other plants that will freeze here in Henderson? I have burlap to cover them.
 |
| Bougainvillea freeze damage |
A. Both of these plants can tolerate temperatures to near
freezing and they don’t seem to have problems at temperatures below 45° F that
causes chilling damage to some plants. Some tropical plants such as tomatoes
may show chilling damage to fruit at temperatures below 45° F. This is why it
is best to not refrigerate tomato fruits.
seldom freezes in the Las Vegas Valley before Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving
you might expect freezing temperatures at the higher elevations such as in
Summerlin or in very low spots in the Valley where cold air collects. In
Henderson, this might be in the old Pittman area or along the wash.
air, being heavier than warm air, settles into low geographic areas. Cold air tends
not to settle on gently sloping land or hills.
temperatures are more frequent where plants are exposed to wind. Plants growing
along major streets tend to freeze more often than those in protected
backyards. Major streets are urban canyons that channel cold wind in the winter.
Backyards are more nestled away from these exposed urban canyons.
 |
| Sehgal palm cold damage |
Plants
growing close to brick or cement walls that face West or South are less likely
to freeze than plants growing further away unless wind is involved. Brick and
cement walls exposed to the sun store heat during the day and radiate this heat
at night keeping the plants a few degrees warmer. If wind is involved, it removes
this radiant warmth making these plants more susceptible to freezing
temperatures.
line, when the weather forecast is for freezing temperatures, cover the plants
with an old sheet, blanket, or in your case burlap, before nightfall. Drape this
covering over the soil or any surface that can radiate heat at night. Remove
this covering the next morning after temperatures are above freezing.
areas, expect freezing temperatures after Thanksgiving and up to March 1. In
protected areas, expect these temperatures anytime between mid-December and
mid-February but watch your local weather forecast closely and adapt this
recommendation accordingly.