wrote:

In a message dated 8/29/2004 1:15:34 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

One
caveat with fertilizing, however, is that a Kingsville will
sometimes respond with larger growth, so if that happens it
might be necessary to back off on fertilizer.

I don't know where the 1/8" to 1/4" growth a year thing came
from, Michael, but I've gotten more growth than that. It is
a truly satisfying cultivar to work with, especially in a
climate such as mine where they will not winter safely
outdoors. I keep mine outside until around early December,
then bring them in and keep them under fluorescent
lights--very close to the lights. This helps in quicker
development because you extend the growing season.

Craig: My preference is to winter Kingsville in a cold environment at
around 35-degrees Fahrenheit. As you know, they do quite well in your
neck of the woods as fielded material for bonsai.

Michael:

I guess you're not familiar with my area. Despite the fact that I'm
only 1.5 hours away from downtown Manhattan, it gets considerably
colder here. We're at a much higher elevation than NYC. Last winter
we had several mornings below zero, a couple of times at -10. Even in
a protected environment I am quite sure a Kingsville would not survive
a winter outdoors here. Even my Ilex crenata didn't make it and it
was pretty well protected. I also lost a few small Chinese Elms and
another died back to the base, and all were protected. People here
tell me that's the coldest it gets here, but I don't want to take any
chances. I find my Kingsvilles do quite well indoors after a month or
more of dormancy outside. The other problem is that I don't have an
area in the house or elsewhere that is dry and stays around 35F.
On another note, I would suggest that the larger leaves on the
Kingsville are the result of a little too much water and not the
result of fertilizing. I will post the styled tree for Bonsai Europe
with a close up of the foliage--the result of intensive feedings
throughout the 2004 growing season. Cordially, Michael
Persianomembers.aol.com/iasnob

That's a possibility I haven't thought about. The trees are in full
shade and I water pretty much every day. Would it be ok to cut back
on watering some? It isn't a serious problem--I just get a flush of
growth like that occasionally. I cut it all off and no harm is
done. This happens, btw, on two out of three of my trees. The third
I've had longer and it doesn't produce these leaves.

I'll be looking forward to the pictures. When is the magazine going
to be available? I don't subscribe but I'd love to get a copy.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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