Well I thought I was going to be able to report better on different Kaki more this year beyond the ones that have already fruited for me, but that cold spell a couple weeks ago may alter it to those surviving late spring cold when in active growth as opposed fruit based. I had about 6 cultivars that were blooming and hopefully fruiting for me this year for the first time beyond the ones that had fruited past years. I have about 40 Kaki trees in the ground comprised of about 18 cultivars and about 5 additional cultivar grafted onto the trees just this spring. Several of the cultivars were new trees just planted this spring as well. Right now most all of them are total froze back brown and playing the wait and see game. It did not even get that cold probably not below 29 F. My oldest trees are 4th/5th? Year and had never shown much damage prior and have seen single digit when fully dormant. It was not just my Kaki hit Hardy Kiwi, Bunch Grapes, Muscadines, Jujube, Chestnuts, Carpathian walnuts, Pecan, Butternuts, Mulberry, Heartnuts etc... all had serious damage and that's not even touching on the fruits lost on blueberry, sour cherry peach etc... I can deal with a year loss of fruit as luckily this is hobby and not income for me, but losing plants really hurts. I think everything beyond the Kaki will shake it off and many of those plants are hardy 3 zones lower than me. But it really makes a point about areas that are prone to inconsistent spring weather when you lose plants that others are growing multiple zones colder.

mine looks barren... way to early .. never compare the cement laden city with your micro climate ... the retained heat of the day in the pavement .. keeps it warmer at night.. so soil temps increase faster.. triggering earlier growth ... but it is a good indicator of what will come soon in your yard ... patience young jedi ... ken

I agree, Phil! I think it's a terrorist plot to keep us always wanting more!! The same with computors, cameras etc.! The more we have the more we want and just about the time you think you have the "best" of "whatever"--there are more "alluring" ones being introduced for us to drool over and go on the mad "hunt" to obtain! Last year, and again this year, I had a moment (very short) where I said, "okay, it's enough!" Then, thanks to the "professional enablers" on this forum, I see a pic. or discussion about one I don't have, and my list just gets longer while square footage diminishes! Oh, the "temptations"!!!! janice (from the "light" side)

Welcome to the forum and also the "daylily addiction"! Now for your question.....I guess you could over winter them in pots inside, but let me share one of my recent experiences with you. I planted 100's of seeds last summer, and ran out of space and time to get them all transplanted from the flats to the seedling beds (which are outside). Several flats of seedlings overwintered on the ground out in the open. I almost threw them out this spring when I noticed some putting up new growth. A friend had lots of 1 gal pots that she gave me, and since I was out of bed space, I transplanted the seedlings into the pots. Guess what, they are larger and healthier looking than lots of the ones I had transplanted into the seedling beds last fall. I guess what I'm trying to say is, these little babies are hardier than lots of people give them credit for being, and I for one, will never try to over winter them inside unless it's in a greenhouse environment set up specifically for them. Think about it, if the seed fell out of the pod onto the ground naturally, it's highly likly they would sprout before winter, so I figure nature's way is the best. At least for me it is. BTW, I'm in zone 8 which isn't too much farther south than you. I hope this helps you make your decision on what to do with you babies. :) Jan