Half-hardy: A term used to describe plants that can tolerate some frost but not prolonged or severe freezing temperatures.
Half-hardy plants fall somewhere in between tender and hardy plants. They can handle a light frost, but a hard freeze will damage or kill them. This is an essential distinction for gardeners, as it affects when these plants can be safely planted outdoors and whether they need protection during colder periods.
Knowing which plants are half-hardy is crucial for home gardeners’ planning and protection. These plants often need to be started indoors several weeks before the last expected frost. They can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions (hardened off) before being transplanted into the garden. Some half-hardy plants may survive with some protection in areas with mild winters, such as mulch or row covers. Examples of half-hardy plants include many annual flowers like petunias and zinnias, as well as some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
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