Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 9/17/2011

Question
Hi! I live in southern Massachusetts and this summer we've gotten pretty warm temps in the 80's and 90's.So my sarracenia leucophylla has only produced the phyllodia leaves so far. Now when it's just about to be fall the temperatyre has DROPPED down to like 50 degreesF. I'm worried because my leuco is just starting to produce the fall pitchers. But now that it is getting pretty cold will this affect the pitchering of my plant? Will it still produce the gorgeous fall pitchers?

Answer
Yes, your plant will continue to produce pitchers up to the first overnight frost.  If you were living in the southeastern regions of the US, you might enjoy a longer growing season before the first frost occurs, sometimes in early December.  One of the compromises of living in the northeastern region of the US is a much shorter growing season since the first frost can in late September or early October.

We have the same issue at our nursery in Oregon.  Our growing season is relatively short.  Some years we have a long growing season, and we get to enjoy the fall foliage through the end of October.  Other years we have a short one and we only get to enjoy the fall foliage for a week or so.  That's part of the game when growing plants outdoors.  

In any case, your plant will be fine.  Enjoy the plant while you can.  By early November, you'll need to start prepping your plant for winter dormancy.  Make sure to watch our monthly podcasts for important tips.
http://www.cobraplant.com/DVD

Good Growing!
Jacob Farin