Growing Cherries

There are two basic types of cherry, the Sweet and the Acid. The Sweet is the type eaten as a raw desert fruit. The Acid is usually cooked. Both types require the same conditions and cultivation.

Grown as either a bush or as a standard tree, both types can grow very large in their natural forms, so, in a small garden it will be necessary to grow on a dwarfing rootstock or as fans against a south-facing wall.

There is only one Sweet variety that is self-pollinating; this is the variety 'Stella'. The variety 'Morello' is the only Acid self-pollinating variety. These are ideal plants for a small garden or balcony, as you will only require the one plant. All other varieties will need a different variety to pollinate them so at least two plants will be required.

Soil Conditions and Siting

Both types of cherry require very fertile, deep, well-drained loam. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.

Sweet cherries will do better in full sun but Acid cherries are better with light shade.

Planting

Standard and bush trees should be planted in late winter at least 15ft - 20ft (4.5 - 6.0m) apart. Fan trained trees should be planted against a wall or wired support spaced 18ft (5.5m) apart.

Maintenance

Feeding

An annual mulch of well-rotted manure is normally sufficient. This will help to keep the moisture in the ground as well as maintain a slightly acid pH to the soil. Too much lime in the soil can sometimes cause a Magnesium deficiency but a dressing of seaweed meal can correct this.

Pruning

Standard and bush trees need very little pruning. If pruning is required, always prune in mid summer by removing any dead or diseased wood, any branches that cross over each other and that could cause damage by rubbing and any overcrowded branches.

Fan trained Cherries will require pruning each year to maintain their shape and fruiting.

Protection

It is advisable to place nets over Sweet Cherries to prevent the birds from eating them.

Harvesting

The Cherries should be left on the tree to ripen for as long as possible but picked before they start to split.

Sweet Cherries should be eaten straight away. Acid Cherries can be stored for a few days but are better used as soon as possible. They can be stored for longer by bottling, freezing or made into jams.

Pests and Diseases

Cherries can be affected by Blackfly, winter moths, bacterial canker and silver leaf. (See the pests and diseases sections for prevention's and cures).