The tale of unprotected young trachys

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wxman
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The tale of unprotected young trachys

Post by wxman »

I scattered these trachy seeds in the far reaches of my backyard in late fall 2012. Last summer they germinated and grew one strap leaf each before winter set it. I did nothing to protect them going into winter. No extra mulch, no leaves, definitely no heat. I only let them have what mother nature decided to deposit on top of them -- as if they were alone in the woods and on their own. Unfortunately their first true winter alive would prove to be the coldest winter in the last 30 years. The average highs and lows were as follows:

Nov 2013: 44.0 / 29.8
Dec 2013: 28.7 / 13.2
Jan 2014: 22.7 / 5.5
Feb 2014: 23.9 / 9.0
Mar 2014: 36.7 / 21.2

The ground froze at least 3 feet down -- solid! I would assume it was frozen from late November until late March. But, after winters grasp withered away, I was astounded to see these guys looking back at me -- saying "is that all you got?"

Here are pictures for proof of their existence.

Image

Image

Image

Let's see how long they can keep partying in my backyard.


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Brooklands
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Post by Brooklands »

That's pretty amazing.
sashaeffer
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Post by sashaeffer »

Wow....almost makes me want to buy some seeds and try it here!
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Beny
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Post by Beny »

Wow, maybe we re about to create a new species of Trachy, who will be more resistant to our winter. Only the future will tell :D ...

Ben
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pitotes
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Post by pitotes »

Where did.you get seeds from
growing the impossible in my zone 5b?
wxman
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Post by wxman »

pitotes wrote:Where did.you get seeds from
I got them from a guy in Tennessee.
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Zabola
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Post by Zabola »

actually small trachies like theese do not need protection, just a 10-20cm of snow for a better insulation :mrgreen:
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hardyjim
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Post by hardyjim »

Party is over this winter if the meristem gets above ground....
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Zabola
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Post by Zabola »

I think they stand a chance..
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TerdalFarm
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Post by TerdalFarm »

Nice experiment! I would not have predicted that. Keep it going.
sashaeffer
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Post by sashaeffer »

What time of the year did you throw them on the ground?
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wxman
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Post by wxman »

I spread the seeds in late November.

And what does it matter if the meristem is above or below ground? The ground was frozen SOLID down 3 feet last winter. I don't think location would change the fate of the trees in that condition.
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