| For the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union USA TODAY NETWORK
Plant labels, catalogs and magazines all mention that this or that plant is suitable for this or that “zone”. But what does “Zone” really refer to? And why should you care?
If you search for “Hardiness Zone,” “Heat Zone,” or “Plant Zone,” a colorful map of the United States appears. On the hardiness zone map, you can quickly find Jacksonville and know that we are in zone 9 … 9A to be precise. But Modesto, California is also identified as Zone 9A and our climates are not the same. For example, Modesto gets an average of 13 inches of rain per year compared to our 50 inches. Yes, both places get hot, but Jacksonville is also humid. How could both cities be in the same hardiness zone?
Here is the long version of the answer:
In the early 1960s, the US Department of Agriculture first created its Plant Hardiness Zone Map as a tool for gardeners and researchers. The map has been divided into 13 zones – in other words, the average coldest temperature for an area – based on the “average annual extreme low temperatures in a given location over a period of time,” according to the USDA website. According to research by the USDA, once we have selected plants for zone 9, we can expect them to survive temperatures as high as 20-30 degrees.
“Big!” Say while you sit on your patio in the 90 degree heat. “It’s not the cold that I’m worried about. It’s the heat. How do I know whether a plant can survive the summer heat? “
An important question. Because when a plant gets too cold it simply dies, while the signs of heat stress are more subtle. As temperatures rise, the plants can stop blooming, the leaves can turn pale, the plants can become more susceptible to pests, and the roots stop growing. Plants that die from heat can linger for years.
Less known, but just as helpful as the climate zone map, is the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Heat Zone Map. It was developed in the 1990s and is based on 20 years of data from almost 5,000 weather stations. It identifies 12 statewide zones based on the average number of “hot days” – a day when the temperature climbs above 86 degrees. such as the cessation of flowering.
These warm zone ratings are comparatively new and are not used by all locations. However, as the average temperature rises, this information becomes more and more important and becomes more available later. Look for plant labels with two pairs of numbers, such as 4-9, the hardiness zone and 11-1, the heat zone.
The Heat Zone Map can be ordered from the American Horticultural Society at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 or through their website at www.ahsgardening.org or by calling (800) 777-7931.
It’s an extra step in making good decisions about our garden, but looking around on my own charred and / or drowned one is information that will save me effort and money when planning the garden for the next year.
Can we grow papaya in North Florida? I see them in kindergartens but I don’t know anything about them.
Sometimes the best gardening tips from our neighbors and fellow gardeners come over the back fence. And in this case, there seem to be many success stories from papaya growers in northern Florida. But as with all greenery, a little research and adjusted expectations are appropriate.
Papaya comes from Central America and needs tropical and subtropical conditions. This makes them good for South Florida and the southern parts for Central Florida. But here in North Florida they need shelter from the cold. Papaya plants do not tolerate cold or freezing temperatures and are damaged or even killed below 31 degrees.
They also don’t like drought (which is the occasional occurrence in North Florida, although you probably don’t believe me today), wet roots, constant winds, or shade. You want 6-8 hours of full sun with warm to hot temperatures (70-90 degrees). Temperatures above 90 degrees can cause the flowers to fall off, and temperatures below 59 degrees can affect flowering or cause deformed fruits
Papayas grow well in containers that can be brought indoors in winter. However, this can be problematic when the tree – usually a single trunk – reaches its mature height of 30 feet, a consideration for choosing a location for your tree.
There are three different types of trees, female, male and bisexual (self-pollinating) plants. The female and bisexual plants are the only ones that produce fruit, so planting two or three is a good idea to increase your chances of fruiting.
There are many varieties of papaya, but few are available to most home gardeners. Important varieties in the USA are “Red Lady”, “Maradol”, “Tainung No. 1” and various solo types. “Solo” papayas are a smaller variety known to be juicier and sweeter than other papayas.
If you can’t find the plant at a plant nursery, papayas are easily made from the seeds of the ripe fruits from the grocery store, which are likely to be bisexual. A local grocery store recently sold “maradol” fruit loaded with ripe seeds. Planted in full sun almost any time of the year, the seeds should germinate in a few weeks. Plant it in the ground when the seedlings are about a foot tall. Better yet, plant the seeds where they will grow so that the roots are not disturbed by transplanting. The seedlings bloom after five or six months.
Papaya trees are very hungry and want very good soil that is rich in organics and nutrients. Fertilize young plants with ¼ pound of complete fertilizer every 14 days. Fertilize older trees with 1 to 2 pounds of manure once a month.
Papayas have very special likes and dislikes and can be picky. They don’t necessarily live long. However, once all of its needs are satisfied, it is comparatively easy to grow and provides delicious summer fruits.
Paula Weatherby is a Master Gardener Volunteer with Duval County Extension Service and the University of Florida / IFAS. For gardening questions, call the Duval County Extension Office at (904) 255-7450 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and ask for a Master Gardener Volunteer .
