
The carnation usually survives temperatures of up to -15 °C quite well, but it doesn't particularly like icy winds. However, in planters the root balls are not adequately protected from frost. Therefore, place your balcony boxes with carnations in a place protected from the wind.
A Styrofoam pad (€7.00 on Amazon) or an old blanket that you wrap around the container helps against freezing roots. You can also overwinter your carnations in a greenhouse. It doesn't even have to be heated, but the temperatures inside shouldn't drop significantly below freezing.
What care does the carnation need in winter?
The carnation reacts very sensitively to a lot of moisture, regardless of whether it is waterlogging or a lot of rain. A cold, wet winter can be her downfall. With a layer of brushwood you protect your plants not only from extreme frost but also from excessive rain.
But even in winter there are occasional dry periods. Then you should water your carnations a little on frost-free and, above all, sunny days. Otherwise there is a real risk that your country carnations, as garden carnations are also called, will dry out. However, the plants do not need fertilizer in the winter months.
The most important winter tips for the carnation:
- Protection from cold wind and wet weather
- cover with brushwood so that the plant still gets enough air
- Protect carnations in planters from frost (old blanket, Styrofoam plate or similar)
- Place balcony boxes in a protected place or in the greenhouse
- water a little on frost-free days
Tip
The carnation needs protection from wet weather rather than from frost. Nevertheless, it should be watered a little on frost-free sunny days so that it doesn't dry out.
