Cold will kill swollen tree buds
Q: I have noticed several of my Forsythia bushes are starting to bloom. Also, I talked to a relative who said his peach and plum trees have swollen buds on them. What is going on with our plants?
K. D. of Fayetteville
A: Your plants are getting fooled by the mild winter we are experiencing this year. We have had a few hard freezes and then this mild spell in December has tricked the plants to behave like spring is just around the corner. As a result, all the buds that have broken into bloom and the ones that have swollen with water will die when the true winter hits. Their spring display will not be as beautiful as expected and the fruit trees may not bear as much fruit next spring.
This situation happens especially on a south-facing slope when the sun shines and warms up the soil. This situation usually does not happen on a north-facing slope. This same thing would be affected by plants planted on a south side of a building as the latent heat can have the same effect as the slopes.
Q: Give me the directions for keeping a poinsettia, Christmas cactus and a holly plant alive after the Christmas holidays. My relatives know that I like plants so I will probably get a few again this year. I lost your suggestions from several years back. Thank you in advance.
L. W. of Marissa
A: Poinsettias should be kept with the air temperature between 55 and 60 degrees for the longest lasting floral blooms as any temperature higher will cause the flowers to fade quickly. A large amount of light helps to keep the plant healthy but do not place it by a window as the glass will magnify the heat from the light and can actually burn the bracts (colored leaves). Water the plants thoroughly but empty the water that drains through into the plastic sleeve surrounding the pot. Let the soil dry out. Usually you need to water it about only every seven to 10 days. If the bracts begin to droop, check the soil. It probably has dried out and the plant is wilting.
Christmas cacti require a temperature between 55 and 70 degrees. If you can keep the plant at the same air temperature, the flowers will not fall off. Usually these plants thrive near an east-facing window. Water these plants only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch and is not cool to the touch. Mist the leaves about two times a week as they are tropical cacti, not desert types.
Holly plants should not be overwatered as this will cause the roots to rot and kill the plant. If these plants have a plastic wrap around the container, place the holly in a saucer to allow drainage. Keep the hollies in the coolest location you can without allowing them to freeze. In the spring, you can keep them in the container and place them outside in a shady protected area free from drying winds. If a cultural card is attached to the pot, it may indicate the variety and what plant zone for which it is hardy; we are in plant zone five.
Charles Giedeman is a local contributing writer. Send your gardening questions to Lifestyle Editor Patrick Kuhl, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, 120 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62222-0427, or email them to pkuhl@bnd.com.
Do it now
- TIDY UP: Do a final clean-up of planting beds for flowers and vegetables if the soil is not soggy.
- BIRDS: Feed the birds as once you start until spring occurs with black sunflower seeds, raisins and suet.
This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 3:30 AM with the headline "Cold will kill swollen tree buds."