The gloxinia doesn't just cut a fine figure as a houseplant. Winter-hardy varieties of the plant available as outdoor gloxinias can also be grown in the garden. In a favorable location, garden gloxinias bloom for many months - with a bit of luck until November.
How to care for gloxinias in the garden?
Gloxinias thrive in the garden in bright, wind-protected locations with loose, well-drained soil. They need enough water during the flowering period, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. In winter they are hardy down to -20 degrees, but protect them from moisture.
The right location for gloxinias in the garden
The non-poisonous garden gloxinias like a bright, somewhat sheltered location in the garden. They tolerate sunny locations just as well as partial shade. However, direct midday sun is not quite as favorable.
The soil must not be compacted. The biggest enemy of the garden gloxinia is waterlogging. The tubers then rot in the soil.
How to care for garden gloxinias
- Pouring
- fertilize
- cutting
- overwintering
You only need to water if it has been very dry for a very long time. During the flowering period, the gloxinias need more water than before and after. Grow them in the pot, making sure that the soil does not dry out completely, but is never too moist.
You don't necessarily have to fertilize garden gloxinias. It is enough if you spread some ripe compost around the plants in spring or summer.
Cut off spent flowers as soon as possible. This promotes the formation of more flowers and extends the flowering period.
Overwintering gloxinias outdoors properly
Outdoor gloxinias are hardy down to minus 20 degrees. However, the winter moisture is very difficult for the tubers. It is recommended to dig them up in autumn and store them in a cool, dry place.
You can grow them in pots in spring and plant them outdoors again in May.
Propagation by dividing the tubers
Gloxinias can also be grown from seeds - but this takes a long time. It takes three years for the plant to develop its first flowers.
It is easier to propagate gloxinias by dividing the tubers. However, the mother plant often dies. The tubers must be stored as dry and dark as possible until they are planted out in May.
Tip
In addition to the low gloxinias for the garden, there are also varieties that are sold as climbing gloxinias. These form long tendrils with which they wind up trellises. They can also be grown very well as hanging plants in a hanging basket.
