In the realm of fruit trees, few trees capture the imagination and the taste buds quite like cherry trees. The sight of a cherry tree laden with plump, juicy fruits is a delight for any gardener. If you’re considering adding the allure of cherry trees to your garden, you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to select and plant the ideal cherry tree, ensuring that you enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delectable fruits in your British garden.

The Experts Speak: Popular Cherry Tree Varieties

According to CRJ Fruit-Treesexperts, here are the most popular cherry tree varieties:

Sweet Cherries

Stella Cherry: Stella cherries are a popular choice among sweet cherry lovers. These self-fertile trees produce delicious, dark red cherries that are perfect for eating fresh. They’re known for their sweet, juicy flesh and resistance to cracking.

Sunburst Cherry: Sunburst cherries are another top pick. They bear large, firm, and sweet cherries with a deep red color. These cherries are excellent for fresh snacking, making them a favorite among families.

Sour Cherries

Morello Cherry: Morello cherries are renowned for their tartness, making them a prime choice for baking and cooking. These cherries have dark red to almost black skin and a distinctive tangy flavor. They’re excellent for making pies, jams, and sauces.

Montmorency Cherry: Montmorency cherries are a classic sour cherry variety. They are prized for their bright red color and bold, tangy taste. These cherries are ideal for making pies, preserves, and even cherry juice.

Selecting the Right Cherry Tree

Before you dive into planting a cherry tree, it’s crucial to select the right variety based on your preferences and the local climate. Here are some factors to consider:

Sweet or Sour Cherries: Determine whether you prefer sweet or sour cherries. Sweet cherries are perfect for snacking, while sour cherries are excellent for baking and cooking.

Self-Fertile vs. Pollinator-Dependent: Some cherry varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit on their own. Others require a pollination partner for fruit production. Consider the pollination requirements of the cherry tree you choose.

Local Climate: Check whether the cherry tree variety you want to plant is well-suited to your local climate and weather conditions. Different varieties thrive in different climates, so it’s essential to select one that can withstand the British weather.

Size and Space: Consider the size of your garden and the space available. Cherry trees come in various sizes, from dwarf and compact varieties to larger, standard-sized trees. Choose a tree that fits your garden space.

Planting Your Cherry Tree: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve selected the ideal cherry tree variety for your garden, it’s time to plant it and watch it flourish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting your cherry tree:

Choose the Right Location: Cherry trees thrive in full sun, so select a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Preparation:It is imperative to ensure that the soil possesses effective drainage capabilities and is abundant in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage.

Dig a Hole: Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and deep enough to accommodate the roots. Make a small mound of soil in the center of the hole to support the tree.

Plant the Tree: Carefully remove the cherry tree from its container, gently teasing out the roots if they are circling the root ball. Position the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring that the graft union (the bump on the trunk) is just above the soil line. The hole should be filled with soil, ensuring that it is firmly pressed down to effectively eliminate any air pockets.

Water and Mulch: Water your newly planted cherry tree thoroughly to settle the soil. To promote moisture conservation and weed suppression, it is recommended to apply a layer of mulch around the tree’s base.

Pruning Your Cherry Tree: Shaping for Success

Pruning is a vital aspect of cherry tree care. It helps shape the tree, stimulate healthy growth, and ensure a bountiful harvest. Here’s a basic guide to pruning your cherry tree:

Winter Pruning: Prune your cherry tree during the dormant winter months, typically between late November and early March. This practice serves to mitigate stress on the tree and mitigate the potential for disease transmission.

Remove Dead or Diseased Branches: Begin by inspecting the tree for dead or diseased branches. It is imperative to completely eliminate these in order to mitigate the transmission of diseases.

Thin Out Crowded Branches: Identify branches that are crossing over or growing too closely together. Remove the weaker or less productive branches to allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Maintain the Center Leader: For standard cherry trees, maintain the central leader (the main vertical stem) to encourage upward growth. For dwarf or compact cherry trees, prune to maintain the desired height.

5. Shape the Canopy: Prune to shape the canopy, encouraging an open structure that allows sunlight to reach all parts of the tree. Pay attention to the angle at which branches emerge, ensuring they have enough space to grow.

Harvesting and Caring for Your Cherries

The reward for your efforts in selecting, planting, and pruning your cherry tree is the harvest of delicious cherries. Here are some tips for harvesting and caring for your cherries:

Harvest at the Right Time: Cherries are ready for harvest when they are fully colored and firm to the touch. Sweet cherries should be slightly darker in color, while sour cherries will be bright red.

Use Proper Harvesting Techniques: Gently twist the cherries from the tree to avoid damaging the fruit and leaving the stems intact. Avoid pulling the cherries, as this can damage the tree.

Harvest in Batches: Cherries tend to ripen at different times, so make multiple passes through the tree to collect ripe fruit. This ensures you get the best flavor and prevents overripe cherries from falling to the ground.

Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common cherry pests like birds, aphids, and cherry fruit fly. Use netting and appropriate pest control methods to protect your fruit.

Proper Storage: Store harvested cherries in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. They can also be frozen, canned, or used in various culinary delights.

Conclusion

Planting and caring for a cherry tree is a rewarding endeavor that yields a bountiful harvest of sweet or sour cherries. By selecting the right cherry tree variety, planting it in an ideal location, and following proper pruning and care techniques, you can enjoy the delights of fresh cherries right from your own garden. Cherish the beauty and taste of your cherry tree, and let it be a source of joy and satisfaction in your British garden for years to come.