Time to move the tropicals outside? (NC)

Second Wind

We've had a pretty mild winter here in North Carolina. This past weekend we had a miniature cool snap, with overnight temps of about 30 degrees for about 3 nights. It looks to me like from here on out we're going to be looking at mid-40s overnight at the lowest.

I'm just curious about when other NC members plan to put their tropicals outside. I know it won't be time yet for a little longer up in the mountains, but here at the coast it seems like it's just about time. My Japanese maples (outside, of course) are budding, and some of the azaleas around town are already flowering.

Just asking because I'd like to let 'em get out of the house and into the sun, but don't really want to have to move them more than once.

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Jay

Second Wind...I'm far from NC but there is one thing that is true regardless of growing zone. If you are trying to maximize the outdoor time, you will need to do the 'two step' now and then. If you do not wish to have to bring the trees in and out as the temps dictate, you will have to wait till a date deeper into spring when the temps are not going to dip.

Jay

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BonsaiMon

Jay is right on about the cooler nite temps.. the 'tropical two step' can give your plants more sun, air circulation and ease in watering but when the nights are still dipping into the 40'sF they won't like it. Forecasts have a cold front coming through around April 1 for a few days here in Zone 8, Va Beach.
Depending on how many trees you are moving, it may be easier waiting til the last frost date. Here it is April 14.. there can still be cold nites 30-50F.. it may be earlier this year but I wait til the low temps are steady in the 50'sF.

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tom stoute

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susieq

Hello Second Wind,
Specifically what kind of tropicals do you keep? Some tropicals are more tropical than others. I have been keeping a small variety of tropicals for about 10 years now. Some Fukien Tea, Olive, and Malpiggiahs. Although we do not get the long weeks of cold weather here in Florida like you do in North Carolina, we do get the odd freeze or frost warnings.

What has worked for me is keeping the collection on those little flat bed garden wagons like you see in Lowe's or Home Depot...I have 3 of them and in the late fall, all of the tropicals come off the shelves and go live on these wagons. (packed to the gills, I need to buy fourth one) They live on these wagons all winter long. If the weather permits, they are out in the sun. If the weather doesn't permit, I simply pull them inside. There are about 60 or so, that live like this and it sure beats hauling them in and out individually or even two or three at a time.

What I have found with these particular tropical plants is that temperatures into the high 30's will not hurt them....at least it has never hurt any of mine.
The only tree I do not leave out if it threatens to get below 48 degrees, is the olive. Mr. olive is very unhappy if it gets that chilly. The other plants I have named, don't really seem to care. They are dormant or as dormant as tropicals get... they don't grow during the winter, but they seem to survive just fine.

I don't know how delicate your tropicals are, I can only speak for the varieties I keep. I also have about a dozen Fukien Teas and malpiggiahs planted in the ground around the house, trying to develop trunks on them. I never cover them but then they are right next to the house so maybe that doesn't count. We normally get a few nights into the mid twentys here, even more into the 30s.

We have probably seen our last frost warning for the season. Where you are, that is not the case. My folks live in Western North Carolina too and they could still get a real cold snap. Maybe the wagons or little flat bed carts of some kind would be a good thing for you too.
sincerely,
susieq

Mcspeed

Im from Massachusetts, but I like susieq's answer, my only adder is this transition is easier to deal with in the fall- winter move, a light frost or 2 isn't a huge deal at that time, but in the spring you have newer more tender growth, that will be affected, and now you have to hope the tree is vigorous enough to survive loosing new growth. The two step become a tradition if you grow these trees.

Welcome to the club. The cart is a good idea.

Bill