Cherries are the fruit of the summer. Cherries can grow into large trees, growing up to 15M tall, with smaller dwarf varieties available. Cherry trees bloom with pale pink blossoms in spring & keep their foliage through autumn.
Full sun
December to February
Well, Drained Quality Soil
Plant bare rooted in winter or in a pot other times of the year
Varieties
Different varieties of Cherry trees produce fruit at varying times over summer, there are varieties that grow white fleshed fruit or miniature trees that will only grow around 2.5M tall.
Some types are self fertile while others require cross pollination to be able to product fruit. Check the tag on your tree to find pollination information.
Differing varieties also need different amount of cold temperatures to produce, so do some research to ensure your chosen variety is suitable for your climate.
Some popular cherry varieties:
Lapins
Self fertile, late maturing with dark red fruit. Requires a cool climate
Stella
Mid season maturing, self fertile with red fruit. Needs a cool climate
Sir Don
Self fertile with dark red-black fruit
Morello
Self fertile, late maturing with sour cherry for cooking
Minnie Royal
Low chill with red fruit. Requires a pollinator.
Starkeinson
Self fertile with large fruit, grows best in cold climate
How to Grow a Cherry Tree in Your Garden
Choose a Location
Find a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun a day with well drained soil. Check the variety you’ve chosen is suitable for your climate.
Improve The Soil & Plant
Prior to planting, enrich the soil with a soil improver or fertiliser to add organic matter and give your plant nutrients.
Dig the hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball.
If you purchased a bare rooted, dormant tree, create a pyramid of soil at the base of the planting hole. Place the tree so roots sit over the mound of the soil and ensure the bump on the trunk (graft union) sits at least 5cm above the final ground level. Backfill gently and water in to settle soil.
For potted trees, gently remove from container and tease roots. Cut away any tangled or circled roots. Place in planting hole and backfill. Final level of soil should sit at the same level as it was in the pot. Water in well.
Caring for newly planted cherry trees
Keep soil moist while the plant establishes to help form a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the plants root zone. This will help keep the water where it is needed.
Use mulch around the root zone to keep soil moist but keep away from the trunk.
Watering & Fertilising
From spring to autumn, keep soil moist and when new buds and leaves emerge in spring, fertilise regularly.
Flowering & Fruits
Cherry trees flower in early spring, usually lasting for around 2 weeks. If the flowers are pollinated, fruit will develop and will be ready to pick from November to February, depending on the variety. Pick the fruit when they are mature as they do not continue to ripen once picked. Pick a few fruit & taste for sweetness. If they are not ripe, wait another week.
Pruning
To promote healthier growth and better fruiting, you can prune the tree. Prune to encourage the ‘open vase’ shape to allow sun to reach the centre of the tree. After this is established, little pruning is needed except for removing inward growing branches or dead branches. Cherry trees bear fruit on short spurs growing on two year or older wood. To promote future spurs, prune old stems back by about 1/3 annually.
How to grow Cherry Tree in a Pot
Dwarf and mini varieties of Cherry trees are perfect for growing in large pots. Check the tag to find information on whether your chosen variety is suitable for pot growing.
Choose a pot and location
Ensure your pot is a suitable size for your tree, at least 50cm. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.
Planting
Using a good quality potting mix, partly fill your pot.
If you purchased a bare rooted, dormant tree, create a pyramid of soil at the base of the planting hole. Place the tree so roots sit over the mound of the soil and ensure the bump on the trunk (graft union) sits at least 5cm above the final ground level. Backfill gently and water in to settle soil.
For potted trees, gently remove from container and tease roots. Cut away any tangled or circled roots. Place in planting hole and backfill. Final level of soil should sit at the same level as it was in the pot. Water in well.
Caring for newly planted cherry trees
Keep soil moist while the plant establishes. Keep in mind potted plants tend to dry out faster than in ground plants.
Watering & Fertilising
From spring to autumn, keep soil moist and when new buds and leaves emerge in spring, fertilise regularly.
Thrive Citrus & Fruit Fertiliser
Flowering & Fruits
Cherry trees flower in early spring, usually lasting for around 2 weeks. If the flowers are pollinated, fruit will develop and will be ready to pick from November to February, depending on the variety. Pick the fruit when they are mature as they do not continue to ripen once picked. Pick a few fruit & taste for sweetness. If they are not ripe, wait another week.
Pruning
To promote healthier growth and better fruiting, you can prune the tree. Prune to encourage the ‘open vase’ shape to allow sun to reach the centre of the tree. After this is established, little pruning is needed except for removing inward growing branches or dead branches. Cherry trees bear fruit on short spurs growing on two year or older wood. To promote future spurs, prune old stems back by about 1/3 annually.
Tips for Growing Cherry Trees in Australia
Where do Cherry Trees grow best in Australia?
This depends on the variety, some require cold climates while others can grow in warmer areas.
Do I need two cherry trees to get fruit to grow?
Yes, some require a pollinating partner. Check the plant tag on your plant to find out.
What is the best way to keep soil moist?
Use a soil wetter. This will help reduce the waxy water repellant layer that can settle on the surface of your soil, and promotes movement of moisture down to the root zone.
When do Cherry Trees fruit in Australia?
Anytime from late spring to late summer depending on variety and growing conditions.
How long does it take for a cherry tree to fruit?
Healthy trees can start from 3 years after planting.
Common Cherry Tree Issues
Pests
Scale, caterpillars, slugs & grasshoppers are all common, treatable pests on cherry trees.
Cherries Splitting
This can happen during high humidity when there is water on the skin of the fruit. It’s hard to prevent apart from avoiding the fruit when watering.
