Re: Winter annuals Sunset Zone 11?

**"* M* <B*@verizon.net>**

Zone 10 is more likely to freeze than Zone 11, and Zone 11 is close to frost 
free. Some years it is, some not. There is only a tiny  bit of Zone 10 in 
the USA and a much smaller bit that's classed as 11. In either zone it is 
usually not hard to protect things with good siting and occasional covering 
with a cotton sheet or floating row cover. On the other hand, spells of 
really hot weather can come along even in winter, so sweet peas are not an 
option.

Pansies, Phlox drummondii, strawflowers, and dianthus have significant frost 
tolerance and are not vulnerable. Dianthus is really strong because it can 
take whatever comes along, including heat waves and sudden frosts. When I 
lived in Zone 9 (central Florida) I found through experience that emerging 
sunflower and cleome seedlings could withstand frost but I never saw that 
stated in any garden book or article. Later in their development they lost 
their frost tolerance.

-- Betty
www.mackeybooks.com

----- Original Message ----- 

> Thanks Betty, but Sunset Zone 11 freezes in the winter. I'm thinking that 
> it
> might be somewhat comparable to my USDA zone 7 and that Pansies and
> Snapdragons might be a choice.
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Betty Mackey" <BettyMackey@verizon.net>
>>A lot depends on heat, but in Zone 11 you can have snapdragons, petunias,
>> dianthus, phlox drummundii, strawflowers (Helichrysum), and much more.
>> Some tender perennials such as impatiens, small dahlias (which need 
>> summer
>> protection), and coleus can live for years in this usually frost-free
>> climate. Tender annuals such as marigolds can usually get through but you
>> should get new plants in the fall. The old ones eventually get tired and
>> die of old age even when it does not freeze.
>

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