It's getting to be that time of year ~ time to think about bringing the plants indoors for the winter. This is the first time I've ever had Epies to consider and am seeking good advice from my fellow DG'ers on how to best care for these beauties during the winter. So many questions.....
. How cold should I let it get outside before I bring them in? The forecast for my area is calling for lows of mid 40's for a couple nights later this week....then back to lows in the mid 50's for the rest of the week. Do I run them back and forth between the indoors and the outdoors to keep them from chilling...or will a couple "cooler" nights (in the low 40's) not harm them?
I've read some posts that say they need the cooler temps to help buds form in the spring but not sure what "cooler temps" are and at what point to bring them in for good. I don't want them to get chilled.
Will indoor temps during the winter be okay? What about the dryness with the furnace running? I may have access to a greenhouse......will they winter over better in that environment?
I have acquired quite a few Epies this year in anticipation of the beautiful blooms next year and I want to treat them right through the winter. Any help/advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated........I'm just a beginner so nothing is too basic for me! =)
Thanks, all...
Betsy
Wintering Over Epies? WHAT'S BEST?
Betsy, winters before this last one, I have put my epies in the cool, dark basement and given a cup or so of water about once a month.
Last year I moved, have no basement nor cool space so my epies came inside, but no cool spell. The red one flowered this year, the QOTN did not, but I also divided it last fall. They like to be root-bound.
Meant to add, I bring mine inside when nights approach 40º, NO less.