The best fertilizer to use on a Texas Sage is organic mulch or slow-release fertilizer products. Either way, plant the cuttings in well-drained potting mix. Add a layer of mulch around the plants to seal in the warmth and help retain moisture. This plant prefers well-draining soil. You can take cuttings any time throughout the growing season, but the best time is typically in the spring so the plant has time to establish itself over the summer. The flowering process is hampered if you do not plant before bloom. Before we get into the specific steps, it should be noted that growing sage from cuttings is a lengthy process especially if youre using a growth hormone. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. Many experts advise taking 4-inch (10 cm.) A sage plant can stay outside in winter as long as it is in a pot and is brought inside when the temperature drops below freezing. Below are some helpful care tips that will have you growing them like the pros. Do not fertilize plants. If rainfall is below average, water the plant in summer to promote flowering . Either way, plant the cuttings in well-drained potting mix. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. Leaves color green silvery in elliptic shape sometime can be wavy. The cuttings were STUNNING in vases all over the room. (This picture is of Leucophyllum . Resist the temptation to over-fertilize; the sage might grow a little faster, but its flavor will be less intense. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions. You can tell if your sage plant needs to be watered by checking the top 1/2 of soil for dampness if its dry, it should be watered. If you are planting in well-drained soil set your Texas Sage shrub in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or just slightly above ground level to allow for settling. If you are growing your own sage, simply cutting off some healthy, non-flowering sprigs of sage will do. Even before its established, the evergreen has a degree of drought tolerance and should be able to handle a missed watering or two in stride. Mostly evergreen, this cultivar has medium green leaves and lavender flowers. Brilliant Oriental Poppy is a scarlet-orange flower made famous by New Mexico artist Georgia O'Keeffe's beautiful paintings from the 1930s. See all our top-tips for transplanting seedlings here, Growing Herbs 101: How to Start a Kitchen Herb Garden, How to Grow Bushy Basil to Harvest All Summer Long, Harvesting Fresh Lavender: How to Harvest, Dry, and Use Lavender Flowers, Roasted Two-Bite Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes, Creamy (Vegan) Butternut Squash and Sage Soup, Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Crackers Recipe w/ Optional Herbs & Cheese, How to Grow Bushels of Beans from Seed (Bush Beans & Pole Beans), Natural Lip Balm Recipe: How to Make Homemade Lip Balm. You will be able to kill them quickly if you use Thuricide, Dipel dust, or Spinosad on your plants. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. This is an excellent plant for those areas so dusty and dry nothing wants to grow there. The flowers of texas sage are purple, blue, or white, and they bloom in the summer. A stay-at-home mother of two, she enjoys growing plants that can be both stylish and functional in the kitchen. Read on for tips on propagating Texas sage. Prune Texas sage in early spring if you want to maintain a rounded shape and reduce dense foliage. Characteristics of Texas Sage. As a general rule, you should irrigate when the top soil is dry and on hot days. Where Should Fire Alarms Be Installed For Optimal Safety? Water newly planted Texas sage every five to seven days for a few weeks until it's well established, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions. As a result, Texas sage is the ideal plant for xeriscapes gardens, while dry soil is ideal for older plants. How to propagate sage. Texas sage is a native North American herbaceous plant found in the southern United States where temperatures are warm and conditions are dry. In the wild, it grows on rocky slopes and calcareous soils. If it is, you should be able to root and save your plant piece. Pruning also helps older plants that become straggly. Best Soil For Texas Ranger. Some people like to dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone, but many find that the hormone isnt necessary for rooting. Keep the seedlings on a sunny windowsill where they receive at least six to eight hours of sun every day. Texas sage is so easy to propagate from cuttings that you can start a new plant nearly any time of year. To overwinter Texas sage, bring the plant indoors before the first frost and place it in a sunny spot. Harvesting Mullein. The berm can be removed after a year has passed or when the plant has established itself. Keep your seeds in a location that is in the 70-85 degree range. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Give the plant a thorough watering and leave it until you notice the dry soil around the plant's base. Regular pruning and removing debris such as dead leaves and branches can be done in spring to encourage a bushier specimen. eCommerce Software by 3dcart. It's best to do so in the morning and let the flowers dry in the shade. Hey! the plants you have there now? Keep the medium moist (not wet) and they will root in a few weeks. This step is optional, but highly recommended particularly for folks using the soil method to propagate sage. The ability of sage plants to tolerate extreme weather conditions is due in part to their tough nature. During this particular round of sage propagation, we used fresh aloe vera as a natural rooting hormone. A minimum of 7 hours direct sunlight is recommended for best foliage density and flowering. When planting in average, well-drained moist soil there is no need for adding a soil amendment. A container of water (such as a vase, mason jar or cup) OR small pots and seed starting soil. Too much shade causes spindly or lanky growth. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. Water once established: Deep water once a month. Plants should be grown in full sun, in well draining soil, and with little to moderate water. Texas Sage is a deciduous shrub with silvery-green leaves and tubular purple blooms that bloom in clusters of one to three. Drought and heat tolerant. Some species of microorganisms, usually found in some soils, cause damping off. Although you can prune any time of year, early spring is preferable. Wax myrtle Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) is certainly an appropriate plant for a fence planting galong a fence line. If you live in a cold climate, you may be able to grow sage indoors in a pot; however, you must water and fertilize your plants on a regular basis. That way, the new seedlings have ample time to become established and increasingly hardy before the colder months arrive enhancing their chance to survive winter. Move the pot or container indoors for the winter if you live in an area where temperatures may dip to below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Its a good idea to have all your supplies ready and waiting before snagging the sage cuttings. Texas sage is also very tolerant of cooler temperatures, with temperatures dropping to as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. But instead of focusing on the water supply impacts of low density development . Growing sage from cuttings is a great way to multiply your herb garden collection without needing to purchase more sage seeds or seedlings. Azaleas-they come in varying sizes, hostas, and a single flat of impatients every year. Propagate: Self seeds readily, though cultivars may not stay true. Can Texas sage be rooted in water? Think the trim/body both dark is too dark. Purple Sage, Phoenix Sage, Cenizo, Wild Lilac, Texas Silverleaf, and Texas Ranger are just a few of the names given to Texas Sage. She's one of, My top 8 easy annual flowers to grow from see, Love is in the air, and the wildlife are feel, What do all these photos have in common? How To Make Green, Oolong, And Black Tea From Tea Camellia Plants. This shrub enjoys the heat. It is important to avoid poor draining soil that remains soggy as it can lead to root rot. Some of our sage cuttings took up to three weeks to grow roots, and a few failed to take root at all. A grouping of several individuals makes a pretty screen or hedge. 3. That might depend. The first step is to collect the sage seeds. In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Texas Sage plant every day. Although it is a cold-hardy herb that requires a lot of nurturing, it is still worth cultivating and growing. Remember to change the water every two to three days. Plant Texas sage where the plant is exposed to six to eight hours of sunlight. Too much water can lead to blooms flopping, foliage flopping, and root rot. Sage plants can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees if they are in the ground, but container plants are more susceptible to cold because they have little insulation for the roots. You are undertaking a project that will take time and patience. The base is still okay; the top part broke off. In PAs growing zone, it grows great. Sun/part shade; evergreen. Place the cutting where temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit in bright but indirect light. Although it may lose some leaves, it will quickly bounce back when the weather warms up again. Current Sales & Special Offers On Wilson Bros Gardens, How To Care For Outdoor Potted Shrubs Brought Indoors During The Winter, The Most Cold Hardy Eucalyptus Tree Varieties For Growing Outdoors, The Most Cold Hardy Camellia Plants For Growing Outdoors In USDA Zones 6 & 7, The Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Plants For Growing Outdoors, The Most Cold Hardy Azaleas For USDA Zones 5, The Most Cold Hardy Azaleas For Growing in USDA Zone 6. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones and who doesnt love free plants?! now i don't know where you are, but in fl, impatients don't die. Any purchases made through affiliate links are greatly appreciated, as they enable me to continue to create and share with you! Ensure the sage plant gets plenty of sunlight. Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area you might need to add a soil amendment to the native soil removed from the planting hole. Okra needs at least 1 inch of water a week to set fruit. While they are also beautiful, I believe the White Cloud Texas Sage is one of the most attractive drought-tolerant bushes for your landscape. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of your plant as this could cause the bark to rot. Also known by a variety of names such as barometer bush, Texas silverleaf, purple sage, or ceniza, Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) is extremely easy to propagate from cuttings. Some plants are more difficult to propagate than others, but propagating sage isnt too difficult if you know what you are doing. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Environment. So to get a jump start at the new homestead, I took several cuttings from each of our healthiest sage plants: the trusty green sage, beautiful bushy purple sage, and stunning tri-color sage. Everyone was talking about them.lucky mesaved on the flower budget! I prefer to start the cuttings in water so I can see the progress of the tiny roots growing. 10-14" tall x 10-12" wide. Once this happens it is best to follow up with the selective . Pretty simple, right? As such, theres no real need to fertilize the Texas Sage each growing season. Or, put them under a grow light for at least eight to 10 hours a day. About. Texas Sage Info: How To Grow Texas Sage Plants, Softwood Tree Information: Learn About Softwood Characteristics, Sage Plants For Gardens: Learn About Different Types Of Sage, Ornamental Grasses Ohio Valley Gardeners Should Grow, No Fruit On A Quince Tree Why Is Quince Fruit Not Forming, Taunton Yew Information How To Care For Taunton Yew Shrubs, Prairifire Crabapple Information : Learn About Growing Prairifire Trees, Clove Harvest Guide: Learn How To Harvest Cloves For Kitchen Use, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Sage plants are a common herb for growers to try their hand at. Then continue back-filling to the top edge of the root ball. Only during prolonged periods of summer drought will plants require supplemental irrigation. Despite the fact that sage is traditionally a cold-hardy perennial, it may not survive in harsh winter climates. How do I perform a reduction cut on the trunk where branches are thin. It is a shrub known by many different names, including Texas sage, cenizo, and Leucophyllum frutescens (which I am certain is what you have). Prepare the garden bed using various sized rocks as mulch. Step 1: Fill a glass full - Always use tepid or lukewarm water to fill your vase or jar. Whether being grown for food preparation, health benefits or even just to enjoy their green foliage and light lavender blooms, sage plants are popular for a reason. This shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, and it has small, silvery-green leaves. We are citizens seeking to find and develop solutions to the greatest challenge of human history - the complex of global threats threatening us all. My goal is to inspire and help others to lead more healthy, sustainable lives by sharing tips and tools that make gardening and "modern homesteading" easy and enjoyable ~ so you can learn and dive in with me! Winter savory and sage are two examples of herbs that can survive in cold weather if given that seasonal shelter. Whatever it is youre planting the cutting in, make sure it has good drainage. I may make a small commission from purchases made through some of those links, at no extra cost to you. Cut off a terminal branch, 4 inches long, after the plant has finished blooming. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new articles, and receive a FREE 20-page digital, printable garden planning toolkit. This will help the roots to develop. Papaver orientale Brilliant will go dormant in summer, so mix these plants into the middle of perennial . Improve your native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or rich organic matter. While the banana tree looks good in Summer, it will not like the cold. Sage tolerates drought-like conditions better than most herbs, and that makes it a very good choice for most herb gardens. This exposes the sage sprigs stem to more dirt. Sprinkle your seeds across the surface of the soil, and then mist them with a water bottle. Increase your indoor plant collection and fill your home with your own water propagated plants. If the stem has large leaves, you can remove those as well. The Texas sage (Salvia apiana) is a drought tolerant shrub that can be planted in full sun or in areas with reflected heat. Insert the cuttings into a moist, well-draining rooting medium such as half perlite and half sphagnum moss. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. Now plant the cutting into compost soil and water it carefully. Watering the plant should not be done during the winter. Herbs are suited to container growing as long as they are planted in well-drained soil. Thrives in alkaline, gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. At this point, you have the option of dipping the sprigs bare stem into a rooting hormone. Leucophyllum frutescens propagation - Verify that you are not working with a patented cultivar. Make the cuts on a diagonal just below a node. I'll, There's no shame in buying nursery seedlings, We officially broke ground on our new orchard, Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, such as Amazon links. In the wild, this hardy shrub grows in places where most plants wont, even in a poor medium. The Texas sage is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained alkaline soil in full sun and is tolerant of shade. If you are growing your own sage, simply cutting off some healthy, non-flowering sprigs of sage will do. Sage can easily be grown in many growing zones in the United States and throughout the world. If you are planting the root ball higher than ground level, as shown in the illustration above, taper your soil mixture gradually from the top edge of the root ball to the ground level. Developed by Texas A&M University, 'Heavenly Cloud' sage is a hybrid between L. frutescens 'Green Cloud' and L. laevigatum. The evergreen shrub is easy to multiply via cuttings taken in the summer season. Plant it in a well-draining potting mix, water well, and keep it where it gets dappled light. Feeding and Fertilizing Fill a pot with a half-and-half mixture of perlite and sphagnum moss. If you are growing sage indoors, place your pot near a sunny window. A variety of different ways to use it include accent plants, focal points, and so on. Theyll eventually turn yellow if you dont. Common names: Cleveland sage, California blue sage. If you do it in the early spring, just before the new growth begins, it will not have an effect on the flower. Why Are Some Of The Leaves On My Crape Myrtle Turning Red With Black Spots? A temperature of 70 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for growing and thriving the sage plant. In the colder months, small plants can be grown indoors in the fall and then potted up in the winter. Transplanting Plant the cuttings an inch or two deep. Hummingbirds in Zones 6 10 are native to containers and offer a number of advantages, including being deer resistant and producing good for containers. Cut the pieces back to within 1/4 inch of a growth node from which leaves are growing. Avoid using products that are high in nitrogen, such as NPK with 20-0-0, grass clippings, or manure. When the seedlings have 4 or 5 true leaves and all risk of frost has passed, transplant them to a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. On average and under ideal conditions, it should take about 2 weeks for sage cuttings to grow new roots. It can grow and bloom more quickly in summer as a result of supplemental water, but it will quickly die if overwatering or poor drainage occurs. Texas sage has silvery-gray foliage with fine hairs on it and produces tubular purple to pink blooms from spring until summer. When established Texas Sage are exceptionally drought tolerant plants. You can use any type of vessel that holds water, but I like to use a clear, clean glass or jar so I can watch the roots forming. Divide your plants as necessary. First, use a sharp knife to cut off a young shoot approximately 6 centimeters below the leaf crown. Do you know which one you have? If you want to harvest from them, keep them cool during the winter months. Cut off the flower head and remove the seeds from the stem. It can grow to 6-8 feet wide and tall but is easily pruned for a more compact shape in a small space. The cutting that failed to root in water appeared more woody than the other more tender cuttings, so that may have been the issue there. While its certainly preferable to cut sprigs straight from a plant, sprigs that are purchased can be used as long as they are very fresh. If you are ready to propagate the sprig right away, cut the tip of the sage sprig at a 45-degree angle. A tough salvia with tubular red, pink, purple, or white flowers throughout the year (especially in spring or fall). Add a couple inches of water to the bottom of the glass. Yes, sage can be grown cuttings, also known as propagating sage. When using a soil medium, keep the soil moist by spraying it with water daily. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. If possible, make a diagonal cut in the stem (about 45 degree angle) rather than cutting it straight across. Remove all the leaves that will be below the water or soil and put the cutting in a jar of water or at least 2" deep into a damp seed-starting mix. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? Its best to use sterile seed starting soil since its so light and fluffy perfect for tiny roots to navigate. Your email address will not be published. When planted during the winter dormant season plants will require less water. Make sure the stem or rhizomes are evenly moist but not overly hydrated, which can cause root rot. Texas Sage are light feeders however will benefit from fertilization. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know regarding how to plant and care for Texas Sage plants Texas Sage prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. Is Texas Sage Poisonous To Humans? Keep an eye on your cuttings and provide more water as needed so they dont dry out. To jump to a specific step in this process, click a link below: The sage plant is a perennial with stocky, woody stems that produce robust and flavorful sprigs of sage. Re-pot the sage plant to a bigger pot as it grows. If not, you can achieve the same effect by putting a plastic bag over the plant and container. The plant prefers a hot and humid environment and wont mind standing under the heat of the afternoon sun. If youre working with already-cut or grocery store sage, simply add a fresh cut to the stem just above the old one. Why Are The Tips Of The Leaves On My Azaleas Turning Brown or Black? One of the 13 plant hardiness zones in the United States is the coldest, while the other is the hottest. I may make a small commission from purchases made through some of those links, at no extra cost to you. I have a Texas Sage bush and would like to grow more without having to buy more. Over-watered plants will die out and under-watered plants will drop many leaves and look scraggly. This tough plant can withstand temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Floridata; Leucophyllum Frutescens; Linda Conway Duever; September 2000. Purple sage will usually flower with purple blooms after a rain or in high humidity, with green or silver gray leaves forming upright clumps. Manage Settings It can thrive in the majority of areas due to its cold-hardy and drought-resistant characteristics. Then, place the cuttings in a brightly lit area and wait for around 3 to 4 weeks or so. The Elk Of Texas: How They Survive The Winter. Also note that green sage is more cold-hardy than the purple or tri-color sages we grow here in temperate zone 9b. Propagating basil in water is a popular method because it's very easy, and it's fun to watch the process as it happens. The evergreen shrub can suffer from root rot and diseases that come with overwatering or planting it in compact and waterlogged soil, and common insects such as aphids and spider mites. Thank you for all the comments. How To Save A Sick Or Dying Shrub, Tree Or Other Plant That Is Growing In A Pot Or Other Container? Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Light requirement: Full sun. Step 3. The initial severe cutting of all branches to 12-18 inches above ground will cause a flush of growth in the spring and into the summer. Plant pineapple sage in spring once all chances of frost have passed. Many sages do well in pots. Most grow 12 to 24 inches tall and bloom over a longer period, beginning in late spring to early summer. Grow garden sage in well-drained soil in full sun. Personally, I dont see the need for a growth hormone, but it can be used to improve your success rate with propagating sage. In addition to ice plants, crown of thorns, jatropha, Muhly grass, clusia, carissa, cycads, Knock Out rose, and frangipani, it can be mixed with other sun-loving plants. A heavy, poorly draining soil is incompatible with the growth of Texas sage, which can develop chlorosis and root rot. When planting your Texas Sage in a site far away from a water source and in well drained soil, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a temporary water retaining berm (catch basin / doughnut) that is 2 inches high or so around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. One more way to propagate scarlet sage is via stem cuttings. Embed the cutting 1 inch into the potting medium. Gardening in Texas has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. Within 12 months you will barely notice the wall or the neighbours. Water it sparingly, just enough to keep the soil moist. It's time to kick off spring planting, lavish attention on lawns and sprinkle seeds to your heart's content, Don't be discouraged by the dry summer heat hardy plants, container gardens and smart watering can help landscapes thrive, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Great Design Plant: Autumn Sage Brings Color and Butterflies, Great Design Plant: Texas Ranger Explodes With Color, Texas and Desert Southwest Gardener's January Checklist, Texas Gardener's October Garden Checklist. After setting your Texas Sage in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the plant straight and your other hand to begin back-filling your soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. The guidelines for growing sage are simple enough to follow, and your landscape will be fragrant and beautiful. Aloe is most effective when its fresh too. (3 Pages) . Take approximately 4" cuttings from firm new growth (semi-hardwood) in summer after the plant has flowered. If you have a greenhouse, this climate is perfect. So, during extended periods of dry weather give your plant an occasional deep soaking to encourage heavier flowering throughout the warm season. Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm). Every two to three weeks during the summer and once a month in the winter, water is introduced to plants. It grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and is found mostly on rocky slopes in Texas. To start, youll need some sage cuttings of course. Texas salvia is also known as hardy pink because it is cold. A typical household can use anywhere from 4,000 to 14,000 gallons of water a month, but grow operations can use anywhere from 75,000 to 200,000 gallons a month, depending on the type of irrigation used, said Brandon Bowman, state programs director for the Oklahoma Rural Water Association. If the plant gets too much water or has too much shade, it will get leggy. While its true that the Texas Sage can withstand hot conditions and periods of drought, you should water your plant regularly, especially during the growing season. When Is The Best Time To Plant Blackberry & Raspberry Plants? These and other Leucophyllum species, which can help save water, are popular ornamentals in the Southwest. Bear in mind that your cutting is going to be very sensitive at this stage. Remember to change the water every two to three days. Worms bins are easy to maintain, divert waste from the landfill, and create black gold for your garden! Use twine to secure the cuttings loosely to the stakes. This is a great way to propagate hybrid varieties, since their seeds do not produce plants identical to the parent. Origin: Native to Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Texas Sage do not require pruning, however respond very well to it. Use filtered and/or non-chlorinated water if possible. There are two plants commonly called Texas Sage. Typically, after 6-8 weeks youll start seeing some indications of growth. If your plants are still young, they should be Prune lightly in the fall to shape them. Soil method: Insert the cut stems into a container of seed starting soil or similar light potting medium. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center staff and volunteers provide Mr. Smarty Plants, a free service. Texas sage plant , how to grow Texas . In this video, I'll share with you how you. I understand that a mix of half perlite and half sphagnum moss would be ideal, but can this be done with root stimulator and amended soil? Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings. The wider the hole the better. chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme are all cold-hardy herbs that can be kept alive in winter by providing them with some protection and growing them indoors. See all our top-tips for transplanting seedlings here. Its not uncommon for your sage plant to go through some shock at this point. Once you have a sage sprig, strip off the leaves on the lower end of the stem youll want about 2 of bare stem on the sprig, which will serve as the base for future roots! Furthermore, its dependable and can be applied to several landscape uses, including as a screen, border, or hedge. Cut pieces of stem some 6 inches long, trying to get three or four leaf nodes in each cutting. If planting in the fall, youll just want to make sure you have a warm spot for the propagated sage stem to grow. When it comes to protecting your sage in the winter, its best to keep it inside. Many experts advise taking 4-inch (10 cm.) In some cases, gardeners will use a fungus such as Mycorrhizae to reduce this shock, but Ive never needed that when propagating. Some gardeners will also strip or scrape/shred the outer skin of the lower stem off as well. Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. During the winter, the sage plant would go into hibernation and not produce any vegetative parts, and in rare cases, it would only produce a few leaves. Texas sage does produce a deep taproot that must be given room to spread. Sage plants to take cuttings from. Once the plant is established, it will need supplemental water only during extended dry periods. Alternatively, you can perform the following steps: Plants are protected by cold frames, which are similar to shields that protect them from wind, rain, and snow.