All of my semps (but one) are new, meaning I've collected them since August. Most are very small and still trying to root. Since they will not have any deep roots for winter, will this be a problem? Should I bring them inside, or will they survive winter with the younger roots? I'm in zone 6b.

Does anyone use rooting hormone when planting?

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Linda. The doctor will help you with your question when he gets back from a house call he is out on right now. They will be fine until then. What a caring semp mommy you are.

... Thanks so much Lynn!

Back from a rousing game of golf.. (not really!)

Linda.

Since you are in zone 6, your semps should fare much better outside than inside. They need the cool temps and bright light won't hurt them while they are cool. Just watch out for drying winds during periods of long drought. In other words, if you go for a month without any rain, and you do not have snow cover, a small sip of cold water would be appropriate. Don't overdo it. On the other hand, if your winter is very wet, then you may want to set up a rain shield or cover them with transparent plastic IF you do not get lots of sunshine. Remember that greenhouses generate heat by capturing infrared light which can burn plants if they get too hot. IF that is a concern, keep the sides open for airflow and the plastic a foot or better from the plants. They'll tolerate the cold better than sunny day baking.


Regarding rooting, the plants will send out roots when they need them. My observations suggest to me that rooting will take place in about a month. If your plants have not been moved for a month, then they have likely rooted. The initial roots are tiny and hairlike, so aremeasy to miss unless you dig them up, which you really don't want to do.

Remember the principles of tough love. If you coddle your semps too much by taking them inside, you will make them weaker.

Thanks so much Twit! I have 36 more that I ordered and will need to plant. So they will be okay outside as well?

Wow, you are going to be busy. Outside is the way to go for most of us. Unless you have a greenhouse, I would be sure to put them outside. As a rule, I like to get mine in the spring and summer and plant them outside with some time to acclimate and grow a bit. However, it should not matter when you plant healthy plants, as long as the growing conditions are Ok (not too wet, not too dry) and there are no troublesome triffids to deal with. The professionals, who sell show quality plants, will use unheated greenhouses or Alpine houses which allow them to better control growing conditions and provide protection from variable weather and the passing pests.

We will want to see lots of pictures, both before and after!

...I told everyone I'm on my way to being a sempholic.
To think it started with one semp in May.....
After the 36 new ones arrive, I'll be up to 60!

From none to 60 in 5 months. That's impressive Linda. Yep, I think you now qualify as a sempaholic, we are all here to help you with your addictions. We practice enabling.