Class: Protect Your Plumerias Over Winter

Learn how to prepare and protect your plumerias through winter in your unique microclimate.

“The Winter class was very informative and fun besides. I’m looking forward to more classes with Mike and Stacy! ” (Meredith)

Sunday, November 8, 2026, 10 am – 12 noon

Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10 am – 12 noon

Atkinson Plumeria Farm, 5239 Alzeda Dr, La Mesa CA 91941

Plumerias thrive in Southern California’s mild Mediterranean climate, but winter can still be the most challenging—and potentially damaging—season for your plants. Plus, we’ve added a new section on dealing with the upcoming Super El Nino.

Cold temperatures, frost, excess water, and improper winter care can all cause problems. And because Southern California has so many different microclimates, what works near the coast may not be right for plants farther inland.

Mike has grown plumerias for decades in San Diego’s East County, where winter temperatures can be considerably colder than in coastal areas. In this class, he’ll share the practical techniques he uses to prepare his own plants for winter and protect them when temperatures drop.

Held in person at Atkinson Plumeria Farm, this class goes beyond simply telling you what to do. Mike will show you how he prepares and protects plumerias on the farm, with plenty of time for questions about your own plants and growing conditions.

What You’ll Learn

Mike will cover:

  • How your watering needs change as temperatures change
  • When to stop fertilizing—and when to start again
  • What to do with plumeria cuttings over winter
  • How to protect plants from cold temperatures and frost
  • What to do if your plumeria suffers cold or frost damage
  • What’s happening to your leaves in autumn—and when you should be concerned
  • How winter care differs depending on where you live
  • Answers to your specific winter-care questions
  • and much more!

Visit The Farm

The class is held in our open, shaded classroom at Atkinson Plumeria Farm in an intimate, in-person setting. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Before or after class, you’ll also have an opportunity to walk around the farm among hundreds of plumeria plants and thousands of blooms.

What To Bring

  • Water bottle (refills provided)
  • Hat
  • Pen
  • Clipboard
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Your questions
  • Aloha spirit

And wear sunscreen!

Class Details

Price: $40 – limited tickets available!
Your class includes in-person instruction, demonstrations, extensive Q&A, and time to explore the farm.

Check-in begins 15 minutes before class. Please allow enough time to arrive, park, check in, and find a seat. Class begins promptly at the scheduled start time.

Register

Register 11/8

Register 11/21

NOTE: If the class is sold out, email us to be added to the waitlist.

Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the event. Eventbrite ticket fees will be deducted (around 8%).Note: 

What Students Say

“I had a great time at your Winter class yesterday. I now know what I won’t be doing for the winter!” Chelle

“The Winter presentation was great and very informative. It sure felt like you covered all aspects of protecting the plumerias during winter.” Sam

About Mike

For more than 30 years, Mike and his wife, Stacy, have owned and operated a thriving plumeria farm on Mt. Helix in La Mesa, California, in San Diego’s East County. Together, they have become internationally recognized leaders in the plumeria community, annually selling hundreds of plumeria plants and more than 15,000 flowers, hosting two major sales events that attract 2,000 attendees, and teaching more than 50 educational classes for hundreds of enthusiasts each year. Through their social media presence, they reach more than one million people worldwide.

Mike and Stacy’s farm and expertise were featured on the PBS television program A Growing Passion in an Emmy Award-winning episode dedicated to plumerias. Mike has taught numerous plumeria workshops throughout Southern California, including presentations for the San Diego Horticultural Society, San Diego Botanic Garden, Master Gardeners programs, garden clubs, and nurseries.

He is the only speaker to have presented at every official plumeria society in the United States. Mike served on the steering committees for the 2016 and 2023 International Plumeria Conferences and is a longtime volunteer and featured speaker for the Southern California Plumeria Society.
In addition to authoring numerous articles on plumerias and tropical gardening, Mike has been interviewed by major media outlets, including MarthaStewart.com and the Los Angeles Times.