Overwintering guide
How to overwinter squirrel corn
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills squirrel corn in winter
Cutting squirrel corn hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More squirrel corn care
Overwintering squirrel corn — FAQ
Does squirrel corn need to come indoors for winter?
Squirrel Corn is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Squirrel Corn is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move squirrel corn for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water squirrel corn in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills squirrel corn over winter?
Cutting squirrel corn hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.