Preparing the Potting Soil
Every successful cherry tree planting starts with the preparation of the potting soil. Mulch is essential to keep the soil structured and to improve drainage – in this way, it also assists in keeping the soil moist. Gardeners recommend purchasing potting soil with a high pH level, around 6.0 to 7.0, that is lightweight and fast-draining. Adding shredded leaf material, aged compost, and aged manure to the soil mixture will provide essential nutrients and rich organic matter, allowing the cherry tree to feed and establish healthy roots.
Choosing the Right Pot
Cherry trees require a large indoor planter or pot, as a five-gallon size is usually best recommended. When choosing a plastic or ceramic pot, be sure it has a drain hole in the bottom, as this will keep the root system from becoming waterlogged – a common cause of issues in cherry tree growth.
Creating the Perfect Indoor Climate
Indoor cherry tree cultivation requires a consistent temperature and humidity levels, ideally between 70- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit, and a steady humidity between 55 and 70 percent. Clean and dry air indoors should avoid hot and cold drafts, as this will ensure an optimal environment for the cherry tree to thrive.
Other Considerations
For indoor-grown cherry trees, it’s essential that the tree receives plenty of sunlight. Windowsills and conservatories offer the perfect environment for cherry trees, as the consistent light, temperature, and humidity levels, as well as room away from pests, can enhance the growth of the tree while mitigating the risk of diseases.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering indoor-grown cherry trees can prove to be tricky, as too little or too much can be damaging to the tree’s root system and its ability to receive essential nutrients. During the summer months, watering the cherry tree frequently is essential, as this will help the soil to retain moisture. A slow-release liquid fertilizer should be added to the soil in spring and summer, which will aide in the growth of flowers and leaves.
Pollinating the Cherry Tree Blossoms
When grown in a pot, pollinating a single cherry tree by hand is relatively easy and effective. Experts suggest using a soft paintbrush to delicately take the pollen from the male blossom and brushing it onto the tip of a female blossom. Once pollinated, and weather conditions are favourable, the small green cherries should develop and ripen in late summer.
Harvesting the Cherries
For optimal harvesting, cherries should be picked when they are plump and juicy and at their peak of ripeness. It helps to smile while picking the cherries, as this can enhance the flavor! Gently twist the cherries off the tree’s branches and place them in a shallow box or container lined with newspaper or foam.
Curing and Storing the Cherry Harvest
After harvesting, cherries should be washed in cold water, placed on trays and covered with newspaper in a dark and dry place for about two weeks. As curing helps to remove the bitterness from the cherries, it is an essential step in the preservation process. Once the cherries have been cured, keep them in airtight containers for later use, or store them in the freezer for up to a year.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Prior to planting a cherry tree, the hole needs to be at least three times wider than the root ball. Adding sand or perlite to the soil is a sure way of ensuring better drainage and optimal aeration. For best results, mix the soil with the added materials, fertilizer or compost and watered until it is moist sufficient to hold together in a clump. Lastly, fill the hole with the moist soil, cover the root ball and lightly tamp it down.
Selecting the Best Variety to Indoor Grow
Choosing the right cherry tree variety to grow indoors is essential. Best practices dictate that gardeners select a variety that is known to be self-fruiting and does not require pollen from a second tree in order to bear fruit. Chelan, Larian, and Sweetheart are all excellent varieties for indoor growth, so be sure to pick one that fits your needs.
Maintaining the Cherry Tree
Regular maintenance is essential for indoor-grown cherry trees. Ensuring the soil is moist is essential as this will provide the essential nutrients and minerals to the tree’s roots. Pruning is also important as it ensures the tree’s shape by eliminating non-fruiting wood and keeping the tree’s growth and development within bounds.
Controlling Diseases and Pests
Diseases and pests are a common problem with indoor-grown cherry trees and can be successfully managed with a mixture of pest and disease control products approved and recommended by plant health professionals. In the event of an outbreak, it is important to look at the infection or disturbance and act quickly by removing sickly branches, cleaning the tree of insects or dead leaves, or using a certified pesticide.
Bearing Fruit
Cherry trees need to be four to five years old before they can begin to bear crops, so gardeners must be patient during this period. Once the tree starts to produce fruit, it will require essential minerals and micronutrients to stay healthy. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil once a month will be beneficial for the health of the tree and encourage more fruit production.
Re-Potting the Tree
Re-potting the cherry tree every spring is essential for the health of the tree. During this process, gardeners should prune roots and check for any signs of pests and diseases, as well as adding fresh soil mix that contains nutrients essential to the tree’s growth. It is also important to change the pot if it has become too old and degraded, as this will help to keep the tree well nourished and thriving.
