Germinating and Growing the Cherry Tree
Starting with a cutting from an existing cherry tree or buying a sapling from the nursery, a cherry tree needs two to four weeks to germinate and put down roots. This is an important first step in the overall process of bringing a cherry tree to fruition. Even though the cherry tree is already rooted, they require patience and attention during this time as they must be watered regularly, preferably every day.
Once the root system is down and the environmental conditions are right, it takes an additional six to nine months before the cherry tree is ready to be transplanted into the outdoor environment. The newly transplant will require additional watering to allow the roots to stretch out and settle in – the best advice is to continue to water the tree daily during this time period.
Flowering and Bearing
The cherry tree starts to produce blossoms and fruit in two to three years after planting. During this period of time, the tree will require additional attention for pruning and fertilizing. If the cherry tree is not pruned and trimmed on a consistent basis, it will produce a great deal of foliage and few or no blossoms or fruit.
Once the tree is actively bear-yielding and blooming, the cherry tree’s production cycle is the same each year. For the first five or six years, the cherry tree will produce a lesser yield of cherries due to its overall size and maturity. After that point, the cherry tree will produce a greater yield of cherries each year until it reaches full maturity – which takes seven to nine years.
Harvesting the Cherries
Once the cherry tree delivers sweet and luscious cherries, harvesting time is around the corner. Plump, ripe, and juicier cherries ‘ready’ for harvesting go by fast due to the cherry season being short-lived. This period will vary based on the climate and region, but is generally around six to eight weeks.
Harvesting of cherries can be done either by hand or with the help of machines, and both methods should be done carefully and diligently in order to ensure the longevity of the cherry tree. It’s also important to remember that harvesting too early or too late can also detrimentally affect the quality, flavour & size of the cherries.
General Care and Maintenance
As with many things in life, good care is essential and cherry trees are no exception. As the number-one variable a cherry tree requires is water, every effort should be made to keep the tree in a well watered and humid environment. This is especially important during the flowering, harvesting, and budding season.
Mulching the base of the cherry tree is also a great way to conserve water, and to help keep the root system from over-heating. Additionally, fertilizer can be added at the base – once in the fall and again in the spring to help nourish the tree.
Pests and Disease
A major issue for many cherry tree owners is the presence of pests & diseases, which can quickly reduce the overall quantity and quality of the cherries’ production, as well as negatively affect the tree’s health. The most common insect pests are aphids, cherry fruit flies, and caterpillars. While the most common diseases are powdery mildew, root rot and black knot.
These pests and diseases can be treated with a variety of chemical, biological and even home-made solutions. That said, prevention (pruning, fertilizing, watering, etc.) is still the best cure as it reduces these pests & diseases’ chances of flourishing in the cherry tree’s environment. It’s also best to identify and treat these problems as soon as they appear.
Conclusion
The cherry tree is a wonderful addition to any backyard orchard. While growing them from seed or sapling can take some patience, the end result of cherry tree production can be truly rewarding. Providing adequate water and fertilizer, as well as protecting them against pests and diseases, are all essential for successful cherry production. For those looking to plant and nurture cherry trees, it’s really better to take your time and plan ahead in order to ensure your trees not just survive, but thrive in the long-term.
