Background information
Cherry trees (Prunus avium) are a species of flowering tree known for their delicious, sweet cherries that can be consumed fresh or used for jams, pies and other treats. Generally, these trees bear fruit every year and typically require temperatures of around 65-75°F. Some types of cherries are grown on a dwarf tree or bush, while some have a tendency to grow tall. They can be planted in climates around the world, with depending upon the types of cherries that best suit each region’s climate and soil.
Growth process
Understanding the growth and blooming process of a cherry tree can help explain when it will bear fruit. During its first year of growth, a cherry tree usually does not bear any fruit because it needs to first build up a root system and establish itself. Most types of cherry trees will bear fruit the next season, so long as the tree has been provided with adequate sunlight and watering.
Cherry blossoms emerge in early spring, typically in March, and may stay in bloom for several weeks. As the tree starts to bloom, pollination can occur, held by bees and other pollinators. Once pollination has taken place, the tree will begin forming fruit a few months after the blossoms have bloomed.
Growth timeline
For most regions, cherry trees bear fruit around the end of summer, although this timeline may vary depending upon where in the world the tree is growing. Typically, North American cherry trees fruits by late August and into September, while those in the Southern Hemisphere may produce fruit in November or December.
When it comes to cherry harvesting, the best time to pick depends on the type of cherry and its variety. Usually, once the cherry skin has reached full color and has separated itself from the stem is when it’s ready to pick. Some types of cherries may even sweeten after being removed from the tree, meaning that it could take a few days or a week after being removed for them to reach the optimal sweetness for eating.
Weather implications
Weather can play an important role in the timeline of when a cherry tree will bear fruit. If a cold winter or cold spring occurs, then it could delay a cherry’s bearing season. On the other hand, a warmer winter and early spring could cause the blooming to occur earlier than normal. Rainfall can also have an impact, as it could drastically change whatever timeline the cherry tree was born to have—too much rain and cold temperatures can result in poor pollination and poor quality fruit.
Maximizing yield potential
It is important to understand the particular type of cherry you are trying to grow, as different varieties often have different needs. When applicable, treating the tree with fertilizer could help increase both the quantity and quality of fruit. Pruning the tree during dormancy season (late winter) can also be beneficial to increase fruit production, as it can stimulate new bud growth that could ultimately yield more fruits.
Caring for the tree
Feeding the tree with adequate amounts of water, sunlight and fertilizer can be important for helping maximize its yield potential. Too little or too much of any one of these could cause the cherries to break prematurely or result in low quality and quantity of the fruit. Mild and regular pruning paired with adequate watering and fertilizing could also help your cherry tree to produce more and larger fruit.
Pests and Diseases
When growing cherry trees, it is also important to watch out for potential pests and diseases that could impact the tree throughout its life cycle. The most common types are fungus and fungal-type organisms, such as black knot and powdery mildew. Insect pests can also cause harm, such as the cherry fruit fly, scale and the Japanese beetle, among others. Taking preventive measures like conservation of beneficial insects, use of certified athletes, and proper pruning and watering practices can help reduce the impacts of both pests and diseases to cherry trees.
Harvesting
Harvesting cherries is usually done with the use of specialized tools. Cherries are usually picked as close to the stem as possible and can be chosen by hand or with a tool designed for picking the fruit. Keeping environmental conditions in check such as temperature, humidity, and moisture content can all play a role in how long it will take for the cherries to ripen.
Storage
Once cherries are picked and harvested, they must be stored in a cool and dry place. If stored correctly, cherries can stay fresh for up to a week. If they are left in a warm place, they begin to spoil much faster due to their high sugar content. To make them taste their best, cherries should be eaten as soon as they are harvested or stored properly.
Preserving the Cherry
Cherries can be preserved in a number of different ways. Popular options include canning, freezing, and pickling. If using the canning method, it is important to use pressure-canning equipment to ensure the integrity of the canned cherries and prevent spoilage. Freezing is another popular method for preserving cherries and can be done with or without sugaring or syrup. Lastly, cherries can be pickled with a vinegar and sugar solution to create a delicious sweet and sour pickle.
Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that have been linked to many health benefits, such as reducing diabetes risk, improving cardiovascular health and even reducing inflammation. Cherries also contain a high amount of dietary fiber that can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time and can help support a healthy digestive system.
Conclusion
Harvesting and storing cherries can take some preparation and knowledge of the growth process and harvesting techniques, but the delicious and nutritious reward is often worth the effort. Cherry trees generally bear fruit in late summer, and understanding the growth timeline, as well as the environmental conditions that could impact it, could help to ensure a successful cherry harvest.
