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View Full Version : Orinoco and Basjoo Pseudostems


wxman
04-11-2011, 12:32 PM
How cold can orinoco and basjoo pseudostems take? Mine were looking mighty unhappy in the house so I planted them in the ground yesterday since it was 85 degrees out and my soil temperature was up to 60. Looks like we could see upper 20s for lows this upcoming weekend.

Daytime temperatures will get back above freezing.

They are approximately 3 feet tall at the moment.

If they won't be ok with those temperatures what is a quick and easy way to protect them at night to withstand those temperatures? Don't want to dig them back out now. LOL.

Last frost date is April 26 here so I don't have much to go.

Bob3
04-11-2011, 05:10 PM
Your p-stem may make it but any leaves will probably get toasted during a frost.
Best "quick & easy" frost protection is to make a round cage out of concrete reinforcing mesh (or other stout fencing), stick a light bulb inside (careful not to have it in contact with combustibles) and cover with blankets or tarps.
You can also make a "teepee" or cylinder frame out of sticks, staple blankets on it.
Remove during the daytime.
Otherwise if no leaves wrap the trunk in blankets or cardboard, or heap leaves or straw on it & hope for the best.

Alternately a water mist can do the trick but it uses a fair amount of water during the time of the year when you probably don't need any extra water but that can get blown away in a slight breeze.

wxman
04-11-2011, 08:14 PM
Covered.

Pounded four furring strips in around each group. Wrapped with plastic and put a light bulb inside. Warm ground plus light should keep them safe. Plus I will leave it on during the day to induce some rapid growth before May.

wxman
04-11-2011, 08:34 PM
Covered.

Pounded four furring strips in around each group. Wrapped with plastic and put a light bulb inside. Warm ground plus light should keep them safe. Plus I will leave it on during the day to induce some rapid growth before May.

Bob3
04-12-2011, 02:05 PM
That sounds like your 'nanners have a toastier little house than some I've lived in back when I was in Wisconsin. :bananas_b