Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 10/26/2010

Question
Hello, I live in zone 6 and recently took action to
winterize my cp's. All of my VFT's along with Scarlet Belle
and psiticinia I unpotted, bagged, and have refrigerated.

However, with some of the larger plants [purpurea, Tarnok,
and other Sarracenia along with Drosera] I have them set up
in my garage in standing water. Per your e-book, I'm wanting
to keep them safe from wind damage/ frost and perhaps better
temps for them for the coming months. My question is, will
this be sufficient? Are there any other considerations to
ensure a successful dormancy as this is my first experience?

Thank you in advance.

Answer
The garage method is fine, provided that your garage is well insulated.  The biggest issue is rapid changes in temperature and repeated freezing and thawing.  Fungus also seems to be a big issue, so you'll need to be vigilant and spray generously with a sulfur fungicide.

If your garage isn't well insulated and/or the temperature fluctuates a lot during the winter months, use a small space heater.  Set the thermostat to come on when the temperature drops below freezing.  This will keep your plants in the mid 30s and prevent repeated freezing and thawing.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin