Cherry blossoms are a beautiful sight and make for a great addition to any garden. But making sure your cherry tree blossoms can be tricky. Thankfully, with the right care and knowledge your cherry tree can blossom to its fullest.
First and foremost, it is important to choose the right cherry tree for your garden. If you live in a cool climate, you should stick with sweet cherries, which have a chilling requirement of 800 – 1000 hours. If you’re in a warm climate, sour cherries may do better, as they require only 500 – 800 chilling hours. Once you’ve chosen the right tree, it’s time to get ready for the blossoming season.
According to horticulture expert, Andrew Durham, during the blooming season, cherry trees require 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day along with soil that they can easily access and get the nutrients they need. The most beneficial soil type is well-draining, with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. If your soil is too acidic or not well-draining, Durham recommends adding in compost or another form of organic matter to fix this.
Once you’ve selected the right soil for your tree, you need to make sure it’s well taken care of. To do this, Durham suggests regularly fertilizing the tree. Avoid using any chemical fertilizer, as this can harm the tree’s blooms. Instead, get organic fertilizer or compost tea and use this once a month. It is also important to make sure your tree’s water needs are taken care of. Ensure the roots are hydrated enough, but be careful not to over water. The amount of water needed will depend on the species you have so make sure you research ahead of time. Durham also recommends adding mulch and considering doing a preventative pruning to keep the tree healthy and ready for blossoming season.
Ensuring Proper Pollination
Cherry trees require pollination in order to produce fruit. Depending on where you live, either wind or insect pollinator may be necessary. Wind pollinators (like honeybees) don’t really rely on flowers to move the pollen, while insect pollinators (like bumblebees) do. You need to make sure that the balance of pollinators you have are suitable for your tree’s type. Additionally, you should note that cross pollination may be required by some cherry varieties.
Seasonal Care
While blossom season (which usually falls between late March and mid-May) is arguably the most important season for cherry trees, what you do the rest of the year also matters. As Durham explains, when the tree is first planted, it should be monitored in order to check that it is receiving enough water and nutrients. In mid-summer and for the rest of the season, the tree should be kept free of weeds, diseases and other pests. In autumn, after the leaves have dropped from the tree, Durham recommends applying a layer of mulch around its base to protect the roots from extreme temperatures over winter.
Winter Care
Come wintertime, your tree may need protection from the cold. Durham thus recommends applying a winter fertilizer to the tree and then wrapping it with burlap or plastic to protect it against winter winds. Additionally, you should take the necessary steps to prevent winter-time pests, such as pests that may feed on the bark or sap of the tree. One way of doing this is to wrap the trunk with a plastic cover or burlap during winter.
Spring Care
Once winter has passed, it’s time to start preparations for a successful blossom season. This includes applying fertilizer, pruning, and ensuring that your tree gets the appropriate amount of sunlight and water. Regularly pruning will also help keep your tree healthy, as old and dying branches can be removed to make room for fresh growth. Once the weather warms up, you may also want to add a layer of mulch to the base of the tree to help keep the roots moist.
Pest and Disease Prevention
When caring for a cherry tree, it is important to also keep an eye out for any pests and diseases. Regular inspections should be done to identify any problems and take necessary steps to fix them. Prevention is always better than a cure, so Durham recommends keeping an eye out throughout the year for pests and diseases and taking steps to keep them in check. For example, making sure that your tree is well watered and heavily pruned will help prevent most pest and disease problems.
Important Harvest Considerations
Harvest time is an exciting time for gardeners, but there are several considerations to take into account when harvesting your fruits. As Durham explains, gentle handling is key. No fruit should be dropped from any height, as this can double the damage that can be done from a fall. Additionally, make sure that you don’t pick fruit too early. Fruit should be ripe, with a deep dark red or purple color. Overripe fruit will not last as long and can become moldy quickly.
Final Thoughts
Making a cherry tree blossom is a rewarding experience, but it requires some research and maintenance in order to be successful. Knowing what type of tree is right for your area, as well as understanding how best to care for it throughout the year are essential to ensuring that your tree will bloom and bear fruit. With the right care, your cherry tree will soon be blooming happily in your garden.
