- Mon Aug 02, 2021 6:41 pm
#385961
We live in zone 7B and I'm trying to decide if I should shelter my VFTs in an unheated garage for the 4 to 5 coldest weeks of winter. In the past, I just leave them outside but I try to bring them inside on nights when the forecast goes below freezing. I do forget sometimes and have had the pots froze a few time each winter. I think more damaging though is the drying winds.
I'm thinking of doing this because many of the young plants that I acquired last year have mostly been setback. Early in the season last year, I was still trying to figure out how much sun and heat these plants are able to handle. I initially had them under too much heat for most of the season until I transferred them to a more suitable place in September where they are doing well. I could see that the health of the young plants were declining as the season progressed. Because of the stresses from the heat in the summer and cold in the winter, my new young plants have mostly died back. It's only in the last few weeks that they're starting to sprout again. I wouldn't have worried so much if the cultivars that were affected are more sensitive but in my case, it includes the Maroon Monster, B52, Low Giant, and SD Kronos which are know to be hardy cultivars.
This photo is what my Alien currently looks like. This is actually very good progress as there was nothing to be seen just a few weeks ago. I transferred it inside under grow lights for a few weeks so I could better control the watering and the heat. Just now, I transferred it back outside in the shade.
I'm thinking of doing this because many of the young plants that I acquired last year have mostly been setback. Early in the season last year, I was still trying to figure out how much sun and heat these plants are able to handle. I initially had them under too much heat for most of the season until I transferred them to a more suitable place in September where they are doing well. I could see that the health of the young plants were declining as the season progressed. Because of the stresses from the heat in the summer and cold in the winter, my new young plants have mostly died back. It's only in the last few weeks that they're starting to sprout again. I wouldn't have worried so much if the cultivars that were affected are more sensitive but in my case, it includes the Maroon Monster, B52, Low Giant, and SD Kronos which are know to be hardy cultivars.
This photo is what my Alien currently looks like. This is actually very good progress as there was nothing to be seen just a few weeks ago. I transferred it inside under grow lights for a few weeks so I could better control the watering and the heat. Just now, I transferred it back outside in the shade.