Flower bulbs in the balcony box provide the first flowers of the year. In order for them to sprout quickly in spring, they must be planted in autumn. But that means the cold winter inevitably awaits them. This means they can survive frosts unscathed.
How do I protect flower bulbs in the balcony box from frost?
To protect flower bulbs in the balcony box from frost, they should overwinter in a cool room at 0 to 8 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, they can be hung on the balcony in rain-protected boxes wrapped in fleece and protected from the winter sun with brushwood or shade.
Frost comes before flowering
Ideally, flower bulbs are planted in autumn, although they do not bloom until spring. This gives them enough time to root well. However, it can freeze outside just a few days after planting.
Bulbs on hold are not good outside, even if they are winter-hardy flower bulb varieties. The boxes are usually placed so that they are fully exposed to icy winds. The cold is closing in on them from all sides. The smaller the flower box is, the quicker the contents can freeze completely.
Temporary move
Balcony boxes planted with flower bulbs are better overwintered in a cool room where it is ensured that no frost gets there. The ideal temperature is 0 to 8 degrees Celsius. To do this, however, the balcony boxes must be removable, i.e. mobile.
A winter quarters not only protects against frost, but also against the winter sun. This can tempt the bulbs to sprout too early. The dangers of wetness or dryness can also be better regulated there by watering the onions every now and then as needed.
Winter on the balcony
A suitable winter quarters is not available to every balcony owner. If the desire for bulb flowers is great, you can risk overwintering on the balcony. With some protective measures, the cold can be reduced to a bearable level. However, there can be no guarantee that the flower bulbs will survive the winter.
These measures help the flower bulbs in the balcony box:
- Detach the balcony box and place it on the floor
- best protected from rain on the wall
- Wrap the box with several layers of fleece (€49.00 on Amazon)
- place on Styrofoam or wooden plates
- protect from winter sun with brushwood cover
- or place flower bulbs in the shade
Tip
If you also have a garden, you can bury the flower box in it after planting the bulbs and dig it up again in the spring.
Alternatively plant in spring
It is still possible to plant the flower bulbs in spring. This way you will largely avoid the frost problem. However, you still have to keep an eye on the weather as it can still freeze at night until mid-May. Then the boxes must either be brought in or protected.
