How dry is dry?

[Carlo A. Balistrieri]

At 08:22 AM 5/14/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Please, will somebody help an innocent?
>
>I've got some dormant Arisaema seedlings now and I don't know how to keep
>them. I'd rather not refrigerate them.  Do I just let them fend for
>themselves in the great outdoors (i.e., drought conditions in the usual
>central North Carolina summer)? Or do I water them occasionally; if so,
>how occasionally?
>
>Donna Maroni

Good try Donna! NO ONE who grows these things is innocent! We all know
EXACTLY what we're doing.

I would not subject the seedlings to drought conditions. Older plants may be
more able to withstand dryness but seedlings should always be slightly
moist. Overdoing it will lead to rot. Find a location in the shade that will
allow them to stay moist but not soggy.

Your alternative would be to stick them in the fridge but, like yourself, I
avoid that as much as possible. To the extent possible I'd acclimate them to
your natural conditions. North Carolina should be ideal.

Carlo


Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D.        Email: CABalist at facstaff.wisc.edu
P.O. Box 327
Ashippun, WI 53003-0327
U.S.A.
Voice:     414.569.1902  Telefax: same number, please call ahead.