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| Day after hard frost in Rexburg ID. The gladiolus are fine and the dahlias on the left didn't make it through. When outside temperatures reach 55 F high and 29 F as a low, inside this high tunnel it will be 90 F high and 32 F low. Oct. 6 2013. |
The dahlias didn't make it after the first hard freeze and probably due to there intolerance to any frost damage. Tubers were still alive and there was plenty of time to dig up tubers and place them into storage. The dahlias outside were frozen a good ways down the main stem. But, since the outside ground is still pliable the tubers were salvageable.
Other things that I learned from this project is timing of gladiolus outside. Don't wait to plant gladiolus after July 18 in Rexburg. But, the most important thing I learned is you can push up against this date in Rexburg ID. Its October 11, 2013 and I am still harvest gladiolus in a high tunnel outside. Even after nasty frosts. Theoretical I can be planting gladiolus from end of March till July and produce many cuts. Total amount of bulbs used in this was around 500 bulbs. Also color variety will have different maturity dates and has helped to reduce waste in all blooms coming on at once.
One observation between gladiolus grown in the schools greenhouse versus in ground high tunnel is that they are quite a bit longer stems outside. I will get data comparison later.
The high tunnel will be used for wintering over tulip and daffodil cuts. I will post pictures later.
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| If you notice the main stems of dahlias are still green, but most upper foliage is dead because of temperatures. The plants closest to the ground received less damage. Using "Johnny Seeds" Solar Mulch helps retain daily high temperatures and transfers heat to soil and plants. |
