Introduction
Sweet cherry trees come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the diminutive dwarf varieties to the taller standard cherry trees. Sweet cherries are a type of stone fruit and are closely related to apricot, plum and peach trees. These fruit trees have an extensive lifespan, often up to seventy years, and can often produce for up to sixty of those years. This makes them an attractive option for gardeners and farmers looking for an enduring source of delicious fruit.
Description of a Sweet Cherry Tree
The sweet cherry tree typically grows between ten and fifteen feet in height, although some varieties may be significantly larger or smaller, depending upon the cultivar. The trees possess an expansive, rounded canopy and provide inviting dappled shade on hot summer days. When fully mature, they generally boast a thick trunk with a textural, furrowed bark of greyish brown or reddish-brown hue. The tree’s palmate leaves are long and slender, have serrated edges and often have a glossy green hue.
In-season Appearances
The sweet cherry’s lovely pink or white blooms appear in springtime and are usually fragrant. The blossoms are joined later in the year by the unmistakable, bright red cherries that resemble large beads in small clusters on the tree’s branches. While the sweet variety of cherry must be picked in order for maximum taste, the tart cherry is left on the tree until fully mature. The tart cherry is also ready to harvest when it turns a vibrant shade of red. These are the cherries most commonly used for baking and baking mixes.
Planting and Care Requirements
The sweet cherry is deciduous tree, hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-8. They prefer well-draining soil, full sun and adequate summer watering for optimal growth. This species does not tolerate shade and does not respond well to excessive fertilizing, so it pays to ensure the planting site is an appropriate location. Protect against damage caused by strong winds with tree staking and prune trees lightly in winter to maintain shape and structure.
Common Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, sweet cherry trees are prone to a number of pests. These range from insects, such as cherry fruit flies, to fungal diseases such as ‘shot-hole’, a disease caused by the fungus Spilocaea pomi, which is recognizable by the dark-brown scab formation on the cherries and leaves. Apple scab, a moss-like fungus, may also affect cherry trees and should be treated accordingly. To control undesirable pests and diseases, use an integrated pest management approach, including the use of beneficial insects, crop protection products and daily monitoring of the trees.
Harvesting Sweet Cherries
The ideal time to harvest sweet cherries is when they turn fully red or reach a slightly softened stage. It is usually possible to tell when the cherries are ready by gently tugging on one of the branches – if the cherries release easily, they are ready to harvest. Sweet cherry trees often bear their first crop in the second year after planting and, on average, yield between 15.6 and 31.2kg each season.
Uses of Sweet Cherries
In addition to the cherries being enjoyed fresh from the tree, there are countless ways to use this beautiful fruit. Sweet cherries work particularly well for preserves, jam making, chutney, as well as pies and other baked goods, such as tarts, turnovers and galettes. Sweet cherries are also perfect for juices, frozen treats and smoothies, adding natural sweetness and flavor to any dish.
Varieties of Sweet Cherry Tree
There are a range of cultivars available, each offering different characteristics in terms of size, color, taste and level of sweetness. Among the most popular varieties are ‘Rainier’, ‘Bing’, ‘Black Tartarian’, ‘Lapins’, ‘Stella’ and ‘Sunburst’. Different varieties can also produce cherries at different times, meaning some can be harvested earlier or later than others.
Vigour and Productivity
When well-cared for, the sweet cherry tree is highly productive and can be expected to yield several kilograms of cherries each season. As the tree ages, its vigour and yield will tend to diminish, making it more vulnerable to pests and diseases and natural diminishment. To prolong the tree’s productivity, consider practices like adding a layer of compost around the base of the tree to feed the soil each year, as well as ensuring adequate levels of water and pruning each winter.
Advantages of Planting a Sweet Cherry Tree
Planting a sweet cherry tree is a rewarding investment, providing delicious fruits for many years to come. Sweet cherry trees are fairly easy to maintain and provide an abundance of lovely foliage during the summer months. There are also a range of cultivars available, meaning that a homeowner can select the variety that best fits their climate, tastes and preferences.
Advanced Growing Techniques
For those looking to take their cherry growing experience to the next level, there are several advanced techniques that can be employed to increase yield and quality. Grafting, for example, is a propagation technique in which a shoot or branch of a desired variety of tree is grafted onto the rootstock of a standard cherry tree. This technique is both time consuming and difficult and should not be attempted by novice gardeners, but those with knowledge and experience can reap tremendous benefits from this process.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy, productive sweet cherry tree, and it should be carried out cautiously and methodically. On a regular basis, remove dying or diseased branches to reduce the possibility of spreading diseases, as well as any crossed branches. The goal should be to create an open-centered, vase-like shape with the branches evenly spaced and reaching out away from the trunk.
Preparing for Winter
Caring for a sweet cherry tree in winter differs somewhat from the rest of the year, as it is important to prepare the tree for cold weather. Towards the end of autumn, a mixture of organic mulch and soil should be added to the base of the tree to insulate the roots. This can help to protect the roots from cold temperatures, while also improving the structure and overall health of the soil.
The Ultimate Choice
When all things are considered, the sweet cherry tree is an excellent choice for gardeners and farmers looking for an abundant source of sweet fruit. With regular care and attention, the tree can provide an impressive harvest for many years. From its beautiful blossoms to its bright red cherries, it is sure to bring joy to any garden.
