Overwintering guide
How to overwinter candlenut
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — candlenut uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills candlenut in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and candlenut rots from the base.
More candlenut care
Overwintering candlenut — FAQ
Does candlenut need to come indoors for winter?
Candlenut is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Candlenut is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move candlenut for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water candlenut in winter?
Cut watering right back — candlenut uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills candlenut over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and candlenut rots from the base.