Environmental Factors
Cherry trees will only produce fruit if a number of environmental factors are in place. Firstly, the tree needs to be in an area with a sufficient temperature range for the flowers to bloom, which means it needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Secondly, cherry trees need plenty of sunlight, between 6-8 hours per day, and adequate levels of moisture, so regular watering is essential. Thirdly, cherry trees need a well-drained soil to thrive and soil should ideally be tested beforehand to make sure it’s rich in nutrients.
Fourthly, cherry trees also need enough ground space to grow as, otherwise, overcrowding can lead to reduced fruiting. Too much shade will also have a negative effect on production, so it’s important to consider neighbouring trees that may be blocking the sun.
Finally, birds, pests and diseases can all be detrimental to the production of fruit, so it’s important to have an appropriate plan in place to protect and care for the tree.
Fruiting Signals
When cherry trees are fully mature, it’s possible to see a few subtle signals that signify the tree is about to bear fruit. Firstly, it’s important to wait for the blossom period to end as this is when flowers are fertilised and the ovaries turn into fruit. Secondly, from late spring to early summer, small green fruits should become visible at the base of the flowers, which in time will become more pronounced and bigger.
Thirdly, certain cherry varieties carry a specific hormone known as gibberellic acid which is used as a biological indicator of fruiting and can be tested through analysis. Finally, fruit colour, size and shape will be different for each tree, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the particular variety beforehand.
Flowering & Age
Cherry trees are unusual in that they often display flowers and fruit at the same time, which means flowering is often a major indicator of if the tree is likely to bear fruit. For younger trees, it’s important to wait until they reach a certain age before expecting full-sized fruits as some can take up to five years before producing.
In order to determine if a cherry tree of a particular age is likely to fruit, one must check the number of flowers which, if greater than the age in years, is a good indication that the tree will grow fruit. Generally, higher quality cultivars tend to bear more flowers than lower quality, which is more suitable for younger trees just beginning to grow.
Pruning & Care
Pruning is often essential in order to ensure cherry trees bear fruit as, without pruning, the trees may put all their energy into growing flowers instead of fruit. Pruning also keeps trees more compact as large, straight branches are more prone to breakage and can reduce fruiting if broken. Pruning is also necessary if branches become too crowded, as this disrupts the saturation of sunlight and air flow which will lead to a decrease in overall production.
To prune properly, the trees need to be left alone for the foliage to develop before cutting. It’s also important to note that too much pruning can lead to reduced fruit production, so only dead or damaged branches should be 100% removed. After pruning, it’s essential to use a good quality fertilizer to replenish the soil and also apply a pesticide if required to guard against pests and diseases.
Seasonality & Storage
Cherry trees are usually harvested in late spring and early summer when the fruit ripens and are therefore quite specific when it comes to harvesting time. When fruits are picked, they must be treated with care as debris and dirt can quickly lead to contamination and the loss of fruit. Fresh cherries can be transferred to a cool storage unit with appropriate temperatures in order to extend the lifespan of the fruit.
When cherries are picked they should be judged under natural light and placed in small baskets rather than large as this prevents overripe (or under-ripe) cherries from tainting the rest. Prior to harvest, the cherries should also be checked for any signs of softening or discolouration as this can signal that the fruit may be spoiled.
Harvesting & Selling
Once cherries are fully ripened, they can be harvested and sold in a short timeframe to maximise profit. Depending on the region, cherries are either sold to large supermarkets or dealers at local markets. Most cherries are picked as ordinary cherries and only a handful are chosen for grading as premium pickings – particularly cherry varieties with a high sugar content and great flavour.
Premium pickings are generally more expensive and are usually larger in size compared to regular pickings, which often come in smaller sizes. Depending on the market, these are either sold separately or together in the same box. Quality control is also important after harvest, as cherries should be washed as soon as they’re collected, as this helps to preserve the fruit and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Processing & Preservation
Once cherries are thoroughly washed, they can either be eaten fresh, dried or stored in cold storage, depending on the breed. For cherries which are meant to be eaten straight away, the majority are sold fresh in local markets and supermarkets, however, for cherries which are meant for processing, cold storage is your best bet.
When cherries are processed, they’re usually boiled in a sugar and water solution before being frozen. This makes them ideal for various culinary dishes such as pies, jams and juices, and it also helps to retain the original flavour and colour of the cherries. For preservation, cherries can also be freeze-dried or canned, which will extend the shelf-life for up to one year depending on the specific method and the conditions of storage.
Nutritional Value & Health Benefits
Cherries are packed with a range of vitamins and minerals, making them very beneficial to the human body. On the nutritional side, cherries are rich in vitamins C and E, which are important for the maintenance of our physical and mental health. They also contain a range of antioxidants which help to boost immunity and protect against inflammation.
In terms of health benefits, cherries are high in dietary fibre which can help to control blood sugar levels, improve digestion and reduce the risk of certain cancers. They’re also a good source of flavonoids which can stimulate the nervous system and might even help to protect against age-related diseases. Moreover, they’re a good source of minerals such as potassium and iron, which are necessary for the balance of our hormones, organs and bodily functions.
Growing at Home
Growing cherry trees at home has become increasingly popular, which is unsurprising given the health benefits and their delicious nature. However, it’s important to note that cherry trees require careful maintenance and regular attention to ensure they produce high-quality fruit.
When growing cherry trees in the garden, it’s important to choose an appropriate variety for the climate and soil type, as cherry trees are quite specialized when it comes to the environment in which they thrive. They also prefer small spaces as this helps to keep the tree and its fruits secure, so it’s important to prune regularly and avoid overcrowding.
Different cherry varieties also require different levels of watering, so it’s important to consider the climate prior to planting. Trees will also need fertilization at the start of growth, so soil needs to be tested beforehand to determine the best fertilizer. Finally, they also require protection from wind, birds and pests, so an effective gardening and pest control plan should be created and implemented.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s possible to tell if a cherry tree will fruit by considering a few key environmental factors, looking out for fruiting signals, taking into account the age of the tree and its flowering pattern, as well as its care and pruning. Once the fruit is ready to be harvested, it should be treated with care, sold at the right time and stored to preserve its lifespan. Larger, premium pickings are favored for their higher sugar content and great flavour, and various methods can be used when processing and preserving the fruit. In terms of health benefits, cherries are packed with a range of vitamins and minerals which can help to improve physical and mental health, and lastly when growing at home, it’s essential to find an appropriate variety which suits the climate and the soil type, as well as to create an effective gardening and pest control plan.
