How to Grow Cherries Step by Step: From Seed to Tree, A Comprehensive Tutorial

Dreaming of a backyard orchard bursting with juicy, sweet cherries? Growing your own cherries can be a rewarding experience, offering delicious fruit and beautiful blossoms. But where do you start? This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to grow cherries step by step, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your first crop.

1. Choosing the Right Cherry Tree Variety

The first step in your cherry-growing journey is selecting the perfect variety for your climate and preferences. There are two main types of cherries:

• Sweet Cherries: These are the classic cherries we think of, with their sweet, juicy flesh. Popular varieties include Bing, Rainier, and Stella.
• Sour Cherries: These have a tart flavor and are often used for pies, jams, and other culinary creations. Popular varieties include Montmorency and Morello.

Here’s what to consider when choosing your cherry tree:

• Climate: Sweet cherries require a longer growing season and are best suited to warmer climates, while sour cherries are more cold-hardy and can thrive in cooler regions.
• Pollination: Most cherry trees need a pollinator to produce fruit. Check the variety you’re considering to see if it’s self-pollinating or requires a different variety for cross-pollination.
• Size and Growth Habit: Cherry trees can grow quite large, so consider the available space in your yard. Some varieties are more compact than others.
• Fruiting Time: Different cherry varieties ripen at different times, allowing you to enjoy a longer harvest season.

2. Selecting the Perfect Planting Site

Choosing the right location for your cherry tree is crucial for its health and productivity. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Sunlight: Cherry trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
• Drainage: Cherry trees are susceptible to root rot, so choose a site with good drainage. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water can accumulate.
• Wind Protection: While cherry trees can tolerate some wind, excessive wind can damage branches and reduce fruit production.

3. Planting Your Cherry Tree

Once you’ve selected the ideal spot, it’s time to plant your cherry tree. Follow these steps:

• Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
• Amend the Soil: Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
• Place the Tree: Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole, making sure the root flare (where the roots transition into the trunk) is above the soil line.
• Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
• Water Thoroughly: Give the newly planted tree a deep watering to settle the soil around the roots.

4. Watering and Fertilizing Your Cherry Tree

Cherry trees need regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. Here’s a watering schedule:

• First Year: Water deeply every week, especially during dry periods.
• Subsequent Years: Water deeply every 2-3 weeks during dry spells.
• During Fruiting: Increase watering frequency during the fruiting season to ensure ample moisture for fruit development.

Fertilizing:

• Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around the base of the tree, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Mid-Summer: Apply a second dose of fertilizer if needed, especially if the leaves show signs of nutrient deficiency.

5. Pruning Your Cherry Tree

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your cherry tree. Here’s a basic pruning schedule:

• Dormant Pruning: This is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.
• Summer Pruning: This involves removing any new growth that emerges from the trunk or main branches, as well as any suckers that sprout from the base of the tree.

6. Protecting Your Cherry Tree from Pests and Diseases

Cherry trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves. Control it with fungicides.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and fruit. Control it with fungicides.
• Cherry Fruit Flies: These insects lay eggs on ripening cherries, causing them to rot. Control them with insecticide sprays.
• Birds: Birds love cherries, so protect your fruit with netting or other bird deterrents.

7. Harvesting Your Cherries

The time to harvest your cherries depends on the variety and your climate. Here are some signs that your cherries are ready to pick:

• Color: Cherries will turn from green to their mature color, which will vary depending on the variety.
• Firmness: Ripe cherries will be firm but slightly yielding to the touch.
• Taste: Taste one or two cherries to ensure they have reached their peak sweetness.

Harvesting Tips:

• Pick cherries gently to avoid bruising.
• Store cherries in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze cherries in airtight containers.

Time to Enjoy Your Sweet Success

Growing your own cherries is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, delicious fruit and the beauty of your own backyard orchard. By following these steps and caring for your cherry tree, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown cherries in no time!

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: How long does it take for a cherry tree to produce fruit?

A: Cherry trees typically start producing fruit 3-5 years after planting.

Q: How often should I fertilize my cherry tree?

A: Fertilize your cherry tree once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. You may need to apply a second dose of fertilizer in mid-summer if the leaves show signs of nutrient deficiency.

Q: What are some common cherry diseases?

A: Some common cherry diseases include cherry leaf spot, powdery mildew, and brown rot.

Q: How can I protect my cherry tree from pests?

A: You can protect your cherry tree from pests by using insecticide sprays, netting to deter birds, and other pest control methods.

Q: How do I prune my cherry tree?

A: Cherry trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. You can also prune in the summer to remove any new growth that emerges from the trunk or main branches.