Say what? Season opening in June? Yes, this update has little to do with typical measuring of the growth and beautiful pictures of giant sequoias. Instead, it’s the next chapter in the mighty war of sequoias in Zone 5.
There were total of about 20 GS outside for the past winter. Two normal trees, about 2-3ft tall, two bush-like survivors from previous winters and the rest all very small seedlings up to 8-9 inches tall. All seedlings and the two “bushes” were kept under styrofoam thermal cones. The two real trees had a burlap layer outside of the wire fence and another layer of highly reflective plastic. There was a decent amount snow this past winter with about 2/3rd of the tree height covered by it by the middle of the winter.
This winter was exceptionally cold and long. Temperatures dipped to -30F (-34C). With the windchill temperatures were reported to be below -50F (-45C). Average minimal temperature for January 2019 was an incredible -20F (-29C). This means not only that it got extremely cold several times, it stayed cold all January.
It got a little better in February but It was still -20C several times and then in March it got to -22C yet again. Majority of April was below freezing. Apple and cherry trees bloomed three weeks later than usual. This winter was hell for people and sequoias alike.
One of the older trees completely died:
By middle May there were no traces of green.
The second and largest tree did not die completely but it was severely decimated except for a few branches at the very bottom:
Number 220 will most likely become another bush-like sequoia.
All "giant sequoias bushes" that were covered with styrofoam survived without any visible problems. They are beginning to produce new shoots that perhaps will lead to the new leads. However, they all look like more or less like #220 above.
Several Hazel Smiths that were purchased in December 2018 are sitting in pots:
An experiment I would like to conduct for next winter is to build a large styrofoam cone that would cover larger trees.
There were total of about 20 GS outside for the past winter. Two normal trees, about 2-3ft tall, two bush-like survivors from previous winters and the rest all very small seedlings up to 8-9 inches tall. All seedlings and the two “bushes” were kept under styrofoam thermal cones. The two real trees had a burlap layer outside of the wire fence and another layer of highly reflective plastic. There was a decent amount snow this past winter with about 2/3rd of the tree height covered by it by the middle of the winter.
This winter was exceptionally cold and long. Temperatures dipped to -30F (-34C). With the windchill temperatures were reported to be below -50F (-45C). Average minimal temperature for January 2019 was an incredible -20F (-29C). This means not only that it got extremely cold several times, it stayed cold all January.
It got a little better in February but It was still -20C several times and then in March it got to -22C yet again. Majority of April was below freezing. Apple and cherry trees bloomed three weeks later than usual. This winter was hell for people and sequoias alike.
One of the older trees completely died:
The second and largest tree did not die completely but it was severely decimated except for a few branches at the very bottom:
 |
| #220 after 2019 winter |
All "giant sequoias bushes" that were covered with styrofoam survived without any visible problems. They are beginning to produce new shoots that perhaps will lead to the new leads. However, they all look like more or less like #220 above.
Several Hazel Smiths that were purchased in December 2018 are sitting in pots:
An experiment I would like to conduct for next winter is to build a large styrofoam cone that would cover larger trees.
Are you continue grow GS from seeds ? Further low germination ?
ReplyDeleteI try copy nature : last september put about 30 seeds on bed in Chicago area . In may germinate only one . Now he dead ( brouning ) without any damage .
I do continue growing GS from seeds. Germination is not an issue. 20-30% germinate from seeds I got back in 2013. Still have thousands more seeds. It’s keeping them alive that’s the problem.
ReplyDeleteInitial mortality is an issue but not a big one. About 1/3 survive indoors to second year. After that they don’t die unless exposed to outside agents.
I tried “natural” process one time with planting 100 seeds outside. There were limited germinations at about 10% but all were dead within a month after that.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I will do correlation for next grow season .
ReplyDeleteI hope , you consider offer prepare personal protection screen for each planted GS radius 3 meters before planting . Made it dense using buxus , pinus mugo ,taxus or something else. Screen must be higher planted GS twice-tree times.
ReplyDeleteJudging by the picks and map , windproof concept designed for the future for the whole territory. But result need now in a prominent place. Extremely powerful windscreen must work immediately and do not let the smallest wind inside even in the storm in winter. The other two benefits : protect from patogenic fungi and grows itself. In my opinion , need create immediatly working much higher , really very thick , several layers ,circular windscreen for each GS or cluster . Large -sised cedar, buxus . taxus , pinus mugo ... can be used.Can not predict the possible effect of synergy in harsh environment.
ReplyDeleteYes, that’s the idea. In one of the earlier posts I described the layout of wind breakers. It will take them to grow a bit.
DeleteHave you ever considered writing a post dedicated to a detailed guide describing your current optimized method, including the equipment, fertilizer, and fungicides that you use? I’d like to get into the sequoia growing game, but it’s a little intimidating after seeing all of the challenges you’ve faced. I think a lot of beginners like me could benefit from something like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I would consider that but I’m yet to find the magic formula for growing sequoia in Zone 5. What is your zone ?
DeleteI live in zone 6, so I suppose a lot of your findings might not translate. Specifically, I was curious about:
Delete1) Do you stratify at room temperature on a damp coffee filter with distilled water?
2) After roots appear, what is the soil composition you transfer the seeds to, how much sunlight do the germinated seeds receive, and how much water do they receive/how often are they watered? Do you use fungicide or fertilizer?
3) Is there a maximum amount of time the plants can remain indoors? I have a grow light, and would like to keep them out of the cold for as long as possible. I know you had concerns about the plants becoming accustomed to the warmth.
4) Once planted outside, do you still regularly water the trees?
I know that’s a lot of questions, but I’d really like to get this right, and you’re probably the most knowledgeable person on this topic. Anything would help. Thanks again!