Planting cherry trees correctly is crucial for their success in your garden.
Cherries are delightful to enjoy fresh off the branch, and they boast stunning blossoms in spring. Make sure to include at least one cherry tree in your backyard design.
Cherry trees rank among the top fruit trees due to their low maintenance and ease of growth. They are perfect for novice gardeners looking to establish a kitchen garden. Taking the time to plant cherry trees properly sets you up for a fruitful harvest.
Steps for Planting Cherry Trees
Understanding how to plant cherry trees is straightforward if you're familiar with planting other fruit trees. It follows a similar method.
Follow these guidelines, and you'll have your backyard orchard established quickly:
- Start by digging a hole for your tree. It should be about three times wider than the roots and deep enough to maintain the same planting depth as in the nursery, noting the color change on the trunk.
- You may incorporate some compost into the soil, but avoid excessive amounts. It's vital to mix it with soil from outside the hole to encourage root growth beyond the planting area.
- Place the tree into the hole, ensuring the graft is facing north and that it isn't buried too deeply.
- Backfill the hole with the soil you removed earlier, and compact it gently with your feet while keeping the tree upright.
- At this stage, it's necessary to stake the cherry tree to ensure it grows straight. A stake about one-third the height of the tree should be used, secured with an adjustable tie.
- If you plan to use a trellis for a fan-shaped growth, now's the time to set it up, selecting from various trellis options.
Ideal Timing for Planting Cherry Trees
Cherry trees thrive best when planted in spring or fall since their roots establish slowly and buds open early. Select a dry, mild day when the ground isn't frozen, avoiding times of prolonged drought to ensure moisture in the soil without waterlogging.
Best Growing Conditions for Cherry Trees
Cherry trees flourish in deep, rich soil located in a warm area. Sweet cherries prefer sunny spots, while acid varieties can thrive in shaded areas against a wall.
Ensure your local climate is compatible with cherry cultivation, as certain varieties are suited for hardiness zones 4-9; check the USDA plant hardiness zone map for your zone.
Caring for Cherry Trees
Key factors for cherry tree success include planting depth, consistent watering, adequate sunlight, and protection from pests and animals.
Regular watering is essential for fruit development. Water up to twice daily during the first week after planting, followed by daily watering for several weeks to help the tree establish.
Applying mulch with compost in early spring annually will provide necessary nutrients for the tree's growth.
Learning to prune cherry trees properly is also critical. Aim for an open goblet shape in free-standing trees, removing dead, diseased, or duplicate stems while retaining older wood, as this is where fruit grows.
For fan-trained trees, prune to maintain their shape, tying in new growth as needed and managing lateral branches to encourage fruit production.
Harvest cherries when they turn dark red or black and feel slightly soft to the touch.
Recommended Cherry Tree Varieties
With numerous cherry tree varieties available, decide whether you prefer sweet or sour cherries. Sweet options like 'Stella' are great for fresh eating or compotes, while 'May Duke', 'Morello', and 'Montmorency' are excellent for jams.
The 'Bing' cherry is also a great choice, yielding 50-100 pounds of cherries annually.
Note that not all cherry trees are self-pollinating. If you select a variety that requires cross-pollination, you'll need to plant a second tree. Sour varieties typically self-pollinate, while 'Sunburst' and 'Stella' are popular self-fertile sweet cherry options.
Choosing the right rootstock is also essential for the desired tree size. Colt rootstock works well for standard gardens and fan training, while Gisela 5 is ideal for smaller spaces or pot growing.
FI21 produces a tall cherry tree, reaching up to 20 feet, perfect for larger orchards but challenging for harvesting.
Growing Cherry Trees in Containers
Cherry trees are excellent candidates for pot growing, making them suitable for small garden solutions. Opt for a dwarf variety, ensuring it's self-fertile if you only plan to grow one tree.
Select a container with a capacity of about 25 liters, filled with loam-based compost. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot from excess moisture.
Do I Need Two Cherry Trees for Fruit?
If you choose a non-self-fertile variety, then yes, you'll need two trees to produce fruit, especially with traditional older varieties.
For those with limited garden space, selecting a self-fertile variety like Stella is a wise choice for a successful yield.
If opting for trees that require cross-pollination, plant them at least 20 feet apart for larger varieties, or 6-8 feet apart for dwarf types.
How Deep Should a Cherry Tree Be Planted?
When planting, consider the grafting line and the trunk's color change from its previous planting depth.
Plant the tree so the graft line sits 2-3 inches above the soil surface, with the hole depth matching the root ball's height.
How Long Until Cherry Trees Bear Fruit?
The time it takes for a cherry tree to produce fruit varies based on rootstock and tree age at planting.
Generally, expect some fruit within two years, but a substantial harvest will typically take at least four years.
