Viewing post #951857 by DavidLMO

dyzzypyxxy said:

If you can sort of simulate those conditions, I'm sure they would do fine through the winter......

If you want to get blooms next summer, I would pot them up and bring them to your warmest, sunny window sometime around March or so. Then get them outside as soon as the night temperatures are warm enough, . . . say for you to sleep with the windows open. Most of my gingers don't need full sun, but they do need warmth to bloom.

All 4 plants are in pots now ~ 1 - 2 gal. Hehehe Maybe I could move them from a back bedroom and put them in the garage. Then back. Naw - too much shock. It can get to 32 in my garage though I did over winter 3 deck planters in there with Geraniums and Calibrachoas - all did well. I was surprised. Gave them a small drink once a month.

If we get UP to the 50s it is often miraculous. Jan '15 bad - Jan '14 was HORRID. That year we had like 20 straight days of highs no higher than 20. Most nights well below Zero. YECH.

Maybe I can just trick them a bit in my basement? It usually stays about 65 there, humidity ~ 50 - I have humidifier that I usually run and have a dehumidifier as well. I started the Ginger there December 20 last year under flourescent lights. They were over a foot tall when I placed them outdoors after Mother's day.

I run lights on a timer and can adjust to whatever...I usually run the lights on 12/off 12. Under my metal halide warehouse lights - 2 fixtures 500 watts each (purchased for 25 $ each ) - the temp is ~ 10 degrees or more higher. They put out a lot of heat.

Maybe I could put the gingers and Turmeric under them and they would think they are in Florida? I think that might work.

Elaine, thanks for all your comments. They ARE much appreciated and though we are Zones apart, they give me seeds for thought.