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nixonk_gw

When to expect blooms

19 years ago

This Chicago weather is driving me bananas. One day it is in the 90s and the next day it is in the 60s. Oh well. In any case, I would like to know when Brugs would bloom in Chicago. Any has any experience? Thanks in advance.

Comments (11)

  • 19 years ago

    My guess is about 8-12 weeks after leaf growth begins on mature plants that were dormant over the winter, depending on variety, weather, culture, etc.

  • 19 years ago

    Thanks for the information. My plants didn't really go dormant since I started them indoors in the Winter. They are growing quite big and I was hoping that maybe someone can tell me if they bloom at a particular time -- like July, for example. I know it is a guide and it is not the same for everyone, I was just curious. Thanks!

  • 19 years ago

    If you started them from cuttings it depends on where on the plant the cuttings were taken. Once you see the branch fork you can look at the base of the leaf. It will come together unevenly where buds will develop. The rest of the leaves come together evenly at the base. I don't know if this hold true for all varieties but it does for all of mine and I have about 20 different brugs. My Jamaica Yellows have always been the first to bloom and last year my Tropical Sunset was the last. This year it looks like TS might be the first. In other words I have no idea when to tell you to expect blooms. lol You'll probably be getting buds within the next month if your plants have been growing throughout the winter unless you started them from seed. I've had seedlings that didn't bloom until the second season.
    Karyn

  • 19 years ago

    I think maybe I should share some photos (and to celebrate that I finally went out and bought a digital camera). I don't really know much about the Y but the main branch seems to be putting out side shoots, I don't know if that is the same as the Y? Thanks!

    Here is a link that might be useful: Brugmansia

  • 19 years ago

    I looked at your images and I feel you are correct in saying you have "side shoots" and not 'Y's.
    The 'Y' will come at the tops of the growing tips of the branches, not from the stalks or the trunks nixonk. Keep fertilizing and you may see some soon though. :))

  • 19 years ago

    I agree with Ruth Ann. I don't see anything that looks like a Y yet but it will come. I have a couple plants that show it and the leaf difference well. I'll try and get some pics later on today. It's too darn hot to go back out now. After this past winter I didn't think I'd complain about the heat! lol
    Karyn

  • 19 years ago

    Thanks for all the information! I can't believe you're complaining about the heat, Karyn. It is still cold here in Chicago. It is back down to the 60's during the day and 50's at night. I took my plumeria back inside. My brugs are still outdoor though. I hope I get the proverbial "Y".

  • 19 years ago

    So, not only do I have no blooms and don't know when the blooms are going to come; I now have to fight spider mites. Had a slight problem in the winter but they went away, but they are back now. Sprayed with diluted Neem oil. Will have to see what happens. I thought spider mites are usually not a problem in the summer? Should I move the affected plants to a different location? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks!

  • 19 years ago

    I am happy to say that I now have nice, little leaves coming out all up and down the trunks or my plants. Question is - (I read this somewhere)

    Should I strip this new growth off or let it continue to grow?? I will send pics if it is easier for you to see what is happening. Thank You Very much

  • 19 years ago

    Nix, I live sw of Chicago..only have one Brug, don't know its type, yellow/orange flowers, starts budding in June-July.
    Purchased a 7" cutting about 4 yrs ago. I decided to plant directly in garden w/o pot..it grew 2-3 times its size..Repeated the following spring, and it put on another 2-3'. The problem doing this is when we dig up in autumn, roots have a tendency to break..and some are sooo strong it's difficult removing from earth..u have to be super careful.
    Now I keep Brug in a large, plastic pot..in winter it goes in a small gh out back, but outdoors in summer.
    Brugs are difficult growing in our neck of the woods. Because our homes are dry and stuffy, Brugs attract mites. I've gone through several before figuring out the problem..Before I had the gh, in winter, I'd keep a small fan running on low. I also believe in misting, daily. Since Brugs go dormant in winter, I only water soil when dry and NO fertilizer. So far so good..
    It sounds like you have quite a collection, Nix..Good luck..Toni

  • 19 years ago

    I had mine in the basement laundry tubs all winter with a florescent light (only because I didn't know if I should cut back or what ) it bloomed continuously, Now I have it outdoors and it's still has 3 buds......Just repotted today........It was super root bound........no wonder it was always sooo thirsty !

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