Growing Cherry Of The Rio Grande In Phoenix Arizona

Photo Shown on the right is a 4 foot cherry of the rio grande tree in April. It is located on the north side of a 6 foot block wall and on the east side of a large pine tree, so it receives afternoon shade. This plant was mail ordered from Florida and planted in full sun its first year. It did flower the first spring but did not set fruit. In June of its first year, the Arizona sun proved to be too much for it and it started to sunburn substantially, so it was transplanted into its current location. It did not flower its second spring and still appeared to be recovering from last summer. In its current location it also sun burned but not as badly as before. This summer, its second, it is currently under shade cloth and I hope it will better be able to handle the summer heat when better established and more fully protected by its own leaves. This cherry of the rio grande was subjected to temperatures of 26 F. in the winter of 2007 and sustained no significant damage.

Overview
Cherry of the rio grande can be grown in Phoenix but has some difficulty with the summer heat and sun. It appears to also be sensitive to soil salts, and therefore should be fertilized carefully. It is evergreen and handles the coldest weather that the Phoenix winter can produce without problems. It grows continuously during warm weather. The most attractive thing about cherry of the rio grande is that its fruit tastes very much like real cherries. Real cherries cannot be grown in Phoenix because there is not enough winter chill for them here. Both in appearance and cultural requirements cherry of the rio grande seems very similar to its relative the cattley guava.

Heat Tolerance and Sun Exposure
Cherry of the rio grande trees need afternoon shade. During their first couple of years they might even need to be protected with a shade cloth until they are established.

Watering frequency
Cherry of the rio grandes do well on a grass watering schedule.

Watering method
Basin irrigation is recommended because it helps keep the salt in our salty water from accumulating around the roots. Furthermore, deep watering will encourage the plant to develop deeper roots, making the plant tougher when the weather gets hot and dry.

Fertilizing and Growth Rate
Cherry of the rio grandes grow steadily with little to no fertilizer. They appear to be salt sensitive plants so chemical nitrogen fertilizers should not be used, and even organic fertilizers, like fish emulsion, seem to be able to burn them. It is safest to use no nitrogen fertilizers on them at all. Small amounts of chelated iron, such as ironite, appears to help the tree when it's leaves look pale. A thin layer of compost around the trees base is also beneficial.

Propagation
Cherry of the rio grandes are grown from seed.

Pests
No known pests in Phoenix Arizona.

Links to more cherry of the rio grande information

Cherry Of The Rio Grande - University Of Florida