Does anyone have any experience with the Black Madeira and how cold hardy it may be?  I'm trying to decide if I want to keep it in a container or take a chance on planting it in ground.

if your winter is not mild, keep it in container. i heard from some members that even 40 degree at night it asking for too much. mine survived in the garage this winter. the outside temp only went down to 10 F or so, but only for couple of days. i keep it in container and only bring it out when the night temp is above 50 F. believe it not, it actually does pretty well in NC.

Herman2 said he has had it survive winter in new jersey planted in ground with good winter protection.  Other than that I don't think anyone was wanted to risk it out in the open to see how it does yet.

New Jersey...  That is encouraging! I really want to plant it in ground if it has a chance.  Adding winter protection is not a problem.

Being as it is a new cutting this year, I may keep it in a container this year and plant it next spring.

Thanks for the update.

I agree, keep it in a container and inside something at least for the first winter. Mine will actually be coming inside the house this winter. Everything else has to be happy with the shed except my dwarf papayas and the Madieras. Some things are worth cuddling in the winter :)

Most folks in NE where i grew up who have keep it as long as possible in pots 3 - 5 years, then when they have no choice then try to find a protected spot with a southern exposure and stone thermal masses nearby.

My BM’s  over winter in my cement block, no heat garage. In the last 8 years we’ve had some pretty cold nights in North Jersey, never had a problem. 

Thanks all for the great replies.

Does anyone know whether Figo Preto and Black Madeira have the same sensitivity to cold?  I'm growing both in containers but they are in their 1st year.

both are from Madeira Island, where it never gets very cold.  I would not risk my prized plants, but i would try an extra in a protected spot, if i could afford to lose it.

Bill

Bill,

I would air layer a couple of back ups and then place the mother tree in the ground. As said earlier, the older the tree the better it is for the inground growing.

Use the back ups in pots.

Good luck