Love cherries but tired of store prices?
Why not grow your own?
This step-by-step guide will show you how.
Ready for fresh, home-grown cherries?
Let’s get started!
1. Pick the Ideal Variety
- Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties: Ideal for container gardening
- Designed for limited space scenarios
2. Get a Healthy Sapling
- Choose: Select a vigorous cherry tree from a trusted provider.
- Inspect: Ensure the tree is free of diseases.
- Check Roots: Look for a strong root network.
3. Choose a Suitable Container
- Capacity: Opt for a planter with at least 15 gallons volume.
- Drainage: Ensure it has adequate holes to avoid excess water retention.
4. Prepare the Container
- Soil Mixture: Combine equal parts of garden soil, organic matter, and aeration material.
- Aeration Material: Use either perlite or vermiculite.
- Objective: Aim for moisture preservation yet allow for proper drainage.
5. Positioning Your Sapling
- Excavate a suitable hole in the center to fit the tree’s roots comfortably.
- Carefully insert the sapling, ensuring the root top is even or just above the ground level.
- Backfill with soil mixture, securing the sapling’s position.
6. Ensure Hydration
- Immediately after planting: Saturate the cherry tree’s base thoroughly.
- Soil condition: Aim for a uniformly damp texture, avoiding overly soggy conditions.
- Ongoing care: Maintain steady soil moisture with regular watering practices.
7. Provide Adequate Sunlight
- Locate your planter where it’s sunny for 6+ hours daily
- Cherry trees prosper with plenty of sunlight
8. Prune for Optimal Growth
- Health: Eliminate branches that are dead, broken, or infected.
- Airflow: Cut to enhance air movement and sunlight exposure.
- Disease Prevention: Reducing overcrowding minimizes fungal infection risks.
9. Fertilize Properly
- Timing: Apply fertilizer during the growth period.
- Type: Utilize a balanced, slow-release variant as per guidelines.
- Organic Options: Employ compost or aged manure for nutrients.
10. Guard Against Diseases and Pests
- Inspect your cherry tree regularly for pests such as aphids and cherry fruit flies.
- Utilize organic pesticides to manage infestations when necessary.
- Protect the tree with nets to prevent birds from causing damage.
11. Support the Growing Tree
- Secure your cherry tree’s main trunk and heftier limbs by installing robust stakes or a trellis framework to avert limb breakage due to heavy fruit loads.
12. Reaping the Rewards
- Timeframe: Expect fruit within 2-5 years.
- Harvest: Pick the ripe cherries by hand.
- Enjoyment: Savor the fresh cherries directly from your tree.
Caring for your cherry tree diligently will ensure you can take pleasure in the visual splendor and fruitful harvest right at home.