Re: Forcing hostas for an indoor exhibit

Hi Reggie,
           I've forced hostas before and basically the only important thing is to keep them cool and dry once they're growing. Temps around 45-55 F at night and 50-60 F daytime. Too much heat and they will become soft and floppy, too much heat and water and they will rot too. They take about a month to fully leaf out, and at least two more weeks to color up. Starting them at the end of January should work fine. Trying to hold them another month once they're leafed out probably is OK if you watch the temperature closely. Color will be best if they get plenty of sun. Lutescent golds may take another month or more to turn from chartreuse to gold. Avoid letting them leaf out in shade then putting them in sun, start them with the sun they will have once up.
                                                                             ...............Bill Meyer
----- Original Message -----
From: b*@total.net
To: n*@hotmail.com ; z*@rulbim.leidenuniv.nl ; g*@vermontel.net ; M*@aol.com ; P*@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM ; f*@WHRO.NET ; h*@egroups.com ; hosta-open@mallorn.com ; C*@WORLDNET.ATT.NET ; c*@juno.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2001 6:01 PM
Subject: Forcing hostas for an indoor exhibit

We are participating in the Quebec International Indoor Landscape Garden Show in Quebec City fron April 4th to 14th 2002.
 
We are the only Society having a garen, with more than 20 countries, a dozen of big cities and other provinces.
 
We will have a garden of 650 square feet to landscape.
 
We have many hostas in 3 or 4 gallon pots.They have to be in containers for the show.
 
That raise few questions.
 
The hostas need a period of dormancy. They are now outside, and they will be covered with a geotextile blanket for the beginning of winter.
 
They will all be moved in an greenhouse in the beginning of January to be forced and be ready for the show. Then they must be full folliage.
 
Before January the outside weather could be minus 20 degrees celtius.
 
The technique we are using are they good?
 
If not I need suggestions.
 
Thank for your help and comments.
 
Reggie D. Millette
President
Quebec Hostas and Hemerocallis Society
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index