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Can one grow Parma Violets in Zone 5?

Posted by davidmark z5 IL (My Page) on
Fri, Apr 29, 05 at 8:09

I purchased my first Parmas this March without realizing they do not like being in the house. They are outside in clay pots, but I am now wondering how I will keep them alive until next Spring. The problem - I live in Chicago (Zone 5) and do not have a cool greenhouse. Is it possible to still raise them here. Would they survive my Winter (-10F to -20F) in a cold frame with straw protection? Does anyone have an ingenious solution to this problem? Help!


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RE: Can one grow Parma Violets in Zone 5?

  • Posted by etii France 8 (My Page) on
    Fri, Apr 29, 05 at 17:54

Hello :-)

Well well well.......you've got to choose a very sunny place in winter (southern place and no wind) and try to build a small greenhouse, (some fresh air must be able to go inside but not too much). Sometimes, you can buy seedling cover made out of glass in nursery, or recycle a transparent plastic packing (definitively cheaper)- not a too small one.
Other idea: compost or the manure releases from heat and can protect the roots. Anyway, you are to protect the clay pot from freeze to protect the roots: shavings, teases etc. The leaves can die, that's not really a problem but if the roots freeze it will be THE END ;-)

My 2 parmas died this winter :''( I tried to do my best: bad luck maybe...

Take care :-)
Thierry


 
 

 

 


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