Expert: Gary Bachman - 4/30/2004

Question
can these be grown in Willamette Valley, Oregon

Answer
Suzanne,

These are wonderful plants that more people should grow.  I used to grow these in my garden in Tennessee as an annual plant since they were not hardy.  So I would say yes plant them.

Many times gardeners get caught up in the terms annuals or perennials.  I always recommend to think outside of the box in the garden.  Most all plants will grow outside during the summer no matter what zone we are in.  If you live in zone 4 and the plant is hardy only to zone 7, so what.  If you like it, plant it and treat as an annual.  

Good luck in the garden,

Gary