Is it possible to keep annual or tropical plants live & bloom in winter?

Question

in places where winters have tempreture -10 to -20 C for 3-4 months. I live in Canada.

Answer 1

Adequate light is the critical requirement for flowering plants.
Nutrient uptake is roughly a function of light received. That is to say: never feed plants that do not receive sufficient light levels, as experienced during Canadian winter months.

I have kept cherry tomatoes under 4 overdriven 4 foot shop lights over winter and although they didn't produce half as much as when they were outside, they were quite healthy and put little toms in my salad in the middle of February!

Tomato plants flower and therefore need ample light levels.
There are notable exceptions, but the general rule is that for flowering plants you need lots of light! An inexpensive way to provide just enough light for one flowering plant is to hang an 85 watt Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) within a few inches of the top of the plant. This bulb can be had for less than 35 dollars at HD or at any good hardware/lighting store. You might want to add a cheap timer to automate the lighting cycle.

Of secondary importance is humidity. Some tropical plants will not thrive in dry winter conditions inside the home. Of course, humidifiers or pans of water can be used to make for a better indoor climate (for tropical plant AND human) but if there are enough plants in a concentrated area, the plants themselves and the water they contain should provide a micro-climate with higher humidity levels.

Answer 2

It is kind of iffy. Bringing them in protects them from the cold. However they still need the correct amount of watering and they need sufficient sunlight to thrive. Blooming requires the most sunlight.

I brought in tropical hibiscus and got it to squeak-through last winter. After it went out for the summer I brought it in this fall and am trying again this winter. I have never had success with peppers or tomatoes.

Answer 3

If they are potted, you want to move them indoors for the winter. Freezing temps like yours are very dangerous to tropical plants. If you can't move them indoors, you can reall only try mulching deep around the base of the plant and cover the plant in plastic. Then pray.

Answer 4

the problem is low light cold and wind to counter this effect I would build a small greenhouse and use a couple of layers of plastic film the thicker the better then install a small heater and couple of grow lights. for humidity a mister is a good idea. or just move to south florida

Answer 5

I have a banana tree which I have in a large pot for the winter. I bring it inside for the winter. I have had it for two years.