Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/7/2007

Question
Hello,
I live in Alabama now, and I have already purchased large petunias, geraniums and other annuals.  We are having cold weather this week.  I covered the roses and some other perennials last night and I dragged all the MANY pots into the garage.  It is going to freeze the next two nights and then go to 38 degrees the following nights.  It's cold in the daytime too (45 today).  So...
1. Do I have to cover roses for freezing temps?
2.  Should I keep the annuals in the garage during the day when it's 42?
3.  Do I have to cover and hide in the garage everything when it's 38 at night?

Thanks!

Answer
I know that you folks are shivering down there - I've heard from several people in the same boat!  If I were you I'd just leave the geraniums and other annuals in the garage for the next three days - even if the garage isn't heated, they will be protected.  If you have any florscent light fixtures you could put them over the plants, but if not, just keep them in the garage - for three days the lack of light won't be much of a problem.  If the petunias are already large, put them somewhere in the house where it's as sunny as you can find - they are more sensitive to the lack of light.  Continue to cover the roses if they are really leafed out, but don't worry about the perennials.  The life force in these plants is so strong at this time of year that even if the edges of the leaves get a bit nipped they won't suffer if the temps are above 35.

Later in the week if the daytime temps are above 50 put the plants out during the day again and bring them in at night...once the temperatures are  back near normal you can go ahead and plant.

I hope this helps!
all the best,
C.L.
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