Question
QUESTION: Hi guys,
I had a question, some of my plants are wakening up.
I live in Illinois and have them in my porch.
The temperature in my porch is usually 5-10 degrees above outside
temperature.

It is weird because we have been having a warmer winter than usual.

I usually bring them outside in late march, and then they start to wake up.  

Should I bring the plants that are up outside ?

Ps. it seems to be some temperate drosera that are waking up.

Thank you, Jake

ANSWER: Hi Jake,

This seems to be happening all over (except here in the Northwest :( where the winter has been warm and temperate species are coming out of dormancy in coldframe settings.  There's two things you can do.  If your porch gets full sun through the windows, you could just leave them there, then put them out when danger of frost is over, or go ahead and put them outside now.  If you put them out now you will need to be diligent about watching the weather.  If you get a hard cold snap you will need to bring them back in temporarily.  Having them outside will have the advantage of giving them more seasonable temperatures, and the rain and UV light will help deal with any fungal spores.  Cooler nights will slow them down some.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you mean I should take the plants that are waking up outside ?
I have a LOT of plants and it would be a lot of work to bring all of them
outside and then back in if a the temps get really cold.

Thanks, Jake

Answer
Hi Jake,

In my response I gave you two options.  This is one of those situations where you need to do what is going to work for you.  You know your weather conditions much better than I do, and I didn't know how many plants you have.  If it is still cool in the porch area, it probably won't be a big deal if some of the plants start growing early.  Their growth isn't going to be real fast.  It's common for us here at the nursery to see flower stalks starting on Sarracenia before the last frost of the season.  It's not big deal as long as it isn't unseasonably cold.  I've had some damage when we get a freak May frost, but by that time plant growth is significant.  Just move them outside when you normally do.  Watch for fungus and treat if needed.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com