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Overwintering guide

How to overwinter african violet 'blue nile'

Verdict
Bring indoors
When
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
Hardiness
African Violet 'Blue Nile' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 11 — winter lows around 4°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside.

Winter watering

Cut watering right back — african violet 'blue nile' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.

The mistake that kills african violet 'blue nile' in winter

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african violet 'blue nile' rots from the base.

More african violet 'blue nile' care

Overwintering african violet 'blue nile' — FAQ

Does african violet 'blue nile' need to come indoors for winter?

African Violet 'Blue Nile' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 11 — winter lows around 4°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. African Violet 'Blue Nile' is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.

When should I move african violet 'blue nile' for winter?

Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.

How often should I water african violet 'blue nile' in winter?

Cut watering right back — african violet 'blue nile' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.

What kills african violet 'blue nile' over winter?

Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and african violet 'blue nile' rots from the base.