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Jack Frost

paul.fieldwilliamspaul.fieldwilliams Posts: 48
in Problem solving
Hi all, I have had most of my annuals 'hardening off' in the back garden for the last 2 weeks or so. Sadly, Jack Frost came last week and nipped at this tray of dahlias and also a tray of Marigolds. They seem to be still alive but am I fighting a losing battle? I hope to start planing out next week but am I wasting my time with them?

Thanks,

Paul

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    The young leaves look fine. I'd remove just the badly damaged leaves and give it a go. You cam tidy up the older leaves when the new ones have developed properly.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I dont know where you live, we are in the SE UK 10 minutes by car from the sea, opposite the South Downs, have had a couple of nights go down to 3c, but no frost.  I have had dahlias and veg hardening off, but I a have a digital in/out thermometer, which I check and the late night weather forcast. Then they go back in the greenhouse,    We went to a Nursery last week and a lady there 13 miles away from us, lost all her Runner Beans the previous night, its a village, (well Hamlet really) and a frost pocket.  My stuff wont be planted out till 1st June. Having said, your Dahlias look OK to me.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They'll recover. Two weeks ago was too early for small plants. A bit of protection for night time if temps are low.  :)

    @philippa smith2
    "A layer of fleece over your "delicates" if you think it's a bit chilly is always wise."

    I prefer my pyjamas and a duvet.... :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • paul.fieldwilliamspaul.fieldwilliams Posts: 48
    Thanks all. I am in Shropshire. We are normally pretty much frost by this time of the year hence me getting caught out. Nothing else was affected so it seems I got away with it lightly. Should I remove the affected leaves or just leave the plant to do its own thing. Cheers,
  • paul.fieldwilliamspaul.fieldwilliams Posts: 48
    that was meant to be 'frost free' by this time of the year!  ;)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If they start to get really shabby looking, just pick/snip them off. They should hopefully grow some new foliage soon  :)
    I think the long hot spell just led many people to think it was summer @paul.fieldwilliams - and lots of people have been caught out. You're certainly not alone, but it should be recoverable. Keep an eye on them and fingers crossed, they'll be ok  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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