So, you’re probably wondering why your garden suddenly resembles a barren wasteland when winter rolls around, huh? Well, grab a cosy blanket and a mug of hot cocoa because we’re about to resolve this chilly mystery together. There are a few plants that struggle a lot during winter, and these plants need warm weather and sunshine in order to thrive. During winter, they are dormant and won’t grow. They will emerge again in the spring. Let’s get into it.
These Plants Struggle To Grow in Winter. Let’s Find Out Why.
1. Alyssum
During winter, Alyssum plants can have a tough time because they don’t like the cold and need a lot of sunlight to grow well. They also prefer soil that’s not too wet or too dry and like it to be a bit acidic, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. If it gets too cold or the soil gets too wet, they might not do so well. So, it’s important to protect them from the cold, make sure they get enough sunlight, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and keep their soil just right. And they prefer temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 24 degrees Celsius).
2. Asters
Asters, those pretty flowers we often see in gardens, have a tough time in winter. They like warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), asters struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their colorful blooms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for asters, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard for them to thrive.
3. Basil
Basil doesn’t like frost, so don’t plant it outdoors until all the frosty weather has passed. Make sure basil stays in temperatures between 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) during the daytime and above 10°C (50°F) at night to prevent it from becoming too cold. When it comes to sunlight, basil loves the sun! Make sure it gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, especially if you plant it in a sunny spot facing south for the most sun exposure. Basil grows best in well-draining soil with good airflow, so mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Keep the humidity levels moderate, as basil prefers not to thrive in conditions that are too dry or too humid. However, if you really want to grow basil this winter check out our Winter Herbs Garden guideline.
4. Beans
Beans are plants that struggle in winter. They like warm weather and need the temperature to be above 60°F (15°C) to grow well. The soil should have a pH value between 6.0 to 7.0 for them to thrive. But when winter comes and it gets colder, their growth slows down a lot, especially if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). The cold weather makes their leaves droop and their stems weak. Also, in winter, there isn’t enough sunlight, which they need for growing. So, winter is a tough time for beans because of the cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and the wrong soil conditions.
5. Begonias
They like warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), begonias have a hard time. Winter slows down their growth, making their colorful blooms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients.
6. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, with its colorful flowers and long vines, likes warm places, just like where it comes from in the tropics. It needs lots of sun and heat to grow well, around 60°F (15°C) or higher. But when winter comes and it gets cold, bougainvillea has a hard time. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), its growth slows down or stops completely. The leaves might turn yellow and fall off, and the flowers might not bloom as much. Winter is tough for bougainvillea because they struggle to stay healthy when it’s cold. Remember, winter isn’t the best time for plants to grow, and bougainvillea are no different. If you want to know about growing flower garden in winter, check our 40 flower ideas that are easy to grow in winter.
7. Cabbage
In winter, cabbage plants can have a tough time because they don’t like it too cold. They need sunlight to grow well, at least 6 hours every day. Cabbage also prefers soil that’s a bit acidic, not too sour or too sweet, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If it gets too cold, especially below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), they might not do so well. They like temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 24 degrees Celsius) best. So, it’s important to protect them from the cold, make sure they get enough sunlight, and keep their soil just right to help them through winter.
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8. Celery
In winter, celery plants can have a tough time because they don’t like it too cold. They need sunlight to grow well, at least 6 to 8 hours every day. Celery also prefers soil that’s a bit acidic, not too sour or too sweet. If it gets too cold, especially below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), or there’s not enough sun, they might not do so well. They like temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius) best. So, it’s important to protect them from the cold, make sure they get enough sunlight, and keep their soil just right to help them through winter.
9. Celosia
They like warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), celosia struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their vibrant blooms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients.
10. Chives
Chives, those thin green herbs that taste like mild onions, have a tough time in winter. They like it warm, around 60°F (15°C), and need soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), chives have problems. Winter slows down their growth, making their leaves droop and their stems weak. Plus, with fewer hours of sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots struggle to get enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for chives, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough to grow.
11. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, the bright flower often seen in gardens, has a tough time in winter. It likes warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), chrysanthemums struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their colorful blooms wilt and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for chrysanthemums, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough for them to thrive.
12. Cilantro
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts in high temperatures, making it a challenge to grow in warmer climates. It needs temperatures between 15°C to 22°C (60°F to 70°F) during the day and above 10 °C (50°F) at night to stay healthy. It’s sensitive to frost, so it’s better to wait until frost risks are gone before planting it outside. For sunlight, look for a place with a mix of sun and shade. It does best in soil that drains well and has enough air, and adding compost or well-rotted manure can make the soil better. Aim for a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Keep the humidity moderate to make sure the soil doesn’t dry out too quickly, as cilantro likes to have enough moisture. Remember, winter is too cold for plants to grow, so you can consider growing cilantro in a hydroponic system.
13. Coleus
They appreciate high temperatures, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), coleus suffers a lot. Winter restricts their growth, making their leaves droop and their branches weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients.
14. Corn
Corn, those tall plants with delicious kernels, have a tough time in winter. They like warmth and need temperatures above 60°F (15°C) to grow well. The soil should be just right, not too sour or too basic, with a value between 6.0 and 7.0, for them to do their best. But when winter arrives and it gets colder, their growth slows down a lot, especially if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). The cold weather makes their stalks weak, and their leaves dry up. Also, in winter, there’s not enough sunlight, which they need for growing. So, winter is a challenging time for corn because of the cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and the wrong soil conditions.
15. Cucumber
Cucumbers are parennial. They like to stay in temperatures between 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) in the daytime and above 10°C (50°F) at night to prevent them from becoming too cold. They don’t like frost, so wait until all risk of frost has gone before planting them outdoors. Cucumbers also need plenty of sunlight, so try to give them at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally in a sunny spot facing south. They grow best in soil that drains well and has good airflow, with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. Adding compost or manure can help make the soil richer. Keep the air around them neither too dry nor too humid for their liking.
16. Dahlias
Dahlias, those pretty flowers we see in gardens, have a hard time in winter. They like warmth, about 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), dahlias struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their colorful blooms wilt and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for dahlias, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard for them to thrive.
17. Dill
Dill likes it warmer, around 60°F (15°C), and prefers soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0 for good growth. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), dill faces problems. Winter slows down its growth, making its delicate leaves dry up and its stems weak. Plus, with fewer hours of sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil cools, its roots struggle to get enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for dill, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard to grow. However, you can’t grow plants in the winter, so it’s important to provide dill with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
18. Eggplant
Eggplants love the warmth, thriving in temperatures around 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). But when it drops below 50°F (10°C), they really feel it. Leaves droop, growth slows, and those plump fruits? They turn as hard as rocks. It’s a tough time for these stylish veggies battling the winter blues. So, if your eggplants seem a bit gloomy come winter, just remember that even the coolest veggies need some warmth to keep them happy. However, it’s important to understand that plants cannot grow in winter, and eggplants are no exception.
19. Fuchsia
Fuchsias, those delicate flowers we often see in gardens, have a hard time in winter. They like warmth, about 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), fuchsias struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their colorful blooms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for fuchsias, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard for them to thrive.
20. Gazania
Gazanias, colorful flowers originating from South Africa, face difficulties during cold winters due to their dislike of frost and cold soil. They need 6 to 8 hours of forthright sunlight daily and prefer soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Without enough sunlight or in soil that’s too acidic or alkaline, their growth and flowering may suffer. Therefore, to ensure their health and vibrant blooms, it’s important to provide them with plenty of sunshine and soil with the right pH balance.
21. Geranium
Geraniums can handle a chill, but they flourish in temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). When the mercury drops below freezing, though, they start feeling the pinch. Sure, they can tough it out briefly at 32°F (0°C), but prolonged cold spells? That’s like sending them into battle without their armor. So, while geraniums put on a brave face, deep down, they’re just like us – craving a bit of warmth to see them through the winter blues. However, plants cannot grow in winter, so it’s important to provide geraniums with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
22. Hibiscus
These tropical flowering shrubs crave warmth, requiring protection from frost and preferring temperatures between 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F) for optimal blooming. With regular pruning, hibiscus bushes maintain their shape and welcome new growth with open arms. Hibiscus plants need plenty of sunlight and should be placed in a sunny spot, getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Regular pruning helps them keep their shape and encourages new growth. For soil, they prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. Adding compost or manure can enrich the soil and help the plants grow better. Keeping humidity levels moderate is also important for their health, as too much or too little moisture can harm them.
23. Impatiens
Impatiens, with their beautiful flowers, find it hard in winter because they don’t like the cold or the shorter days with less sunlight. They come from warm places, so when it gets really cold, they can get hurt, and their flowers might stop blooming. They like temperatures above 50°F (10°C), but they can handle it getting a bit colder, down to 32°F (0°C). However, if it gets colder than that, the plant might get frost damage and die. Even at 36°F (2°C), you might see the leaves start to die because of frost. When it’s really cold, below 32°F (0°C), and not very humid, the roots of the impatiens can start to rot, and the plant might die. So, it’s important to take good care of them during winter to make sure they survive until spring. However, it’s too cold for plants to grow in winter, so it’s essential to provide impatiens with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
For more detailed information, you can refer to resources like Plantophiles or eHow
24. Lavender
Lavender, although tough, can face difficulties during winter. It comes from the Mediterranean, where winters are mild. When it gets really cold, lavender can get hurt by frost, which turns its leaves brown or black. Too much water in the soil during winter can also make its roots sick and cause the plant to die. In winter, the days are shorter, and there’s less sunlight, which can weaken the lavender and stop it from growing well or flowering. Sometimes, the soil might change in winter, becoming too wet or not right for the lavender. If you don’t look after lavender in winter by cutting off dead parts and protecting it from the cold, it might not survive very well. Winter isn’t the right time for plants, so it’s important to provide lavender with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
25. Lemon balm
Lemon balm, the herb that smells like citrus, has a hard time in winter. It likes warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), lemon balm struggles. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves droopy and its stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, its roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for lemon balm, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard to grow.
26. Lobelia
Lobelia, those soothing flowers often seen in gardens, have a tough time in winter. They like warmness, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets chillier, below 50°F (10°C), lobelia has a difficult time. Winter slows down their growth, making their delicate blossoms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for lobelia, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard for them to grow.
27. Marigolds
Marigolds are pretty flowers that make gardens look happy. They like sunny spots and soil that doesn’t hold too much water. They need a lot of sunlight to grow well, but they won’t do as well if it’s shady. Marigolds aren’t too picky about the kind of soil they’re in; any regular garden soil works fine. Just make sure the soil isn’t too wet and a bit neutral, not too acidic or too basic. Also, they prefer soil that isn’t too rich with organic stuff. Overall, marigolds are easy to care for and make gardens look nice, especially when they’re shining in the winter sun, giving warmth to the cold air. However, when the weather is cold, plants cannot grow, so it’s important to provide marigolds with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
28. Mint
Mint, the herb loved for its fresh flavor, has a tough time in winter. It likes warmth, about 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), mint struggles. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves floppy and its stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, its roots have a hard time getting enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for mint, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough to grow.
29. Morning glory
Morning glories, those lovely flowers that bring color to our gardens, thrive in warmth and sunlight, much like the sunny mornings they remind us of. However, when winter arrives, they face challenges. These flowers prefer temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to flourish, but when they drop below freezing, growth comes to a halt. Leaves wilt, stems become brittle, and the flowers cease to bloom. It’s a tough time for these delicate blooms during the winter months. Remember, winter isn’t the season for plants to thrive, and morning glories are no exception.
30. Nasturtium
They like warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too wet, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), nasturtiums struggle. Winter slows down their growth, making their bright blooms droop and their stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, they can’t make food properly, which they need to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, their roots have trouble getting enough nutrients.
31. Okra
Okra, those nutritious pods flourish in warmth and full sun exposure. However, when winter arrives, they face obstacles. Okra prefers temperatures above 70°F (21°C) to thrive, but as the cold sets in, their growth slows significantly. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), okra may struggle to develop properly, and their leaves may become stunted. It’s a challenging time for okra during the winter months as they adapt to the cooler weather. Remember, winter isn’t the season for plants to flourish, and okra is no exception.
32. Orchids
Orchids are delicate plants that need special care to grow well. They like lots of moisture in the air and prefer bright, but not direct, sunlight. Put them in a place where they get sunlight, but not too much in the afternoon. Windows facing south or east are good for them. Before watering it again, allow the soil to dry out slightly. If you take care of them properly, they reward you with beautiful flowers, bringing a bit of tropical beauty even in winter. However, it’s important to remember that these plants struggle in winter, so extra attention may be needed to ensure their well-being during colder months. Winter isn’t good for plants, so it’s essential to provide orchids with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
33. Oregano
Oregano, the tasty herb we use in cooking, has a tough time in winter. It prefers warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too dry or too soggy, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), oregano faces problems. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves droop and its stems weak. Plus, with less sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, its roots struggle to get enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for oregano, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough to grow.
34. Palm trees
Palm trees, like those found in tropical areas, love warmth but dislike frost. To keep their leaves bright all year, make sure they have soil that drains well and give them fertilizer sometimes. It’s important to keep the soil damp, especially when they’re growing. Many palm trees can handle cold down to about 18°F (-7°C) if they have enough sun and some shade. Put them in a place that’s easy to get to and where the ground is flat. Use soil that’s not too acidic or too basic, with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. Picture palm trees swaying in the winter breeze, reminding us of warmer days. However, plants cannot grow in winter, so it’s essential to provide palm trees with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
35. Parsley
Parsley, that fresh-tasting herb we all love, has a tough time in winter. It likes warmth, around 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), parsley faces problems. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves droop and its stems weak. Plus, with fewer hours of sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil gets colder, its roots struggle to get enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for parsley, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough to grow.
36. Peas
Peas, those plants that give us sweet pods, find it hard during winter. They like warm weather and need the temperature to be above 60°F (15°C) to grow well. The soil should not be too sour or too basic, with a value between 6.0 and 7.0, for them to thrive. But when winter comes and it gets colder, their growth slows down a lot, especially if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). The cold weather makes their leaves droop and their stems weak. Also, in winter, there isn’t enough sunlight, which they need for growing. So, winter is a tough time for peas because of the cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and the wrong soil conditions.
37. Pepper
Similar to tomatoes, Peppers need warmth to grow well. They like daytime temperatures around 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) and nighttime temperatures above 10°C (50°F) to avoid being too cold. Since they’re sensitive to frost, it’s best not to plant them outside until all chances of frost are gone. Peppers also love sunlight, so make sure they get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in a sunny spot facing south. They do best in soil that drains well, with a pH level between 6.2 to 6.8, and adding compost or manure can help enrich the soil. It’s important to keep the air not too dry or too humid for their growth. Remember, winter is a time when plants cannot grow, so it’s important to wait until the weather warms up before planting peppers outdoors.
38. Petunia
Petunias are beautiful flowers that look like trumpets. They need special care to grow nicely. They like sunlight but might not bloom much in very hot summers. In places where it gets really cold, they only live for one season, but in warmer areas like zones 10–11, they come back every year. It’s important to plant them in soil that drains well and stays a bit moist. Water them regularly and give them plant food every 2–3 weeks to keep them healthy. When the flowers start to fade, take them off to make room for new ones. There are different kinds of petunias for different gardens, like big ones, small ones, and ones that spread out. However, winter is a season when plants cannot grow, so it’s crucial to provide petunias with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
39. Pumpkin
Pumpkins thrive in warm temperatures and full sun exposure. Pumpkins, those familiar symbols of autumn, enjoy warmth and sunlight, much like the sunny days they’re used to. However, when winter arrives, they encounter difficulties. Pumpkins prefer temperatures above 70°F (21°C) to grow well, but when it gets cold, their growth slows down considerably. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), pumpkins may struggle to develop properly, and their vines may start to weaken. It’s a challenging time for pumpkins during the winter months as they cope with the colder weather. Remember, winter isn’t the ideal season for plants to thrive, and pumpkins are no exception.
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40. Rosemary
This plant from the Mediterranean likes warm, sunny places with good drainage in the soil. By cutting it regularly, the rosemary bush keeps its shape and grows well. But, it has a tough time during winter when it’s cold. Despite its resilience, the plant struggles in winter, needing extra care to survive the chilly temperatures. It can handle different conditions, but it prefers warm and dry weather. It needs lots of sunlight to grow nicely. Find a sunny spot with soil that doesn’t hold too much water. Use soil that’s not too sour or too basic, around 6.0 to 7.0 on the scale. Think about the smell of rosemary sprigs, often used in cooking in the winter, but remember it might need extra help during the cold months. Plants cannot grow in winter, so it’s important to provide rosemary with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
41. Sage
Sage, the herb that smells earthy and adds flavor to dishes, finds winter tough. It likes warmth, about 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), sage has problems. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves brittle and its stems weak. Plus, with fewer hours of sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil cools, its roots struggle to get enough nutrients. So, winter is hard for sage, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it tough to grow.
42. Snapdragon
Snapdragons, known for their snap-like flowers, can have a tough time during winter because they don’t like the cold, especially frost, which can hurt their leaves and flowers. In winter, there’s less sunlight, too, and snapdragons need plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours a day, to grow well. They also prefer soil that’s not too sour or too sweet, somewhere in the middle. If the soil is too compact or wet, it can make things even harder for them. So, to help snapdragons through winter, it’s important to protect them from frost, give them enough sunlight, and make sure the soil is just right. And they like it best when it’s not too hot or too cold, somewhere between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 24 degrees Celsius).
43. Squash
Alright, let’s get down to business with squash – those veggies that grace our plates with their deliciousness. They always pull through when you need them, but when winter rolls around, even they struggle. You see, squash thrives in the warmth of summer but becomes like fish out of water when the cold hits. They’re happiest when the temperature is between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), but when it drops below 50°F (10°C), they start to feel it. Leaves droop, growth stalls, and those plump fruits? They turn as hard as rocks. It’s a rough time for these tough veggies, fighting against the winter chill that stops growth in its tracks. So, if your squash seems a bit off in winter, remember, it’s no surprise – plants simply cannot grow in winter, and squash is no exception.
44. Sunflower
Sunflowers find it hard during winter. They like warmth and need temperatures above 60°F (15°C) to grow well. The soil should be just right, not too sour or too basic, with a value between 6.0 and 7.0, for them to do their best. But when winter comes and it gets colder, their growth slows down a lot, especially if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). The cold weather makes their stems weak and their leaves droopy. Also, in winter, there’s not enough sunlight, which they need for growing. So, winter is a tough time for sunflowers because of the cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and the wrong soil conditions.
45. Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes like warmth and sunlight, just like sunny days. But when winter comes, they have problems. They need temperatures above 70°F (21°C) to grow well. If it gets colder, like below 50°F (10°C), they struggle, and their vines can die. Also, they need sunlight for around 6 to 8 hours each day during the growing time. But in winter, the days get shorter, so they don’t get enough sunlight. Making sure they get enough sunlight and the right temperature is important for helping sweet potatoes grow well in the colder months. However, you can’t grow plants in the winter, so it’s essential to provide sweet potatoes with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
46. Thyme
Thyme, an herb with a lovely smell that is used in cooking, has a hard time in winter. It likes warmth, about 60°F (15°C), and soil that’s not too wet or too dry, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. But when it gets colder, below 50°F (10°C), thyme struggles. Winter slows down its growth, making its leaves droop and its stems weak. Plus, with fewer hours of sunlight, it can’t make food properly, which it needs to grow. Also, as the soil cools, its roots have trouble getting enough nutrients. So, winter is tough for thyme, dealing with cold, less sunlight, and not-so-great soil, making it hard to grow.
47. Tomato
Tomatoes grow best when it’s warm, with temperatures around 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) during the day and no colder than 10 °C (50°F) at night. They don’t like frost, so it’s important to wait until it’s warm outside before planting them. Tomatoes need lots of sunlight, ideally around 8 hours a day, so find a sunny spot, preferably facing south. They also like soil that drains well and has some compost or manure to help them grow. Keeping the air not too dry or too humid is also important for their growth. However, it’s important to remember that plants cannot grow in winter, so it’s essential to plant tomatoes during warmer months for the best results.
48. Watermelon
Watermelons love warm weather and lots of sunlight. They’re like treats we enjoy in the summer. But when winter comes, they struggle. Watermelons do best when it’s over 70°F (21°C). If it gets colder than 50°F (10°C), they stop growing. Their leaves droop, and their fruit gets hard. It’s hard for them when winter comes. Remember, you can’t grow plants in the winter, and watermelons are no exception. But, if we keep them in a warm place, water them regularly, and give them some food now and then, they’ll still give us sweet, juicy fruit – a tasty treat even in winter.
49. Zinnia
Zinnias, known for their colorful flowers, have a tough time in winter because they don’t like the cold or the shorter days with less sunlight. They come from warm places, so when it gets really cold, they can get hurt and might not survive. Also, during winter, there’s not enough sunlight for them to grow and bloom properly. So, it’s important to take care of them and protect them during winter to make sure they make it through until spring. However, plants cannot grow in winter, so it’s essential to provide zinnias with proper care during warmer months for optimal growth.
50. Zucchini
Zucchinis prefer temperatures above 70°F (21°C) to flourish, but when the cold sets in, their growth slows down. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), zucchinis may struggle to grow at all. Leaves may wilt, and the fruits may not develop properly, leaving the plant in a state of stunted growth. It’s a difficult time for zucchinis during the winter months as they try to withstand the chilly temperatures. Remember, winter isn’t the season for plants to thrive, and zucchinis are no exception.
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Summing Up,
Some plants don’t like winter because they can’t grow well when it’s cold and there’s not enough sunlight. Knowing what they need helps us take better care of them. Overall, numbers show that certain plants struggle during winter because it’s too chilly and there’s less sunlight. This includes plants like tender annuals, warm-season herbs, orchids, hibiscus, sun-loving annuals, and tropical plants. Learning about their specific needs and giving them the right care can help them cope with these challenges so they stay healthy all year. But remember, with the right care, some plants can still do well even in winter, despite the cold.
