basjoo sun/late planting
 

I've got four young basjoo's about 32" tall in pots with three 1/4" holes in the bottom .
How much sun should they be getting?
The leaves seem to slump down and shrivel when left in full sun on hot days even if watered twice a day. Watering seems to temperarily pump the leaves back up. I thought they were full sun?

I want to plant these soon but I've got landscaping to finish up before I can plant. Whats the latest I can safely plant these in 7a?

Re: basjoo sun/late planting
 

Have they always been outside? Bananas are indeed full sun, although my basjoos do very well in part sun. However, they all need acclimation to the sun if they were inside. If so, start them with shade or shade cloth. Then gradually expose them to the sun. Sun wilt is not uncommon in small plants especially.

Re: basjoo sun/late planting
 

They were in a greenhouse-roofed building at the nursery. I have moved them to a mottled shade area for now. I will slowly work them into the full sun area I intend to plant them in.

Could anyone comment about how late I can safely plant these in zone 7a?
I'm hoping to be ready to plant them by the end of August. Do you think they will be ok planted that late?

Re: basjoo sun/late planting
 

They will be ok planted out the end of August. If you see them making good growth by the time it's ready to frost there, all is well....you want to see that they've made a couple of new leaves because that way you know they're rooted in. If they're in small pots in sun they might need more water, just set them down in a saucer. Then if you're having to water them three times a day, just put that amount of water that you are gving them with each watering x3 in the saucer each day.

Re: basjoo sun/late planting
 

thanks. Since I moved them to a partly shady area they have done great.. new leaf about every 5-6 days. The temps have come back down to earth too, mid 80's - 90 the past week instead of the 110's the two weeks before which really was hard on everything.

I'm hoping to get them in the ground in two weeks or so.