Gene Schurg ) wrote:
: KB,

: I know that they are easier to grow in some places than others. For
: example, the coast of California has some great success.

: Here in the DC area we have hot humid summers. The summer sun is very
: intense. I have seen a few folks with cool greenhouses that have be very
: successful with blooming them. I leave my plants outdoors as long as
: possible in the fall but eventually they have to come inside where the
: choice is warm humid greenhouse or dry and somewhat cooler living space in
: the house where the light is not as good.

: I have started to buy some warm tolerant varieties that will give me some
: satisfaction.

Hmm, I live in inland California where we have very hot although not very
humid summers and I have no problem keeping them or getting them to bloom.
They live outdoors all year long under an overhang (for frost protection).
You probably have to bring yours in though since your area gets a lot colder
than here. I'd guess that heat is not the issue but rather you're not giving
them the daily 20-25F temperature swing they need to set buds.

Dave