Cherries are beautiful, productive trees that produce delicious fruit for 15-20 years. Choose sweet cherries (Bing, Rainier) for fresh eating or sour cherries (Montmorency) for pies and preserves. Sweet cherries need cross-pollination (plant 2 varieties), while sour cherries are self-pollinating. Plant in full sun (6-8 hours) with well-draining soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Space trees 15-20 feet apart (standard) or 8-12 feet (dwarf). Water deeply during dry spells, fertilize in spring, and prune in late winter. Protect from birds with netting—they can destroy a cherry crop in days. Cherries take 3-5 years to produce significant fruit and live for 20+ years.
What you will need
Choose the Right Cherry Variety
Sweet Cherries: Best for fresh eating. Large, sweet fruit. Need cross-pollination (plant two compatible varieties). Popular: Bing (dark red, sweet), Rainier (yellow-red, very sweet), Lapins (self-fertile, dark red), Stella (self-fertile).
Sour Cherries: Best for pies, jams, and preserves. Tart, smaller fruit. Self-pollinating. Popular: Montmorency (most popular), Morello (dark red), Balaton (sweet-tart).
Dwarf Varieties: Good for small gardens and containers. Popular: Compact Stella (sweet, self-fertile), Dwarf Montmorency (sour).
Which is best? For beginners: Montmorency (sour, self-pollinating, easy) or Stella (sweet, self-fertile).
Select the Best Planting Site
Sunlight: Cherries need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun = sweeter fruit.
Soil: Cherries prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add compost to improve soil fertility.
Drainage: Good drainage is critical—cherry roots rot in wet soil. If you have heavy clay, plant on raised beds.
Air circulation: Good airflow prevents fungal diseases. Space trees to allow air movement.
Frost protection: Avoid low-lying areas where frost settles—cherry blossoms are sensitive to late frosts.
Plant Cherries Correctly
When to plant: Plant in early spring (as soon as the ground can be worked) or fall. In colder climates, spring planting is best.
Planting depth: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the tree in the hole at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot.
Spacing: Standard trees: 15-20 feet apart. Dwarf trees: 8-12 feet apart.
Soil preparation: Mix compost or aged manure into the planting hole.
Watering after planting: Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Water and Mulch
Water: Water deeply during dry spells. Young trees need more frequent watering. Established trees can tolerate some drought.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (wood chips or straw) around the base. Mulch retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
Keep away from trunk: Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Drip irrigation: Consider drip irrigation for consistent watering.
Fertilize Properly
When to fertilize: Apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts.
What to use: Use a balanced fruit tree fertilizer (10-10-10). Apply 1/2 to 1 cup per tree in spring.
Organic options: Compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion are excellent alternatives.
Avoid over-fertilizing: Too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Signs of nutrient deficiency: Yellowing leaves or poor growth.
Prune Cherry Trees
When to prune: Prune in late winter (February-March) while the tree is dormant.
What to remove: Remove dead, diseased, crossing, or damaged branches. Remove suckers at the base.
Shaping: Maintain an open center (vase shape) to allow sunlight and air circulation.
Young trees: For the first 2-3 years, focus on shaping. Remove weak or upright branches.
Mature trees: Remove 10-20% of the canopy each year to encourage new growth.
Protect from Pests and Birds
Birds: The biggest threat. Use bird netting over the tree when fruit starts to ripen. Prop the netting up so it doesn't touch the fruit.
Cherry fruit fly: Use traps or insecticide. The larvae feed inside the fruit.
Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Brown rot: A fungal disease. Prune for air circulation and apply fungicide.
Black knot: Remove infected branches immediately.
Harvest and Enjoy
When to harvest: Sweet cherries are ready when they're fully colored, plump, and sweet. Sour cherries are ready when they're soft and deep red.
The test: Taste one—ripe cherries are sweet and flavorful.
How to pick: Gently twist or cut the stem from the tree. Don't pull—you may damage the tree.
Yield: A mature cherry tree produces 20-50+ pounds of fruit per year.
Storage: Store unwashed cherries in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Wash just before eating.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No fruit despite flowers | Lack of pollination (sweet cherry) or late frost. | Plant a pollinator for sweet cherries. Protect from frost. |
| Fruit rotting on the tree | Brown rot or cherry fruit fly. | Prune for air circulation, remove infected fruit, and apply fungicide. |
| Leaves yellowing | Nutrient deficiency or overwatering. | Apply balanced fertilizer and check drainage. |
| Birds eating all the cherries | No netting. | Use bird netting immediately. Scare tape or decoy predators can help. |
Gardener's checklist
Test what you learned
Which cherry variety is self-pollinating?
Answer: Montmorency
Do sweet cherries need cross-pollination?
Answer: Yes
How much sun do cherry trees need daily?
Answer: 6-8 hours
What is the biggest threat to cherries?
Answer: Birds
How long does it take for cherries to produce fruit?
Answer: 3-5 years
Common questions
Can I grow cherries in a small space?
Yes, choose dwarf varieties like 'Compact Stella' (sweet) or 'Dwarf Montmorency' (sour). They grow 8-12 feet tall and are perfect for small gardens.
Why are my cherries not producing fruit?
For sweet cherries, you need two varieties for cross-pollination. Also, late frosts can kill blossoms, and young trees take 3-5 years to produce fruit.
Do I need two cherry trees?
Only for sweet cherries. Sour cherries are self-pollinating and don't need a second tree.
How do I protect cherries from birds?
Use bird netting over the tree when fruit starts to ripen. Prop the netting up so it doesn't touch the fruit.
When should I pick cherries?
Sweet cherries are ready when they're fully colored, plump, and sweet. Sour cherries are ready when they're soft and deep red. Taste one to be sure.
Growing cherries is a rewarding experience that provides delicious fruit for years. Choose sweet cherries (Bing, Rainier) for fresh eating or sour cherries (Montmorency) for pies and preserves. Sweet cherries need cross-pollination, so plant two compatible varieties. Sour cherries are self-pollinating. Plant in full sun, water consistently, fertilize in spring, and prune in late winter. Protect from birds with netting—they can destroy a crop in days. With proper care, your cherry tree will produce sweet, juicy fruit for 15-20+ years.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a vegetable garden be watered?
Frequency depends on weather, soil and plant size. Check the soil rather than watering on a rigid schedule.
Is compost enough fertilizer?
Compost improves soil and provides nutrients slowly. Heavy-feeding crops may still need additional feeding.
The Sproutstead Editorial Team
We create clear, practical gardening and homesteading guides designed for real homes and beginner growers.
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