Pankraz, Servaz, Bonifaz first make way for summer
It's that time of year again: the ice saints begin and last (in our area) until May 15. Late frosts occur more frequently during this period, but this doesn't necessarily apply every year. But from our #Beetschwestern point of view, we always observe this date because we only put our tropical plants outside after this date and also only put sensitive plants in the vegetable patch after this date. The reason for this is a special weather situation that brings arctic polar air to Central Europe, according to the German Weather Service.
The ice saints
While in northern Germany the first three, namely Mamertus, Pankratius and Servatius (consecutive May 11 to 13), are considered to be ice saints, in Austria and southern Germany they also include Boniface (May 14) and "Cold Sofia" (May 15). There are also a number of traditional country proverbs, such as
"Pankraz, Servaz, Bonifaz only make way for summer"
"Pankraz and Servaz are two evil brothers, what spring brought, they destroy again".
"Never plant in front of the cold Sophie".
"No summer before Boniface, no frost after Sophie".
Which plants should only go out afterwards?
All tropical houseplants, as well as
-
- Begonias
- Geraniums/Pelargoniums
- Fuchsias
- Various potted plants (daisies, gentian trees)
- Oleander (stayed outside over winter)
- Gladioli
- Petunias
Vegetable varieties that should not be planted until mid-May:
- Ginger
- Paprika
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Eggplants
- Chili and hot peppers
- Pumpkins
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Sweet potato
.
Many plants should also only be sown after the cold snap - if it occurs.
This is what the weather will be like over the next few days
According to our research, the weather this year will not bring frost for the Ice Saints, but it snowed yesterday in some regions of western Austria and the weather is expected to remain cool throughout Austria and bring lots of rain. In Germany, daily highs are expected to rise to 20 degrees in the coming days with changeable weather.
