When should I bring in my plummies for winter?

I understand what I have to do, but not when. Our nights are getting in the mid 40's so I've been putting them in the garage at night. Now the days are getting cooler too. When is it not beneficial to keep putting them outside? We usually have one more warm spell before it starts to turn cold, should I wait until after that? It seems way too early, but they're doing so well, I don't want to harm them.

Good question. Anyone?

Clare always taught me that once the nights drop below 40 degrees they can sustain harm so it looks like it's close. Someone else will chime it with good advice. Once my days drop below 60, I don't have them outside.

Thanks BDunn....we're almost there. It was beautiful today though, I think it got to 74, but it's going to be getting cooler anytime now. I was nervous the first time I had to NOT WATER? some of my orchids for winter too. It just seems so strange to stop. I'll get over it, but don't want to start until it's time.

The nights are getting cooler here, too, Sis, even though it's 90 degrees today. I really wait until the last minute, because they go into the greenhouse, which is UPhill! Not carrying those babies up there until I have to. :-)

I would take them in when you don't see any new growth, and the old leaves yellow and start to drop. This is a great indication that the plant is going dormant.
Davie

Aha, something to look for! There are still growing new leaves and no sign of yellow, so I'll hang on for a while yet. Had a real dip tonight, supposed to be down to 38 but back to 70's tomorrow daytime. Of course they are safe in the workshop behind the garage, it's insulated so it doesn't get as cold.

Thanks Davie!!

I've been watching this thread, too. My one plant also looks great, like summer will last forever. We've had mid forties for two nights, but slight warming coming. It's plunged,(just learned what that is) and some roots will be ripped off when I pull it.

Mid forties is not a problem as long as it isn't wet.

Thanks!

Good to know, thank you Dutchlady1. That should give me some time yet, as long as it's not raining.

This is good to know - we're getting into the 60's at night here, 90's during the day. I keep trying to think of someplace to keep my plants so they don't have to go dormant...