Question
Hello, I live in north central Florida (Ocala). My sister brought me a cherry blosson tree grow kit back from her trip to Washington DC. My question is--- Will it grow here? When would I plant it, and how is the best way to take care of it?

Answer
Sorry, most blossoming cherry trees will not perform in central Fla or even southern Georgia. It may grow (live) briefly before having problems but generally will not live long. Hence the reason you don't see them there. This is also true for may other species of trees such as Japanese Maples.

Cherries require cold as part of their biological process.

Most hardy fruit trees need a certain amount of cold winter weather to end their dormancy and to promote spring growth. When winters are too mild, spring growth is delayed, irregular and slow, the period of blooming is extended and the possibility of frost injury increased. The stone fruits, including cherry, they can lose cold hardiness due to extended midwinter warm periods. Damage to the flower buds can be extensive, especially if the warm period is followed by a very cold period. Injured blossoms may appear normal, but if the pistils (center part of the blossoms) are killed, the tree will not bear fruit.

Sean J Murphy, LA

SEI, Inc
www.southeasternengineering.com

Amenity Architects, LLC
www.amenityarchitects.com