A cherry is a small, sweet or tart, edible stone fruit produced by the cherry tree. Originating in Asia Minor near the Black Sea, cherries spread to Greece and China through animal droppings.
Over the centuries, cherries have been cultivated in various edible and ornamental forms worldwide.
There are over 600 varieties of cherries, making it essential to select the appropriate one based on location and intended use. Edible cherries are primarily divided into two categories: sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus). Sweet cherries are favored for fresh eating and drying, while sour cherries excel in cooking, baking, and canning.
CHOOSING A VARIETY
Sweet Cherries
Dear Lykkers, sweet cherries are the most popular, known for their large size, crisp texture, and sweet flavor. Ideal for fresh consumption and drying, these cherries also have a longer shelf life, making them a market favorite.
Pie Cherries
Also known as sour or tart cherries, pie cherries are best suited for cooking. Their sourness mellows during cooking, allowing natural sugars to develop into an intense sweet-tart flavor. These cherries are softer and have a shorter shelf life, making them a sought-after choice for baking enthusiasts.
Ornamental Cherries
Ornamental cherry trees hold cultural significance in many countries, especially in Japan, where cherry blossoms symbolize renewal and life. These blossoms are also edible and are often used as seasonal ingredients in various cuisines.
SIZE
The size of a cherry tree depends on the variety and rootstock. Modern sweet cherries are often grafted onto Gisela rootstocks, which are popular for their easy maintenance and abundant yields. Gisela 5 stocks can be maintained at 10 to 12 feet tall, while Gisela 3 stocks are typically 8 to 10 feet tall. Sour cherries, being less vigorous, can be maintained at shorter heights than sweet cherries on the same rootstock.
POLLINATION
Cherries vary in their pollination requirements. Some varieties are self-fertile, while others require a different variety as a pollinizer to produce fruit. Sweet cherries pollinate other sweet cherries, and sour cherries pollinate other sour cherries. These two types rarely bloom simultaneously, so they are not effective pollinizers for each other.
As insect-pollinated plants, cherries benefit from the activity of bees, including mason bees, bumblebees, and honeybees. Proper cross-pollination is ensured by planting pollinizers within 100 feet, avoiding obstructions in the line of sight.
RIPENING TIME
Cherries typically ripen in early to mid-summer, depending on the variety. For a prolonged fresh-eating season, sweet cherry cultivars with staggered ripening times are recommended. For pie cherries, choosing varieties that ripen simultaneously ensures a large harvest for baking and preserving.
GROWING IN CONTAINERS
Dwarfing rootstocks, such as Gisela 3 and Newroot, enable cherry trees to thrive in containers. A 22-27 gallon container is recommended. Using potting soil mixed with compost ensures proper moisture retention and nutrition. Regular watering and care are essential due to the drying conditions of potted environments.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Watering
An inch of water per week is recommended for cherries planted in the ground. Deep, infrequent watering promotes healthy roots, while daily light watering should be avoided. In hotter climates, mulching with straw or bark helps retain moisture.
Fertilization
Balanced fertilizers with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are ideal for cherries. Fertilizer application should be limited to late winter through early summer to prevent excessive soft growth that is vulnerable to winter damage. Mulching with wood chips conserves moisture and maintains healthy soil.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Bacterial Canker
Symptoms: Blackish cankers, wilting branches, and gummy oozing.
Control: Apply copper fungicide in fall and January. Remove infected areas and enhance tree immunity with foliar micronutrients.
Brown Rot
Symptoms: Wilting twigs and rotten fruits turning gray-brown.
Control: Remove infected parts and apply fungicides at petal fall, midsummer, and fall.
Cherry Slug
Symptoms: Olive-green larvae skeletonizing leaves.
Control: Use insecticidal soaps or manually remove larvae.
Shot Hole Disease
Symptoms: Red-purple spots on leaves, leaving holes.
Control: Apply copper fungicides in fall and spring.
Proper care and timely intervention ensure healthy cherry trees and bountiful harvests!
