Soggy stems. Is this normal??
CraighB
Posts: 758
Hi all,
I have some Astrantia and Delphinihms in pots that I am over wintering in an outside toilet to keep them frost free. When the foliage started to die back I cut down the stems to around an inch above soil level. The compost in the pots I wouldn't say is soggy but is wet and over the past few nights I noticed that there has been condensation building up in the outside toilet so I opened the small window in there and also kept the door open To increase airflow.
However I checked on them today and I noticed that on some of the delphs and astrantias rather than the stems being dry, they have gone mushy and soggy all the way to the base of them. You can literally squeeze the stem and water comes out. Is this normal because it's winter or are the plants too wet?? As I say the stems are cut down to about 1 inch above soil.
Thanks
Last edited: 11 December 2016 12:47:43
Posts
These are hardy plants and can be outside. I don't grow delphiniums but astrantias disappear in winter to reappear in spring.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Ah so the soggy stems are nothjng to worry about? It's not going to make the crown start to rot?
The crown will rot if the soil or compost is too wet. Put you pots outside in a sheltered spot and make sure they have good drainage and ventilation. Bring them back indoors only if heavy frost is forecast and then take them out again when it's past.
some of those MPCs are very soggy, if you've got one that doesn't drain it might be worth repotting in something better or add lots of grit to the one you've got
In the sticks near Peterborough
Ok so I've repotted them in some new compost mixed with lots of perlite for drainage. Now at the minute I've not watered the new compost. Should I do that or should I leave it dry?
I'd water once (assuming there's no frost coming) then leave them alone. Keep them up off the ground to aid drainage. They'll absorb enough moisture from the air over winter and will be less likely to freeze up in severe cold spells if they're on the dry side.
As obelixx says, if they're in a sheltered position grouped together, they'll also fend off a fair bit of frost well enough, and won't need extra protection unless you get a prolonged spell of severe cold
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...