Re: [CH] Blossom Drop on C. pubescens
Uncle Steve (UncleSteve@ushotstuff.com)
Wed, 9 Aug 2006 19:17:49 -0400
>Thanks for all of the advice, folks. As I suspected, it appears that
>the general consensus is that high heat is the issue. My manzano is
>in a container, so I might overwinter it, but I have typically gotten
>excellent first year production from this variety.
I don't think the heat alone is the cause of blossom drop. Without a
change in temps between day and night, it effects the fruit set.
Blossom drop may be caused by stress, like heat with no water. The
plant will try and save itself if it can by cutting back on flowers,
sometimes even early fruit and dropping leaves (they turn yellow
first), conserving its energy for later when conditions improve,
hopefully.
Container growing has a problem with the soil getting much hotter
than plants set out in the garden. They tend to need more water. If I
want to bring a plant in to overwinter I plant the container in the
garden so the root ball is at normal below ground level where it is
cool which helps with the high heat I have to deal with here. It also
helps conserves water. Then dig it up, wash off the outside and bring
in to overwinter. Not an option if growing on a balcony is all the
space you have.
--
Enjoy the heat,
Uncle Steve
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