Mine died!

Manihot esculenta is (root) hardy to somewhere around 9a. If you aren't going to take it in, plant it in very well draining soil in a protected location (up against the house). Planting in a raised bed or on a berm might help. Wet soil in winter won't work. Be brave, try it and see what happens.

Ours came back for 4 years and this year it did not come back. The only thing we did different was cut it back in the fall instead of the spring. I think it got wet and froze down in the trunk when we cut it and it created holes in the cut branches. Ours was out in the open! If you want to try again with it, I have plenty of seeds or I can dig the seedlings that are sprouting out in the garden. I originally grew it from seed. I am not too upset that it choked this year. I bought the variegated form and replaced it yesterday :).

Rebecca

Thanks folks, think I will be brave or stupid and plant outside, with no pruning in the fall. Will try and keep a eye on the wife as she goes a little wild when she gets her hands on the pruning shears.
Norm

Rebecca --

Where did you get your variegated one? UT has had variegated tapioca for several years and I usually get starts from them, but so far as I can tell they're not going to have any this year!

I bought it at the Sevier Co. Master Gardeners sale a couple of weeks ago. I talked to the guy that sold it to me and he said that hardwood cuttings are easy to root, so I may try some this fall. That was the first time I have seen it here locally. Nat has one so maybe she would know where to find one.

Norm, tell Barb to step away from the shears. :) I can't wait to give her a big hug on Saturday!

Bec there is some mean cheesy looking character hiding in your yard under that tree!

Hey, I get first dibs on Barb hugs!!!

I may get Lavonne and Cindy to make some coffee for you junkies.

Yeah, I've rooted them myself -- but my rooted cuttings have never made it through winter. Boo hoo! I have to keep trying!

Jeff, I have been meaning to get some spray for that.

Ione,
I had two rooted cuttings that I babied all winter. The best looking one died suddenly about a month ago. The remaining cutting is sort of pitiful looking but I am not going to give up on it.

I absolutely love the variegated version and found nice sized plants for sale at Gardino's Nursery.

Now that I've finally gotten the hang of rooting hardwood cuttings, I hope to start a bunch the fall for next year.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gardino's

Hi Rebecca (cannahavana) I would love to get some seeds if you still have them. What is the scientific name for the seeds?