Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Cherry Trees

Bobbie writes~ I recently received a young flowering cherry tree in a pot. I live in Connecticut and it still cold here (every other day). The tree began to bud while indoors. Should I put it outside and plant it soon? Will the budding stop if I put it outside or should I keep it inside and let it bloom?

A. Please do not put it outside. You risk a cold snap which is very possible in any year. Then, the new buds and leaves will be damaged such that it could stunt the growth later on.

Try to keep it cool inside the house. Water only when it is dry and supply very good light, a little light fertilizer, but keep out of direct warm sunlight, which would speed up the sprouting. If it blooms inside, then so be it.

It is obvious that this tree was forced to bloom early. It is a shame for the tree though, as it now is off the normal cycle. Subjecting it to any cold will only do further harm.