Ya'll know I'm a cutting thief when travel. Last year I brought back cuttings from Aruba and they've done just great. This year I've brought back a couple from Grand Cayman -- just plain white but very big flowers and not very fragrant.
My question -- last year I went at the end of March so I let them harden off for a couple of weeks before planting and the weather had warm nicely by April. This year I got back Feb 8th so to let them harden off a couple of weeks only takes me to the end of February - at least a month shorter time.
How long can I let them go without planting or should I stretch it a little then plant and try my best to get them warm outside? I have no heat mats and don't want to go that route (unless a leating pad on low would work). I'd definitely have to bring them in at night as it will still be chilly, but I probably can get them up to 70 degrees during the day if I can wait a couple more weeks to plant. They were cut on Feb 8th.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Barbara
Advice on new cuttings
No point in trying to root them if it's too cold. You're asking for trouble.
A heating pad on low is fine; so is the top of the refrigerator, the dryer etc. Anywhere toasty warm. Make them think they are in the tropics!
If you want to wait for warmer temperatures outside the sticks are usually fine to be stored for a few months.
I'll wait for warmer temps. How should the cuttings be stored? They's about 14"-18" long and just sitting on my dining room table right now. Do I wrap them or moisten them?
Thanks, Dutchlady
I love this climate here: Some cuttings that had been 'resting' in my shed for the winter have just been brought out into the real world. I must have put them out about 2 weeks ago and four of them were sporting a nice set of roots when I checked this morning, and have been given their own pot!