Growing Cherry Trees in Tropical Puerto Rico

Climate Mismatch

Cherries require a chill period (hundreds of hours ~40°F/4°C) to bloom and fruit. Tropical Puerto Rico lacks this; trees will likely exhaust themselves and die.

Alternative

Contact Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service (SEA) for possible low-chill cultivars, but success is doubtful. Mountains may offer cooler nights.

Germination Note

Seeds can be stratified in refrigerator, but growing the tree long-term is the challenge.