Re: CULT: Freeze Protection

Betty in Kentucky asked:
<Does anyone remember when the stalks on irises start to extend and what

stages provide the most chance of damage? >

What I've noticed over the years is that these late severe cold spells
seem to damage/abort stalk primordia before anything starts to show
(here, that's about ~2 to 4 weeks before bloom).  So I covered a row of
super-tough older mid-season bloomers that I lined out last year to take
to our sale - they rarely show injury from these freezes, but usually
don't bloom unless I cover them.  They were all jumbled together so I
want to sort out which is which before taking them to the sale - mostly
WENATCHEE SKIES.

The more sensitive cultivars will be damaged enough that the terminal
will rot out, leaving only increase.  Again, that's about 2 to 4 weeks
before bloom.  And of course, the most sensitive ones die with no bloom,
but that wasn't the question <g>

Less sensitive ones will have stunted stalks, distorted flowers etc if
damaged during this same time period.

Later bloomers are less likely to show damage & I have no idea if this
is because the stalk/bloom primordia stay dormant till well past time
for possible damage, or if they are developing more slowly all along so
are less sensitive to damaging cold or what.  I suspect it differs for
different cultivars, because some later bloomers have stunted stalks &
deformed flowers after especially bad, late March freezes & some never
have damage.

Phil Williams has told me several times that some of his customers have
told him that slower increasing (growing?) cultivars are less likely to
be damaged by late freezes and being with companion plants/mulch.  At
least I think that's what he said.  You there Phil?

So, does that help?  Tell you which things over which we have no control
to worry about <g>?

Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
on the bright side - this will probably help make more room for new
plants....


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