So are you guys saying that I shouldn't worry about a freeze? I'm sure it would kill the stems and leaves, but do the gourds tolerate it? Yes, that is what we are all saying. ;) Would that also apply to my dipper gourds that are a bit behind in their maturity? Yes. Peggy said "cold weather doesn't bother gourds at all". Variety makes no difference. Next year try to get them planted much earlier. All varieties of gourds need as long a growing session as possible for best results. Starting them from seed inside so they are ready to transplant as soon as the ground warms a bit gets you a good head start. The Gourd forum linked above has a great deal of additional info contained in the many posts there as well as lots of general tips and tricks for success. Good luck and enjoy your gourds. Dave

I never totally bury the crinums on first planting. They will adjust themselves. Some like to grow much deeper in the soil, some not. I always plant them like an amaryllid, neck and shoulders above the soil line, at least in clay I do. I've never planted an amaryllid in anything else. Mine all seem to do great!

I got one of the 'Philip' clones a couple years ago when I nearly lost my regular obscura. I did have one little cutting of it left that wasn't doing well and I knew I was going to miss it. Well, thankfully, that cutting made it and now it's a 4" potful I'm growing in a little birdcage. But I have to admit that the 'Philip' clone really is an aggressive bloomer. I like it a lot. Denise in Omaha

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