Hi, I've just received my order of tropicals from glasshouse works, that I hope to grow and overwinter somehow in my z 4b area. I'm hoping I can just keep them dormant in the basement like cannas and dahlias. Any info from someone who has done this? And for the summer, should I plant them in pots or directly in the ground? Thanks!
Tropicals like Musa, Colocasia
Yep,you sure can overwinter them like cannas and dalhias.
If you want them to grow as fast as possible,I'd plant them in the ground in raised beds.After they get acclamted,water feed on a regular bases.
Tropicman: Thank you for your quick reply!
And thanks to whoever moved this thread to the tropicals forum - I was looking for this forum, but just couldn't see it. (Ever do that? Look for something that is right in your face, but you can't see it? )
Anyone else in this forum that is a zone 4 tropical fantasizer, hoping to create a little corner of paradise in their backyard? I am planning on designing a sheltered micro-climate with a mosaic wall, raised beds, and growing spots for both tropicals and succulents...Has anyone seen the mosaic garden of Margot Knox in Australia? That's my inspiration. Haven't been able to find any online photos of it, but it is in a book I have.
cait and if you ever loose them you can find a nice southern person "raising right hand" to send you some every time it gets warm up there...
ely
Thank you for the offer! I've never grown these before; do they like full sun or part shade? Moist? Boggy? Good Drainage? I have experience with dahlias, cannas, cala lily (mine don't bloom in the part shade they get, but have beautiful variegated foliage), glads, ---are the cultural requirements similar to any of these? Nice to have someone so "nearby" to ask...isn't davesgarden great?
well colocasias they seem to like indirect light. in a simi bogy place they will really take off. or you can water them everyday. you can go to www.agriastarts.com.... some can handel it in a pond some can't... esp the ones up above agristarts...
ely