As I described in an earlier article, the weather has produced mixed reactions among many California native species as well as species endemic to similar climates. Many such species have partially defoliated after the very warm weather in spring. Although this is a normal reaction during very warm and dry weather, it usually does not occur until mid summer.

Now, many other species that are not endemic to the area are also exhibiting symptoms associated with the unusual weather. For example, a Chinese pistache near my home is already coloring in response to the earlier cool nights. Also, the profusion of tomatoes stimulated by warmth in spring ripened very slowly and unevenly. Some even rotted on the vine while waiting for the tops to ripen.

Many of the symptoms associated with the unusual weather have not yet been expressed. Later in autumn, many more species will continue to color and defoliate prematurely. Some species may bloom earlier or later than normal and more or less profusely.

However, normal gardening procedures need not be altered. The first phase of cool season vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, spinach and the various root vegetables should be planted now as they normally would be, regardless of the warm weather.* If planting is delayed, these vegetables may get a slow start when cool weather finally arrives.

Agapanthus, bergenia, daylily, yarrow, bearded iris and many other perennials may be dug and divided now if given extra irrigation during warm weather. Cuttings may be started from pelargoniums (geraniums), fuchsias and marguerite daisies now that they are not blooming as profusely.

*Vegetables planted in ‘phases’ are planted in small groups at regular time intervals, rather than in large groups planted all at once. This ensures that one group will begin production just as the prior one is finishing. Root vegetables include beet, carrot, radish, and turnip, etc.