Few visions instill beauty and the sense of nature quite like a cherry tree in full bloom. A brilliant display of white, pink and red vy flowers draw the eye with admiration, and springtime can seem incomplete without one. Despite this, accurately timing when a cherry tree blossoms may be perplexing since it can vary significantly.
Interestingly, it is fairly easy to predict when a cherry tree will blossom depending on its species. For example, Yoshino cherry trees typically flower in late March or early April, while Canadian cherry trees tend to flower a couple weeks later. However, this can differ wildly for other species or depending on cultivars within those species.
Factors like location, weather, wind and the age of the tree also have an impact on a cherry tree’s blossom cycle. In general, warmer climates induce blossoming earlier in the year than cooler ones, and trees in warmer climates will also tend to produce larger blooms of better quality. The presence of strong winds or extremely cold nights will also reduce the size of the flowers and cause the blooms to be less vibrant.
Since there is much variation in tree species, location and even weather, a more accurate prediction of when a cherry tree will blossom is to measure the breath of buds on the tree each week once they have appeared. As the buds swell larger and larger, they can be expected to burst open within two to six weeks. If this is done weekly, a more precise estimate of when a cherry tree will blossom can be made and enjoyed.
In general, gardening and cherr trees can be rewarding and interesting for both inexperienced and veteran gardeners alike. Some people who have developed an empirical approach to when a cherry tree will blossom can see the beauty of their cherry trees year after year and soon have neighbours, friends and family flocking to enjoy their beautiful displays.
Planting Cherry Trees
Regardless of the species of cherry tree, there are a few tips for planting one to ensure it grows healthy and produces a beautiful display of blossoms each year.
Firstly, cherry trees can be planted in almost any type of soil as they are fairly adaptable to different environments. Keeping this in mind, cherry trees still benefit from well drained, slightly acidic soil with ample nutrients, so planting one in these conditions will improve its outcome.
Next, cherry trees should be planted in an area where they can receive lots of sun during the day and away from strong winds. Sun is essential for presenting beautiful flowering displays, and strong winds can damage small buds and prevent it from blossoming wonderfully each year.
Furthermore, cherry trees will benefit from lots of water, often several inches a week if possible. However, too much water can prevent a tree from developing its well-known feature of displaying beautiful white, pink and red flowers, so establishing a well balance is key for a good yield.
After planting, a cherry tree may take a few years before it starts to produce blossoms as it needs time to develop. However, when it does, the process can be both exciting and rewarding.
Fertilizer for Cherry Trees
For cherry trees to produce a good amount of blossoms each year and for a healthy development, fertilizer is highly recommended.
Organic fertilizer is often the best type since it gives the soil more nutrients and is more gentle on the tree. Manure, compost and grass clippings are all organic fertilizers which can be used.
If using a chemical fertilizer, it is recommended to use one with a slow-release formula to prevent over-fertilizing, which can harm the tree and its blossoming process. Too much fertilizer will create sappy, greener growth, but will not give more blossoms.
Cherry trees will benefit from fertilizer mostly in the late winter, just before budding. Applying fertilizer during dormancy can better prepare for the upcoming spring, but keep in mind this is when cherry trees are most sensitive and easily harmed from too much fertilizer, so a little can go a long way.
Pruning Cherry Trees
Pruning a cherry tree can sometimes be daunting since there may be much to consider when cutting, such as how much should be removed and where. Despite this, pruning is essential for the tree in order for it to become healthier and produce more beautiful blooms.
Cherry trees should be pruned during late winter and early spring when it is dormant, as this is the time when most of the bacterial and fungal diseases are less prevalent. This is also the time when pruning will work best for the tree, as the wounds heal quickly.
When pruning, the main goal is to have an open-centre shaped tree which allows sufficient light and air and has less chance of disease or pests. The focus for pruning should be directed mainly at the center of the tree, since this is where the most dormant buds will be located, and on the older, larger branches which come into the centre of the tree and reduce the amount of light that enters.
Furthermore, water sprouts, also known as suckers, should be removed. These are the vigorous, vertical shoots which come off the main branches of the tree and take energy away from the rest of the tree’s growth.
Pruning a cherry tree can be a painstaking process, but when done correctly and with patience, the result can be amazing. The same tree will blossom more beautifully each spring with the help of pruning.
Diseases That Affect Cherry Trees
Like many plants, different diseases can affect cherry trees and prevent them from growing and blossoming as expected.
One condition which commonly affects cherry trees is brown rot. This is caused by a fungus which overwinters and is most common in wet, humid conditions. Brown rot can be identified by the soft rot on the cherries and flowers, as well as on twigs. Both the cherries and flowers are disfigured, may produce a nauseating smell, and after being infected, will not bear edible fruit.
Fortunately, brown rot can be treated with fungicides as well as by improving air circulation around the tree. Pruning infected branches, applying organic fungicides, ensuring the correct amount of soil moisture, and planting resistant cultivars are further measures to take against brown rot.
Bacterial canker is another common condition of cherry trees. This is caused by a bacteria which overwinters in dying twigs and produces foul smelling, yellow gumming which can affect twigs and branches. These infected branches may later die and cause decline in tree health. Bacterial canker can be treated with either pruning or applying a copper based fungicide.
In short, many diseases can affect a cherry tree and prevent it from blossoming as expected. Identifying the condition and taking proactive measures should help in improving the tree’s health and for it to display a beautiful flowering each spring.
Fruits Produced by Cherry Trees
Along with its stunning blossoms, cherry trees produce delicious fruits which are among the most sought-after in the world. Sweet cherries, tart cherries and even Bing cherries, each one having its own desirable characteristics.
Firstly, sweet cherries are among the most popular. These are big, round, sweet and juicy and are perfect for baking and making jam. They are usually the most expensive of the cherry varieties with a harvest time between June and August.
Tart cherries are rather sour, but still delicious. They are perfect for baking, making preserves and even wine. They are smaller than sweet cherries and also have a shorter harvest season of around July or August.
Lastly, there are Bing cherries, which are a hybrid between sweet cherries and tart ones. They have both a sweet and tart flavor and can be quite delicious. They have a long harvest time, from late June to mid-July, and are among the favorites for many people.
In conclusion, cherries are a great way to enjoy what a cherry tree produces and can be very rewarding for the gardener. With the right maintenance and care, a cherry tree can be expected to produce beautiful cherry fruits every year.
