Fringe Tree / Chionanthus virginicus

Hi all,

Here's a question for trees-from-seed enthusiasts. I acquired a lot of Chionanthus virginicus seeds already stratified. I planted the sprouted ones in deep cell trays (~ 2" in diameter and 4" deep) and most are now about 4" high. The remaining seeds in the baggie are still sprouting at the rate of 2 or 3 a week, and I'm planting them too.

Am I looking at having to make space indoors for these guys for the entire winter? Or should I harden them off now and let them overwinter outside in the nursery bed?

My indoor space is a south-facing sunroom that gets quite cool at night and quite warm during the day.

I'm in the warm side of USDA zone 5 (zone 6b in Canada). I have a large walk-in cold frame that would protect them from snow and wind.

What do you suggest? Thanks in advance.

I'd say,harden them off then set th pots out in a sheltered spot outside.

Lucky you. I'm still waiting on the ones I sewed last fall to sprout.

P

Thanks. I'm going to take the biggest ones and harden them off starting today. The little ones I'll hold inside as "insurance".

That's always the best thing to do.

P