Shame on me! It's been "I'll do it tomorrow" for awhile now. Is it too late to plant in the ground some good size (18"-30") rooted cuttings with good root structure? They dieback here in the winter, but have come back nicely. I have some NOIDs, a Day Dreams, Donna's Monster, Forever More and a couple more that I kept meaning to plant, but had a round of mites and held back. Do you think it's too late?
Is it to late to plant in ground?
What's the weather like between now and your first frost? When is your first frost? What is the soil like? Will the new plants get any sort of protection? They have a much better chance of returning if they have a well established root system. I've found that the "official" first frost date can be way off some years. Our "official first frost date" for this part of Fayette County is December 1st. We've had our first frost anywhere between late October to late December. Personally, I would wait until spring especially with Day Dreams.
This message was edited Aug 29, 2008 8:28 PM
Our first frost is usually around 11/15, but who knows???? Yes, I understand about the root system. If you're there, BettyDee, and I'm here, maybe I should wait.
Bettydee - I have my new brugs in 1 gal containers - when should I put them in the ground? I'm in a suburb of Dallas - first frost date Nov 16th -planting location is by a fence - not in the shade but in the shelter of a big live oak tree - they were from a co-op this summer - 2 pink velvets - 1 mountain magic and 1 melon kisses - they have good roots - they were a litter worse for the wear when they arrived - leaves all shriveled and stem limp - they got shipped twice- they are doing well now - I can bring them inside for the winter if that would be better for them - at what point should I bring them in?
Kittylover,
Mature healthy Brugs are safe down to the mid 30s. The Brugs most of us have are hybrids of the B. aurea group, 4 species and a natural hybrid. Depending on their genetic background, some Brugs are hardier than others. So some will handle a light frost for a few hours without much damage. While others suffer extensive damage and need more protection, but all have to have a well established root system to make it through the winter and to re-emerge next spring.
You mention that the first frost date is Nov 16th, but you can't count on that. We've had an almost two month difference in our first frost date. This is what worries me: If you plant the Brugs in the ground, will you have enough time for the plants to get established and to produce large mature stems that you can take as backup cuttings in case the mother plant doesn't make it through the winter? Plants take longer to get established when planted in the ground than when planted in a pot.
To answer you questions: The plants will probably be established by the first frost if you have a late frost this year, but you may not get enough new growth to take the backup cuttings. You will have to decide if you can do without the backup cuttings. Personally, as I suggested to BDunn, I'd wait until spring. Meanwhile, if the roots have filled the gallon containers, transplant the Brugs into 2 or 3 gallon containers and allow them to continue growing outside until the last minute. When the forecast calls for temperatures below 35ºF (To be conservatively safe.), take them indoors.
Thanks - I'm sure the roots haven't filled the 1 gal - I only got them at the end of July - I think I will wait 'till next spring to put them in the ground - I have one straight stem on all of them - new leaves have emerged from the nodes and are growing - not into branches yet - Thanks again