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Enabling perennial seedlings to survive the winter
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Posted by andrew_london UK zone 8/9? (My Page) on Wed, Sep 26, 07 at 17:42
| I have a number of perennials which I sowed in late July/early August which are still only small seedlings. Can they be brought safely through the winter, and, if so, how? I have only a cold frame, no greenhouse. The cold frame is closed at the moment because it contains some cuttings but, with any luck, these should have rooted OK by the end of the autumn. The perennial seedlings (Lychnis, Catanache, Galium, one or two others) are in modules outside but I cannot imagine they will grow a great deal more this autumn, certainly not enough to transfer them to what would normally be the next stage, of one-litre pots. Would it be best to keep them going outside for as long as reasonably possible and then move them to the cold frame some time in, say, November or early December? Presumably the cold frame will need to be partly open so as to allow them some air but covered to keep off the rain? Sould I move some to the cold frame and leave some outside, protected maybe with fleece? Or should I anticipate losing the seedlings over the winter unless I bring them into the house? Any suggestions or personal experience would be helpful here. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Enabling perennial seedlings to survive the winter
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| The cold frame should be perfect. I sow many alpine-type perennials in late summer because they do not grow well during the summer heat and they are fine over winter. You can close up the frame when it is particularly cold. Or anywhere that isn't going to get attacked by foraging birds and animals and ideally protected from the heaviest rain since they won't be using a lot of water. |
RE: Enabling perennial seedlings to survive the winter
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| Hi, andrew. The cold frame sounds great as snb says. I had too many to put under cover, last year, so I put them on the patio and covered them with bubble-wrap. They all survived. However, it was a very mild winter! They're offering us a chillier one this winter, if you can believe what they say! Good Luck |
RE: Enabling perennial seedlings to survive the winter
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| A cold frame as suggested will be fine. Even up against a sheltered house wall should be fine as long as all plantlets are hardened off and classed as hardy. If placed in a cold frame allow for air movement so botrytis does not set in, also monitor for slugs, snails and even mice using them as a winter larder ! |
RE: Enabling perennial seedlings to survive the winter
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If sand is available a 'plunge bed' is an alternative.
Sink the pot into sand 2-3 cm where they will be comfortable until you need them.
Here in our very cold winters seed catalogue houses use this method. |
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