How to Grow a Cherry Tree
Cherry trees are showy in bloom in spring, offer delicious fruit for the summer and glow with autumn color in the fall. Here are some pointers on how to choose, plant and grow a cherry tree.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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The best times to plant a cherry tree is when the weather is cool -- the autumn, winter (if your ground doesn't freeze) and early spring. Cherries need a cool winter so if you live in a low frost area, you may only be able to grow a variety like 'Stella' (a very good, self-pollinating cherry) if you can grow cherries at all.
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You can grow 'sweet' cherries for eating raw or 'morello' or 'sour' cherries -- the really dark colored ones that are less sweet -- for cooking. Look for a variety that grows well in your area. There are many to choose from. Grow your tree in full sun.
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Select a location to grow your tree in full sun. Did the hole wider than than deep, but make sure the roots fit easily into the depth of the hole. If the soil is dry in the bottom of the hole, water it.
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If you live in a windy area, you will want to add your stakes and ties to support the young tree. If you do stake your tree, remove the stakes within a year or two to allow motion and the proper development of roots.
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Back fill your hole with soil (mix in amendments now if your soil need them). Tamp in the soil and leave a depression like a moat around the outer edges of the hole to collect water and allow it to soak in slowly.
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Like most fruit trees, the cherry needs deep watering. The soil can dry out in the top few inches, but it should remain moist -- not wet -- down to the bottom of the roots.
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Cherry trees need little pruning, but you should shape your tree lightly during its first few years. After that, just cut out dead or crossing branches.
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In some areas cherry trees are prone to fungal diseases so you might have to use Bordeaux spray during the winter or other oil sprays. Most of the oil sprays also help avoid many insect problems. Insect, disease and fungus problems vary in different parts of the country. Most spraying, however, is done when the trees are dormant.
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If you want a good crop of cherries, you will probably have to net your tree to discourage the birds. Make sure the netting is up before the berries start to color.
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- Photo Credit Photo by Jane Gates
Comments
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Kim Marie
Sep 09, 2008
This is neat, thank you! -
David Sarokin
Sep 09, 2008
Might be time to replace the beautiful (but getting to be oversized) Bradford Pear in our backyard. A cherry tree might be just the ticket. Thanks for such a clear How-To.
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David Sarokin
Sep 09, 2008
Might be time to replace the beautiful (but getting to be oversized) Bradford Pear in our backyard. A cherry tree might be just the ticket. Thanks for such a clear How-To.
