Winterizing Herbs
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Pat Parker
Posted on: October 13, 1998

I would like to know whether the following plants which I purchased from you this summer need to be winterized inside, and at what minimum temperatures.

Ashwaganda, Calamus, Celery Leaf (Apium graveoleus secalinum), Fennel, Gotu Kola, Marshmallow, Scullcap, Gokshura (Goatshead).

Depending on the zone you live in, some of your plants may not have to be taken in for the winter. When you do take them in, only tropical plants will require the same treatment as they did in the summer. All others will want somewhat drier and definitely cooler conditions. It won’t hurt to give them sun unless they are shade plants to start with (such as gotu kola).

Ashwaganda is an annual and is not going to live long even if you do take it in. Resow either inside or out (in the late spring).

Calamus is hardy in zones 4 to 10 and needs a moist place just above freezing to do well indoors over the winter.

Celery leaf is hardy in zones 7 to 9 and would do well in a bright but cool (about 4 to 10 degrees Celsius) place for the winter.

Fennel is hardy in zones 5 to 10 and overwinters well in a cool place in doors.

Gotu Kola is hardy in zones 8 to 10 and will grow well in a not too bright spot in temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Marshmallow is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and will overwinter in a cool spot indoors.

Scullcap is hardy in zones 3 to 8 and will overwinter in a cool spot indoors.

We are sorry but we do not carry Gokshura(Goatshead) and could not find it in any of our references.

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