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Old 01-28-2007, 05:32 PM   #4 (permalink)
chong
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Default Re: Zone 6, containers, and Fruit

C_B,
Right now, they're in a greenhouse where the t'stat is set at 58F. Though it wasn't until after our first freeze in late Oct. that I brought them in. Some of the bigger ones (cavendish types which are older) are still outside. And until yesterday, they had a makeshift frame and covered with clear plastic (visqueen). Now they have the clear corrugated polycarbonate (lexan) roofing for the roof and sides. They still have the (3) 100watt lightbulbs and 600 watt heater. They're not the only plants outside. The nanas are sharing the cover with guavas, starfruits, sapodillas, lychee, joy perfume trees, magnolia cocos, and cestrum nucturnums(night blooming jessamines).

When the power went out for 6 days, I could only control the greenhouse temps to 35F. Some of the Super Dwarf Cavendish plants had blackened along the fringes of the leaves. The D. Orinocos, D. brazilian, even the cavendish from Perto Rico, and my 2 D.Niņos showed no signs of damage, and are still growing.

Orinocos definitely needs support when holding large bunches of fruit. My D. Orinocos are only 1.5 years old they are TC seedlings as I said. It'll probably take another 2 years before I can get anything. Check the search engine on this forums for the CA Gold and Orinocos, and D. Brazilians, there are recent posts on them, including durability, growing habits, tastes, suitability for certain conditions, etc.

Regarding covering for plants left outside, I had posted a suggestion a month or so ago for JoeS475 in NJ. I will send you a link to it after I find it. I just can't do it right now because I am packing for a trip to Vegas tonight for a meeting tomorrow. If I time and can get on-line tonight, I will post it then.
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