norteno

I have two Basjoos now in the ground their second full year in the Portland Oregon area. I over wintered them with just a light mulch and a wrap of frost cloth. They started this growing season at about 4 feet tall and are just over that now. I am really trying to push all the growth possible this year. I have fertilized with high nitrogen Scotts lawn food once a month and I water well every day. Growth rate is one new leaf every week at best. They look great but are not explosive in growth. Is this a good growth rate or could it be better? There is a house around the way with 10ft tall basjoos that they do not protect in winter. I am jealous.