The Bing cherry tree (Prunus avium) was first introduced to North America in 1875 and has been an iconic variety in the United States ever since. It’s a large and fast growing deciduous tree that can reach up to 32 feet (10 meters) tall, and is renowned for its magnificent dark red fruit. Considered the Rolls Royce of cherries, they’re in high demand because of their extraordinary flavor and sweetness. But when it comes to whether or not the Bing cherry tree is self-pollinating, there’s a lot of confusion and conflicting reports.
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. While it is true that Bing cherry trees are not strictly self-pollinating, it is possible for them to be partially self-pollinating. This means that, depending on the conditions and location, it is possible for them to produce some of their own fruit without the need for another tree.
Despite it being possible, in reality it is highly unlikely for a Bing cherry tree to pollinate itself. The pollen on one tree is unlikely to be able to safely traverse the roughly 30 feet (9 meters) of open air to reach the stigma on another flower. This is why most often, bing cherry trees will need some help from a bee, wind, or another cherry tree to get pollinated. The ideal situation, is to have at least two bing cherry trees within 50 feet (15 meters) of each other.
Many experts recommend cross-pollinating the Bing cherry tree with another variety. Not only will this improve fruit production, but it also will also make your tree more disease resistant and provide better quality fruit. To do this, you can choose another cherry tree that’s known to be compatible with the Bing variety, like the Black Tartarian cherry tree (Prunus cerasus). If you’re able to, plant both varieties in close proximity to each other, so that the pollen can be carried easily from one to the other.
Bing cherry trees are traditionally grown for their large, delicious fruits. However, if you’re looking for a reliable self-pollinating tree, then you should consider another variety. Self-pollinating cherry trees are becoming increasingly popular, and there are now a number of varieties to choose from, such as the Dwarf Lapins cherry tree (Prunus dulcis ‘Lapins’).
Overall, it’s important to remember that while a Bing cherry tree is not strictly self-pollinating, it is possible for them to produce some of their own fruit. If you’re looking for increased fruit production and greater disease resistance, you should consider cross-pollinating with another variety. With the right conditions and some extra help from Nature, you should be able to get a great harvest from your Bing cherry tree.
What breeds of cherry trees are compatible with Bing?
Bing cherry trees are a compatible pollinator for many different varieties of cherry trees. The most commonly recommended compatible pollinator is the Black Tartarian cherry tree (Prunus cerasus). Other compatible pollinators include the Lambert cherry tree (Prunus lambertiana), the Emperor Francis cherry tree (Prunus franc’s), and the Bali cherry tree (Prunus ‘Bali’).
When planting two different varieties together, it’s important to make sure they’re the same height so that they can cross-pollinate easily. It’s also important to make sure they’re planted within 50 feet (15 meters) of each other, as most insects won’t travel further than this. With the right conditions and a little bit of help from Nature, you should be able to get a great harvest from your Bing cherry tree.
Do cherry trees need to have 2 trees of different varieties for cross-pollination?
No, a cherry tree does not need to have two trees of different varieties for cross-pollination. Cherry trees are capable of self-pollinating, and a single variety tree can still produce fruit without the need for another tree. However, cross-pollination helps to increase pollination overall and improve fruit production. It also helps to broaden the gene pool, leading to better quality fruit and improved disease resistance.
Cross-pollination is also recommended because of the limited windows of opportunity when pollinators are available in many areas. For example, in some regions, bees may only be active for a short period of time in spring, and a single cherry tree may not have enough pollen present during that period. Therefore, having the two varieties available allows for cross-pollination and an improved chance of pollination overall.
When choosing two varieties for cross-pollination, make sure you choose two that are compatible with each other and both available in your area. Additionally, make sure to plant them in close proximity to each other to increase their chances of pollination.
How to know when Bing cherries are ready to pick?
When identifying when to pick a Bing cherry, there are several signs to look out for. The most obvious sign is when the fruit turns dark red, which is usually an indication that it has reached maturity. Additionally, you can gently tug the fruit off the stem. If it comes away easily, then it means that the fruit is ready for harvest. The cherry should also be firm for optimum eating quality.
You can also check the sugar content of the cherry fruit to confirm that it is fully ripe. To do this, you can use a refractometer to measure the sugar content of the juice. A fully ripe fruit should have a sugar content of at least 14 brix (the measurement of the percentage of sugar in the juice). If you’re after the very sweetest and best tasting fruits, look for those that have a brix level closer to 18.
In addition to these tips, you can also look out for other signs of ripeness, such as a waxy feeling when you rub the cherry with your finger, or its aroma which will be more intense when it is ready to harvest.
What are the benefits of a Bing cherry tree?
The Bing cherry tree is one of the most popular and sought-after cherry varieties due to its renowned flavor and sweetness. These cherries are also large in size and have high brix levels, making them the perfect fruit for snacking and baking. They’re also a great choice for growing in the garden, as they’re disease resistant, fast-growing, and low-maintenance.
It’s also possible for the Bing cherry to be partially self-pollinating, and it’s one of the few cherry varieties that can benefit from cross-pollination with other varieties. This means that it’s possible for it to produce higher yields and better quality fruit when planted near other cherry trees. As an added bonus, it’s also considered to be an ornamental tree, due to its attractive dark red foliage.
The Bing cherry tree is a great addition to any garden, and one that is sure to impress. Not only is it a reliable producer of delicious fruit, but it’s also an aesthetically pleasing tree that will enhance any landscape. With the right conditions, proper maintenance, and some extra help from Nature, you should be able to get a great harvest from your Bing cherry tree.
How to care and maintain a Bing cherry tree?
Caring and maintaining a Bing cherry tree is relatively straightforward and simple. The most important thing is to make sure it is in a sunny location with good drainage and plenty of space. Bing cherry trees need a minimum of six hours a day of direct sunlight and should be planted in a soil that contains a good balance of nutrients and organic matter.
To maintain the health of your Bing cherry tree, you should water it regularly to ensure it has enough water throughout the entire growing season. Mulching the area around the tree will help keep the roots cool during hot temperatures, while pruning is necessary to keep the tree healthy and encourage better yields. Once your tree starts to bear fruit, you should give it extra fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
To protect your tree from disease, you should regularly check for any signs of fungus or pests, and take steps to remove these as quickly as possible. Additionally, regular spraying with an approved fungicide is also recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, make sure to clean up any fallen fruit that has rotted away to prevent any disease from spreading.
What are the harvesting and storage tips for a Bing cherry tree?
Harvesting and storing your Bing cherry tree’s crop is a relatively straightforward process. When harvesting the cherries, gently twist each bunch of cherries off the stem and make sure to pick any that are starting to turn dark red in color. Once the cherries have been picked, they can be stored in a cool, dry location, or in the fridge if they’re not going to be used immediately.
To maximize the longevity of the cherries, you should make sure to store them in breathable containers such as perforated plastic bags. Additionally, it is recommended to store the cherries in a single layer and to place paper towels in between each layer to absorb any extra moisture. Stored correctly, the cherries should last for up to one week in the fridge.
The cherries can also be frozen, however it’s important to note that frozen cherries tend to lose their flavor after a few months. If you’re planning to store them for longer periods of time, it is best to can or freeze them in a sugar syrup. Alternatively, you can make jams and jellies with the cherries, or dry them for long-term storage.
