Cherry trees are both self- and cross-pollinating, although which type will determine their productivity and fruit quality. A self-pollinating cherry tree is one that has a very small size and uses its own pollen to set a fruit. Meanwhile, a cross-pollinating cherry tree is much larger and needs pollen from other trees to properly set fruit. Self-pollinating trees are more desirable because they produce heavier crops than cross-pollinating trees, as they don’t require another tree to bear fruit.
Self-pollination is the process in which pollination of a plant occurs by transferring pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower, or another flower on the same plant. By self-pollination, the cherry tree will set more of its own flowers, potentially leading to greater fruit production. Self-pollinating cherry trees are more suitable for small home gardens with limited space because they don’t need to be close to another tree in flower to produce a good crop of fruit.
Self-pollinating cherry plants are easier to maintain and are better adapted to arid climates. Because they don’t require another flowering cherry tree to set fruits, self-pollinating plants tend to be more resistant to frost and drought.
A good self-pollinating cherry tree typically produces larger fruits and is more disease resistant due to its higher genetic diversity. The smaller size of the self-pollinating cherry tree also makes it easier to maintain, as it requires less pruning to keep the tree under control.
Unfortunately, self-pollinating cherry trees may not produce heavy crops unless they receive adequate pollination. The trees can be pollinated by other flowers in the area such as honeybees and other insects, but this is not as reliable as having a separate pollinator tree nearby. Additionally, the flowers of self-pollinating cherry trees may not be as vibrant or fragrant as those of cross-pollinating cherry trees.
When planting a self-pollinating cherry tree, it’s important to plant at least two trees close together to ensure good pollination and a higher yield of fruit. This will also help ensure proper pollination of the flowers and a good crop of cherries.
Types of Self Pollinating Cherry Plants
There are many types of self-pollinating cherry trees, including early-bearing or late-bearing types. Early-bearing self-pollinators typically produce cherries between mid-June and mid-July, while late-bearing cherries are harvested in August or September. It’s important to select a tree based on your climate and desired harvest time.
A popular self-pollinating variety is the Lambert cherry, which produces high-quality sweet cherries that are popular for preserves and pies. The Montmorency cherry tree is another self-pollinating variety that produces acidic cherries that make delicious pies and jams. The Black Tartarian cherry is an early-ripening variety with large dark-skinned cherries that are great for eating fresh.
Caring for Self Pollinating Cherry Plants
Caring for self-pollinating cherry trees is an important part of growing cherries successfully. Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight for optimum growth, so make sure to select a sunny spot for planting your tree. The soil should also be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Watering is also important for self-pollinating cherry plants. The tree should be watered regularly to keep it hydrated and help promote fruit production. The tree should also be pruned as needed to keep it healthy and to ensure a good yield of fruit. Pruning helps to increase air circulation, which can help to reduce pest and disease problems.
Fertilizing with a high-quality fertilizer can also improve the health and yield of the tree. It’s best to fertilize in late winter or early spring just before the tree breaks dormancy. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper application.
Protecting Self Pollinating Cherry Plants
Cherry trees can be susceptible to disease, pests, and other environmental problems, so proper protection is important for a fruitful harvest. Applying a fungicide at bud break can help protect the tree from leaf spot and other fungal diseases. Mulching around the tree can also help to keep the soil moist and reduce water loss.
Pruning the tree regularly can help with pest control, as it can remove infested branches and reduce the number of pests that can attack the tree. Netting can also be used to protect the tree from pest birds. Netting should be installed in late winter or early spring before the fruit starts to ripen.
Harvesting Self Pollinating Cherry Plants
When the cherries are ripe, they can be harvested by picking them off the tree using a pole or ladder. Make sure to pick the cherries in the morning when they are still cool to the touch. The cherries can be refrigerated until you are ready to use them or can be processed immediately for preserving.
If the tree is producing abundant fruit and you have the freezer space, you can also freeze the cherries. Simply rinse the cherries, remove the stems and pits, freeze in an air-tight freezer bag, and enjoy all winter long.
Conclusion
Self-pollinating cherry trees are an easy and rewarding choice for home gardeners. They require minimal maintenance and are more resistant to drought and frost. Self-pollinating trees typically produce larger fruits and are more resistant to disease due to the high genetic diversity. When planting self-pollinating cherry trees, make sure to plant at least two trees close together to ensure adequate pollination and a good cherry crop.
