Is it worth open ground growing tropicals in the north?

[jpaulhamus]

Hey everyone, we've all heard of people growing trees in open ground for a few years to thicken them up quicker. Would it be worth while to do this with tropicals in the north (I live in central PA)? I'm guessing I could get about 6 months of them in the ground (May thru September). Then they would need to be potted up and brought back in again. Just wanted to get some opinions. Would this be worth while doing?

[bonsaihunk]

That is a great question.
I do not know the answer.
If you do this please post your results so that we can all learn from your experiences.
Jerry Bonsaihunk

[jpaulhamus]

Thanks for the reply Jerry. Yeah I can't say I've heard anyone talk about something like this before. I thought I would get some people's opinions, especially if some have tried it, before I give it a shot. It would be more work but worth it if it progressed the trees along faster.

[clrosner]

The only tree that I have ever put in the ground and left over the winter are Serissa. I maintain that they come out of dormancy and flower like never before. I am in zone 6/7 Southern New Jersey.

If no one has ever tried it, be the first, and keep notes and measurements... You may be one of the front runners of a movement that would appreciate your efforts.

I know I made a few converts with the Serissa.

[jpaulhamus]

Hey Carl, thanks for the reply. I love Serissa too. Wow they really do flower. Mine never get that many. I live in zone 6 so the winter temps should be similar, maybe a little colder here. Do you protect them in any way (mulch, cover them, etc)? I was just thinking of ground planting stuff during the warmer months, but doing it for the whole year would be even better. Serissa would probably be the exception rather than the norm, I have read they can handle much colder temps (in the 20's)than most tropicals (keep above 50). But very interesting, thanks for your comments. I have some serissa cuttings that have rooted, maybe I'll plant half next year in open ground and the others not and see what happens. Then I can compare how they grow. I took a look at your site too, very nice artwork. I'm an illustrator;-) Thanks!

[clrosner]

Jpaul:
I usually plant my Serissa as well as any of my other out door trees in the ground by taking a half of a plastic (bucket) container (without the bottom), and fill the container with mulch. Here are a couple pictures which is better than a description!!!

Thanks for the nice words about my art.... I was a commercial illustrator for a few years until I got into the fine arts.

[jpaulhamus]

Ok neat, thanks for the pics. I'll give it a try next year I think just to see what happens. I was hoping in the spring to put in a raised garden area to plant stuff in. Should be fun! Thanks, Jason