Freezing temperatures can seriously threaten plants, as they can damage or even kill its cells and tissue. So you may be worried about your plants surviving a freezing event and will want to do everything you can to protect them.
Some plants are more resistant to freezing temperatures than others and are better able to survive and recover from freezing.
So, what do you do if your plant freezes? Can these plants that are frozen live? Can they come back to life? It usually depends on the plant and how bad the freeze was.
Some experts would say that a plant is done for once it has been frozen. People say it’s too late to do anything to bring the frozen plants back to life. Others disagree, saying they have seen a plant come back to life after it has been frozen.
But there are steps you can take to help protect them and improve their chances of survival and recovery. With proper care and attention, many plants can return to life after freezing.
This article will explore how plants respond to freezing temperatures and whether they can recover after freezing.
We will also show you the factors influencing a plant’s ability to recover from freezing and provide tips for reviving a frozen plant.
Overall, understanding how freezing temperatures is essential for successfully cultivating a wide range of plant species.
If you want to know more, keep reading!
How Do Freezing Temperatures Affect Plants?
Freezing temperatures can affect plants depending on their species, severity, and condition. Cool temperatures affect plants in several ways, including:
1. Damage to cells and tissues
Cold temperatures can cause ice crystals to form within the cells and tissues of a plant, leading to cell damage and death. We can see this happen exceptionally to tender or young plants, as they may be more sensitive to freezing temperatures than more mature plants.
2. Dormancy
Many plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and will stop growing or enter a dormant state when exposed to very low temperatures.
This is a good adaptation for plants in cold climates because it helps them save energy and resources during the winter when conditions aren’t good for growth.
This can be a beneficial adaptation for plants in cold climates, as it allows them to conserve energy and resources during the winter months when conditions are less favorable for growth.
3. Decreased photosynthesis
Cool temperatures can reduce the efficiency of photosynthesis or the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This can result in reduced growth and development, particularly in plants that rely on photosynthesis as their primary energy source.
4. Increased susceptibility to disease
Cold temperatures can weaken a plant’s immune system and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. This can further compound the negative effects of freezing temperatures on the plant’s health and survival.
Will One Night of Frost Kill My Plants?
If the glazing is severe or the plant is cold-sensitive, a single night of frost could kill it. However, the extent of the damage will depend on the type of plant, its growth stage, and the frost’s length and intensity.
For example, many woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, are more tolerant of frost because they have thicker, woodier stems and branches more resistant to freezing.
They are distinguished by their ability to regenerate new stems, leaves, and branches yearly.
On the other hand, annual flowers and vegetables with tender stems and leaves are more sensitive to frost. Therefore, they may be more likely to get damaged or killed by a night of frost.
The growth stage also affects a plant’s ability to withstand frost. For example, young plants just starting to grow may be more susceptible to frost damage than mature plants that have had the chance to harden off and develop a thicker layer of protective cells.
At What Temperature Does Frost Occur On Plants?
Frost occurs on plants when the air temperature falls below the freezing point of water (32°F or 32°C). The air temperature cools, and the moisture in the air begins to condense and form dew.
When the dew freezes, it creates a thin layer of frost on the plant’s surface.
Several factors can influence the temperature at which frost occurs in plants. For example, the humidity and wind speed of the air can affect the amount of moisture available to form dew.
Additionally, the plant’s size, shape, and orientation can affect how much heat is retained and how quickly the plant cools.
Frost can also happen at a lower temperature if snow or ice is on the ground. The reflective surface of the snow or ice can help keep the air temperature above freezing.
Signs of Frost Damage on Plants
There are several signs of frost damage you can look for on your plants to determine whether they have been damaged by frost. Some of the most common symptoms of frost damage include:
1. Discoloration
Frost damage plants often appear discolored, with brown or black spots or streaks on the leaves and stems. In some cases, the entire plant may turn brown or black.
2. Wilting
Frost-damaged wilted plants have drooping leaves and stems. The plant seems wilted because the frost has harmed its cells, causing the water in them to freeze and expand, rupturing the cells.
3. Shriveling
Frost-damaged plants may also appear faded or dried out because the frost has injured the cells, causing the water in the cells to freeze and evaporate.
4. Soft or mushy tissue
The plants may also have soft or mushy tissue, especially on the stems and branches. Damage may be hard to spot. Some plants may not be damaged by frost at all.
How Do Some Plants Survive a Frost?
One way plants survive is by going into a state of dormancy, as we stated before. During this state, a plant will stop growing and become less active as it waits for the winter to pass.
This helps to conserve energy and protect the plants from the cold. In addition, many woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, can go into dormancy and remain dormant until the spring.
Another way plants can survive frost is by developing protective mechanisms that help insulate them from the cold.
Some plants produce a layer of wax on their leaves and stems, which helps to keep the plants from freezing. Root vegetables such as carrots and beets can withstand frost because they are underground, where the soil temperature is generally warmer than the air temperature.
Wax occurs in almost all vascular plants as a constituent of the cuticle, although few plants have pronounced accumulations.
Wax protects the epidermis of leaves, stems, and fruits, making them less likely to dry out, get scratched, or be eaten by pests.
Which Plants Need Protection From Frost?
Frost can be a concern for many gardeners, especially in areas with cold Winter periods. While some plants can withstand frost and survive the winter, others are more sensitive to the cold and may need protection from frost to survive.
Which plants need protection from frost will depend on the type of plant, each stage of growth, and the severity of the frost.
Plants that may need protection from a frost can be:
Annual flowers such as:
- Impatiens,
- Petunias,
- Marigold,
Annual vegetables such as
- Tomatoes,
- Peppers,
- Squash.
And tropical plants such as:
- Hibiscus,
- Orchids,
- Bromeliads.
To protect these plants from frost damage, gardeners may need to take precautions such as covering them with blankets, sheets, or frost covers. Bringing them indoors it’s also a good idea.
Perennial plant’s resistance vs. Annual plant’s resistance
Perennial flowers and vegetables can survive from one growing season to the next, rather than being annuals that need to be replanted yearly.
Mulch or hay can also be an excellent way to protect your plants from frigid temperatures. Spreading these materials or lying over the surface on the ground helps to insulate the roots of your plants and protect them from extreme cold.
Choosing varieties that are known to be hardy and frost-resistant can also help to ensure that your perennial plants can withstand the cold.
Which Plants Can Withstand Frost?
On the other hand, there are many plants that can withstand frost and are able to survive cold winter temperatures.
These plants are generally classified as hardy or frost-resistant, meaning they can tolerate exposure to freezing temperatures. As a result, these plants will endure without significant damage. Here are some examples:
1. Woody plants, Trees, and Shrubs
These plants are generally more resistant to frost because they have thicker, woodier stems and branches that are less prone to freezing. Some examples include:
- Oaks,
- Maples,
- Pines
- Spruces
- Evergreens
2. Perennial vegetables
Perennial vegetables are hardy vegetables that can withstand frost because they have thick fleshy roots protected underground and can survive cold temperatures. Some examples are:
- Asparagus,
- Rhubarb,
- Artichokes,
- Lettuce,
- Cabbage,
- Broccoli.
3. Root vegetables
Root vegetables are resistant to frost because they grow underground, where the temperature is generally warmer and more stable.
In this category of the vegetable, we can find many vegetables that thrive perfectly well during frost or cold temperatures, such as:
- Carrots,
- Beets,
- Potatoes
Here are some of the best flowers that can grow or live through a frost and cold winter:
- Pansies,
- Snapdragons
- Violas,
- Camellia,
- Hyssop.
And suppose you have a green thumb and a passion for herb gardening. In that case, you can rest assured that you have access to a wide selection of cold-hardy plants that can weather the winter freeze and come back strong in spring. Some include:
- Chives,
- Dill,
- Lavender,
- Oregano,
- Comfrey,
- Rosemary,
- Thyme,
- Sage.
Beating the Frost: The Best Way To Cover Your Plants
Overall, using blankets, sheets, or frost covers, bringing your plants indoors, or using a greenhouse or Cold Frame, you can help to protect your plants.
These materials can be placed over the plants to create a physical barrier between the plants and the frost.
Secure the covering material to prevent it from blowing off or coming loose. You can also use stakes or poles to help support the covering materials and keep them in place.
So, there you have it. Now, you know what to do next time you want to protect your plants from the effects of freezing a frost.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to read our others articles on gardening.
