Re: [gardeners] Frost!!!
Cheryl & Erich Schaefer (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Wed, 19 Aug 1998 22:37:53 -0400
I have several hundred iris in
>>peat pots. I wonder if the basement or cold greenhouse would be better
>for
>>overwintering them. Anyone?
>>
>>Cheryl Schaefer
>I overwintered those you sent me in my cold room that stays above freezing
>but below 45 all winter and they did great. I've got them all, but one, in
>pots now, the one is in the ground. I hope to get the rest in the ground in
>the next week or two so they have enough time to grow more roots for the
>winter.
>
>In the greenhouse I would be concerned about them freezing in the pots
>then getting too hot on sunny winter days so they would go through too
>many artificial freeze/thaw cycles.
>
>Terry
The difficulty is with the temperature and light. It is warmer than 45F in
the basement (50+) and I was concerned that they were not going to be
dormant in higher temps and would then need light. I, too, was concerned
about the freeze/thaw if I chose the greenhouse. What about below freezing
in the shed where frequent thawing wouldn't be a problem. Could they take
those conditions? I know a good deal about irises and feel like a complete
idiot where overwintering them in pots is concerned. cheryl