First they bloom beautifully. Then they withdraw their strength completely into the onion. A time of calm begins. Some flower bulbs can wait in place for the coming year. Others, on the other hand, have to leave in the meantime. So each one is wintered in its own way.
Frost resistant and chilblains
When it comes to winter hardiness, flower bulb varieties can be divided into two groups. One group includes the spring bloomers, which are not damaged by sub-zero temperatures. The other group includes those with a tropical origin who, despite a long tradition of cultivation in this country, are still unfamiliar with the cold.
Overwintering spring bloomers
Since spring bloomers can tolerate frost, they can stay in the garden forever after they are planted out. They overwinter in the bed and sprout reliably when their time comes in spring. The best-known representatives are crocuses, daffodils, tulips and snowdrops.
If the onions don't sprout in spring, it's not because of frost. Voles are usually responsible for this. Some types of onions are on your winter menu.
Tip
You can protect flower bulbs from voles if you place them in mesh baskets and plant them with them.
Overwintering delicate onions
Flower bulbs such as begonias, cannas, dahlias and gladioli must be out of the ground before the first frost. First the stems are shortened to 5 to 15 cm. Then it's time to dig out. The soil should be loosened carefully with your fingers.
Since the onions still have some residual moisture, they should be left to dry in a shady, airy place. Flat wooden boxes or nets lined with newspaper are ideal.
Optimal storage conditions
Flower bulbs want to spend the winter like this:
- cool
- dark
- dry
A basement room is usually suitable for this purpose. But before the onions go in, bad specimens have to be sorted out. Onions affected by pests or rotting would otherwise pose a danger to he althy onions.
Overwinter in the pot
Flower bulbs in balcony boxes or pots can spend the winter outside as long as they are hardy. However, they should be protected from major temperature fluctuations.
