Hey Kevin ... since I am in zone 6 maybe my experience will be of some help to you. I got 2 small 6" ens. maurii. in late Nov 08. In spite of my close careful attention to them both were dead by Jan 1. I suspect the mites they came with and the lack of soil warmth and bright light did them in. I planted some reg. ensete seeds on 3/20/09 and one was up on 4/8. That one went grew strong and beautifully for me all season and kept pace with 2 additional 6" Maurellii seedlings I bought on line in April. All three remained potted and stayed outside thru Nov18th except when the night temperature was predicted to be 35F or lower (3 inside nights). They have continued to look good and even put out new leaves with minimal watering and seem to be getting stronger as the days begin to lengthen again. So I guess my advice:for me they are fussy about light and heat when young, but as they mature they can take what the fall season brings. We both have short outside growing seasons. My plan was to keep them growing as strong as possible all winter, to have a jump start on the 2010 season, and so far my plan seems to be working. So I'd say go for it, I predict you will not be disappointed! Max
Here are some pics:
Ensete and Zebrina Seeds on planting day after their 3 week warm water soak 3/20/09:
My one day old ensete 4/8:
The 2 purchased Maurellii and the seed grown ensete 6/23:
One of the Maurellii and my seed Enstete Baby on 12/30/09:
Seed to 30" leaves in 9 monthsin Tropical Pittsburgh PA
:
