Overwintering guide
How to overwinter cherry of the río grande
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills cherry of the río grande in winter
Bringing cherry of the río grande into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More cherry of the río grande care
Overwintering cherry of the río grande — FAQ
Does cherry of the río grande need to come indoors for winter?
Cherry of the Río Grande is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Cherry of the Río Grande will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move cherry of the río grande for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water cherry of the río grande in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills cherry of the río grande over winter?
Bringing cherry of the río grande into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.