Cherry trees are elegant, deciduous trees admired for their spring blossoms and flavorful fruit. In early spring, they burst into clouds of delicate white or pale pink flowers that cover the branches and attract pollinators, making them a striking feature in gardens and orchards. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to glossy cherries that range in color from bright red to deep purple, depending on the variety.
Cherry trees grow with a graceful form and smooth, often shiny bark, thriving in temperate climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Some varieties are grown mainly for their ornamental beauty, while others are cultivated for their sweet or tart fruit, enjoyed fresh, baked, or preserved. Valued for both their beauty and productivity, cherry trees symbolize renewal, abundance, and the arrival of spring.
Choose the Right Variety Select a variety suited to your climate. Sweet cherries often need cross-pollination. Sour (tart) cherries are usually self-fertile. Check chill-hour requirements for your area.
Choose the Right Location Plant in full sun (6–8 hours daily). Use well-drained soil; cherries do not like waterlogged roots. Choose a site with good air circulation to reduce disease.
Planting Plant bare-root trees in late winter or early spring. Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots and just as deep. Set the tree so the graft union is above soil level. Backfill, firm gently, and water well.
Watering Water regularly during the first year. Once established, water during dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
Feeding Feed in early spring with compost or a balanced fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth over fruit.
Pruning Prune in late summer or early spring (depending on variety). Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Maintain an open shape for light and air flow.
Protection Protect blossoms from late frosts if possible. Net trees to prevent birds from eating the fruit.
Pollination and Patience Plant compatible varieties if cross-pollination is needed Trees usually begin fruiting in 3–5 years.
With proper care, cherry trees can live for decades and produce abundant, delicious fruit year after year.
When to Harvest Cherries are ready when they are fully coloured, glossy, and firm. Sweet cherries should taste sweet and juicy; tart cherries will be fully coloured but still sour. Cherries do not ripen after picking, so harvest only when ripe. Harvest season is usually late spring to early summer, depending on variety.
How to Harvest Pick cherries by hand. Gently twist and pull the fruit, keeping the stem attached to help them store longer. Avoid pulling hard, which can damage spurs and branches.
Harvest Carefully Handle cherries gently to prevent bruising. Place them carefully into shallow containers.
Best Time to Harvest Harvest on a dry day, preferably in the morning after dew has dried. Dry fruit stores better and resists disease.
After Harvest Care Refrigerate cherries as soon as possible. Do not wash until ready to use. Use fresh cherries within a few days, or preserve by freezing or cooking.
Harvesting cherries at peak ripeness ensures the best flavour, texture, and quality.
