Cherry (Semi-Dwarf) Growing Guide

Prunus avium 

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Position

Sunny spot with excellent air circulation. Cherry trees will only produce fruit in areas with very cold winters. You will need two trees for good fruit set with sweet cherries. Standard tart cherries are often self fertile, and make nice landscape trees.

Frost tolerant

Yes, but it is important to choose varieties known to grow well in your area to reduce risk of losing blooms to spring freezes in cold areas.

Feeding

Cherries benefit from a mulch of well-rotted organic matter in spring.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5.00m (16' 4") each way (minimum)
Rows: 5.00m (16' 4") with 5.00m (16' 4") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Dig a large hole (a wide hole is better than a very deep one) and mulch after planting. You may need to use a tree guard to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Many sweet cherries need to be grown with at least one other flowering at a similar time for pollination, but many tart cherries are self-fertile. Prune in late winter to shape trees and removed damaged branches.

Harvesting

Pick cherries carefully so as not to damage the delicate fruit.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Cherry (Semi-Dwarf)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail