North Florida is not prone from the impacts of winter. And you don’t have to look far from your front yard to see the effects. On average the First Coast sees just over 15 frosts/freezes a year. Frost starts to form when the temperature nears the dew point on a cold night. Frost formation can start if skies are clear, winds are calm and the temperature is below 36 degrees.
There are ways to protect sensitive plants ahead of a
freeze.
General tips:
-Cover plants with sheets or blankets (Avoid use of plastic- it can damage a
plant)
-Place a hefty layer of mulch over roots
-Water roots (not leaves) during day (Can help as much plant keep warm as much
as 2 degrees)
-Use a heat lamp during night (Some older Christmas lights generate enough heat
to be effective.)
Specific plant information:
Lime trees: Easily damaged by frost/freeze.
Significant plant damage below 30 degrees.
Suggested course of action:
-Cover
with sheet or blanket
-Place
a hefty layer of mulch over roots
-Water
roots (not leaves) during day
-Use
a heat lamp during night
Lemon/Grapefruit trees: Easily
damaged by frost/freeze. Significant plant damage below 27 degrees.
Suggested course of action:
-Cover
with sheet or blanket
-Place
a hefty layer of mulch over roots
-Water
roots (not leaves) during day
-Use
a heat lamp during night
Orange trees: Significant plant
damage below 26 degrees.
Suggested course of action:
-Cover
with sheet or blanket
-Place
a hefty layer of mulch over roots
-Water
roots (not leaves) during day
-Use
a heat lamp during night
-Sago Palm: Hardy
plant that can survive temperatures dropping into the teens. Frost will leave leaf
damage.
Suggested course of action:
-Cover
with sheet or blanket
-Wax Myrtle: Hardy plant that can survive temperatures dropping into the single digits.
Comments