While acacias are famous for being evergreen, they aren’t exactly fans of the cold. Because these beauties are super sensitive to frost and chilly temps, you’ve got to give them some extra TLC during the winter months. If you want to see those gorgeous blooms again next year, professional-level overwintering is the way to go!
Acacias Aren’t Winter-Hardy
Most acacias hail from warm, sunny spots like Australia and Africa. Because of their tropical roots, they just aren’t built for freezing winters. Even a tiny dip below 32°F (0°C) can cause serious frost damage, so you definitely want to keep them out of the cold.
The Best Ways to Overwinter Your Acacia
When it comes to keeping your acacia cozy for the winter, you’ve basically got two great options:
- The Cool & Dark Method: Keep it in a spot that stays between 32°F and 41°F (0–5°C).
- The Bright & Sunny Method: Place it in a well-lit area with temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10–15°C).
Whichever route you choose, keep an eye on the humidity. Standard indoor heating makes the air way too dry for these plants. Aim for a humidity level of around 50% to keep them happy.
Winter Care Tips
Even while your acacia is “resting” for the winter, it still needs a little drink. Keep the soil slightly moist—you never want the root ball to dry out completely. However, you can put the fertilizer away for now; they don’t need the extra nutrients during their winter break.
Growing in Pots Makes Life Easier
Trust me, cultivating your acacia in a pot or planter is a total game-changer for winter. You can simply carry it into its winter quarters and bring it back out when spring arrives. If you plant an acacia directly in the ground, you’ll have to dig it up every single year, which is a lot of work!
Pro Tip: If you love the look of a planted acacia but hate the digging, try burying the plant *inside* its pot in your garden. Cover the rim with a little soil so it looks natural. When winter rolls around, it’s much easier to pop the whole thing out of the ground and move it inside.
The One Exception: The Globe Acacia
There’s always one rebel in the family! The Globe Acacia (Kugelakazie) is the exception to the rule because it’s actually winter-hardy. If it’s planted directly in your garden, it can usually handle the winter just fine on its own. Just keep in mind that if you’re growing a Globe Acacia in a pot, it loses that natural protection and will still need to be moved indoors to stay safe from the frost.
