Cherry trees are a delightful addition to any garden, providing both aesthetic beauty and delicious fruit. For those living in Britain, choosing the right cherry tree and understanding the necessary care practices can significantly impact fruit production. This article aims to provide comprehensive tips on buying cherry trees to maximize your yield.
Understanding Cherry Varieties
There are two main types of cherry trees: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sweet cherries are ideal for eating fresh, while sour cherries are often used for cooking and preserving. In Britain, the climate is suitable for both types, but it’s essential to choose varieties that are well-adapted to the local conditions.
Sweet cherry varieties like ‘Stella’, ‘Sunburst’, and ‘Morello’ are popular choices in Britain. The Stella cherry tree is known for its self-fertility, meaning it does not require a pollination partner, which can simplify cultivation. ‘Morello’ is a reliable sour cherry variety that also benefits from self-fertility and is highly productive.
Selecting the Right Rootstock
The rootstock on which a cherry tree is grafted significantly influences its growth, size, and fruit production. For those in Britain, it’s crucial to choose a rootstock that suits your garden’s conditions and your space constraints. Common rootstocks include Gisela 5, Gisela 6, Colt, and Krymsk 5.
Gisela 5 is a dwarfing rootstock, producing smaller trees that are easier to manage and harvest. It is well-suited for smaller gardens. Gisela 6 provides a slightly larger tree but still maintains a compact form. Colt rootstock is semi-vigorous, producing medium-sized trees that are robust and productive. Krymsk 5 is another dwarfing option that offers good disease resistance and adaptability.
Planting Location and Soil Requirements
Cherry trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The planting location should receive full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. In Britain, choosing a sheltered spot can help protect the trees from strong winds and late frosts, which can damage blossoms and reduce fruit set.
Before planting, improve the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This not only enhances soil fertility but also improves drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, consider creating raised beds to ensure adequate drainage.
Timing and Planting Technique
The best time to plant cherry trees in Britain is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, when the tree is not actively growing. Bare-root trees are typically planted in this period, while container-grown trees can be planted any time of year, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Digging a hole precisely the same depth and twice as wide as the root ball is required if you wish to grow a cherry tree. Position the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (the point where the tree is grafted onto the rootstock) is above soil level. Firmly pack the removed soil around the roots as you backfill the hole. After planting, give the soil a thorough watering to help settle and remove any air pockets.
Pollination Considerations
Pollination is a critical factor in fruit production for cherry trees. While some varieties are self-fertile, others require a compatible pollination partner to set fruit. Self-fertile varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Sunburst’ can produce fruit on their own, but planting multiple varieties can still enhance yield through cross-pollination.
For those varieties that require a pollinator, it’s essential to plant another cherry variety that blooms at the same time. For instance, ‘Lapins’ and ‘Bing’ can serve as good pollinators for each other. Additionally, ensuring a healthy population of pollinators, such as bees, can significantly boost fruit set. Avoid using pesticides during blooming periods to protect these beneficial insects.
Watering and Mulching
Cherry trees that are still young require consistent watering, particularly during periods of drought. Even though established trees are better able to withstand drought, this does not mean that they do not require additional irrigation during extended periods of dry weather. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch is applied around the base of the tree to assist control temperature, weed growth, and soil moisture retention. The best mulches are organic ones made of wood chips, straw, or compost. To avoid rot, make sure the mulch stays away from the trunk.
Pruning for Health and Productivity
Proper pruning is vital for maintaining the health and productivity of cherry trees. Although the tree is still dormant, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, after the danger of a severe frost has passed. Summer pruning can also be beneficial to remove excessive growth and improve light penetration.
The main goals of pruning are to shape the tree, remove diseased or damaged wood, and promote air circulation. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Aim to create an open center or modified central leader structure to allow sunlight to reach the inner branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stimulate excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Fertilization Strategies
Fertilization is essential for cherry trees to support healthy growth and fruiting. In Britain, a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable. Apply fertilizer in early spring before the tree begins active growth.
For established trees, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote vegetative growth, but be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage and reduced fruiting. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure are excellent choices, providing a slow-release source of nutrients and improving soil structure.
Pest and Disease Management
Cherry trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can impact fruit production. Common pests in Britain include aphids, cherry fruit flies, and birds. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while cherry fruit flies can be managed with traps and timely application of insecticides. Netting can help protect the fruit from birds.
Diseases such as brown rot, bacterial canker, and leaf spot are also common. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial. Brown rot, caused by a fungus, can be managed by removing and destroying infected fruit and pruning out diseased branches. Bacterial canker can be reduced by pruning during dry weather and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays can help control leaf spot, but cultural practices like good sanitation and proper spacing to improve air circulation are equally important.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care
The timing of cherry harvest is critical to ensure optimal fruit quality. Cherries do not ripen further once picked, so they should be harvested when fully ripe. Sweet cherries typically change color from green to red, dark red, or black, depending on the variety. Sour cherries usually turn bright red.
Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising and use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems, rather than pulling the fruit off, which can damage the tree. Once harvested, cherries should be cooled quickly to prolong their shelf life. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer-term storage.
Maximizing Fruit Production Through Careful Planning
Maximizing cherry fruit production in Britain involves a combination of selecting the right varieties, providing optimal growing conditions, and implementing proper care practices. Careful planning and attention to detail at each stage of cultivation will yield the best results.
Choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Ensure proper pollination by planting compatible varieties or choosing self-fertile types. Provide adequate water, mulch, and fertilization to support tree health and fruit development. Regular pruning and pest management will help maintain tree vigor and productivity.
By following these expert tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious cherries from your garden. With patience and dedication, your cherry trees can thrive and produce fruit for many years to come. Whether you prefer sweet or sour cherries, the rewards of growing your own are well worth the effort.
