Cherry Tree Fact Sheet pdf

2192 Route 102 Hwy
Lincoln NB, E3B 8N1
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
(506) 458-9208
Toll Free 1 800 561 7268
Cherries in the home garden:
Cherries are one of the first stone fruits of the summer to blossom and produce fruit. Both sweet and sour cherries have numerous health benefits, containing a unique package of antioxidants and phytonutrients. In fact,
cherries contain higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables. They have strong antiinflammatory compounds which are said to have positive effects on conditions such as gout and arthritis. They
also have heart health benefits. Cherries are high in potassium, Vitamin C and B complex, and minerals.
Sweet cherries are usually eaten fresh and the sour varieties used more for baking, juices, jams, and preserves.
Site Requirements:
Cherries require a carefully chosen site in full sun with rich, freely draining soil. They like a spot with good air
circulation to lessen the chances of frost damage and fungal disease problems. They absolutely cannot have any
standing water near the root zone. In general, sour cherries are hardier than sweet cherries. Avoid low areas or
places near buildings or shade trees because cold air tends to settle more in these types of locations.
Planting:
Once the site is free from weeds, a hole should be prepared that is about twice the size of the root mass. A handful of bone meal can be worked into the soil at the bottom of the planting hole. Prune any damaged roots, spread
roots out evenly in the hole and begin to backfill with loose soil. Firm the soil as you go to prevent any air pockets from forming and make sure to water thoroughly. Try to maintain a 4’ diameter area around the tree free
from weeds. Semi dwarf varieties can be spaced 12-15’ apart. Sweet cherries require a spacing of 20’ to ensure
adequate air circulation.
Fertilizer:
Cherry trees don’t require a great deal of fertilizer. A sprinkling of blood and bone meal or aged manure in early
spring will do the trick. If you prefer a chemical fertilizer, a well balanced blend such as 10-10-10 is best. Be
sure to apply evenly out as far as the drip line of the tree and not too close to the trunk. Make sure not to fertilize
past midsummer as this results in lush growth that does not have time to harden off before winter.
Water:
Young trees should be watered at the roots every 10 days to a depth of 30 cm until harvest for the first few seasons. Mature trees need water only every 2-4 weeks, maybe more during periods of extreme drought. Trees can
tolerate a fair amount of dryness though and they should be watered less after harvest to prepare the tree for winter.
Pollination:
In order to ensure a crop of cherries you must have either one self pollinating variety or two different varieties
that bloom at the same time to cross pollinate. All sour cherries are self fruitful, or can pollinate themselves.
Most sweet cherry varieties are self unfruitful and therefore require a pollinator. Some varieties such as Bing are
not dependable as a pollen source for other varieties. On the other hand, some sweet varieties such as Lapins,
Skeena, and Stella are self fruitful but can also act as a universal pollen source for other sweet cherry varieties.
There are exceptions to every rule of course, Stella does not always work as a pollinator for Bing in all areas.
Consideration must also be given when choosing two compatible varieties that they bloom at the same time.
Harvest:
Cherries begin to produce in their third or fourth year. Depending on the variety, the harvest time is July through
August. The actual harvest period for one tree lasts about a week. Cherries should not be picked until they are
fully ripe since they will not ripen any further after picking. For red varieties, leave cherries on the tree until they
develop a mahogany to black color. Waiting until they are fully ripe is important to flavor because the sugar content rises dramatically in the last few days of ripening. A fully mature standard size tree will yield 30-50 quarts
of cherries. A dwarf mature tree will give about 10-15 quarts. Care must be taken when picking to not pull off
the fruit spur as this is what produces the fruit year after year.
Pests and Diseases:
Common pests of cherry trees include aphids and the cherry fruit fly. Aphids are not a huge problem if their
numbers are relatively low. However, their sticky secretions become a perfect environment for the growth of
black mold. Beside chemical applications, ladybugs are a natural predator to aphids. Diligent removal of water
sprouts is one way to keep aphids from being attracted to your tree as they are drawn to lush, active new growth.
The cherry fruit fly is a serious pest of cherries. The fruit becomes inedible and may drop prematurely. The adult
flies lay their eggs in the cherries in June and July. Once the eggs hatch, the maggots tunnel their way through
and eat the cherries. Mature larvae emerge from the cherries and drop to the ground where they pupate at a depth
of 3 inches. Infested cherries turn red and ripen earlier than usual. They also become shrunken and misshapen.
Brown rot is a devastating disease of cherry trees. It is a fungal infection that targets the blossoms, branches, and
fruit. It usually goes unnoticed until it affects the fruit. Symptoms of infected trees include cankers, fruit rot and
blossom blight. Once discovered, all infected areas should be pruned out immediately. As well, any fallen debris
that is afflicted should be removed to prevent further spread of the disease. Infection of a tree occurs during wet
periods. Certain temperature and moisture levels have to be present for infection to occur. For example 5 hours
of wetness at 68 degrees Fahrenheit is all that is required for infection. Even less time is required at higher temperatures.
Brown Rot
Brown Rot
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
Fruit Fly Adult
Fruit Fly Maggot
Pruning:
When initially planting a young tree, more pruning is required to give it the desired shape and sturdy structure
that will support heavy fruit crops in later years. An open vase shape is best for cherries as it allows both air and
sunshine into the interior of the tree. This results in less disease and nicer fruit. Trees that are grown for fruit
production should have the central leader topped to keep the tree short and make the fruit easier to pick. A two
year old tree should ideally have about four well spaced, sturdy branches with wide angles to the trunk. After
this, annual pruning is really just to maintain height, shape, and to remove damaged or crossed branches. It is
very important not to prune during the winter or during periods of damp weather as this is a really good way to
spread fungal diseases.
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
CULTIVARS
VARIETY
TYPE
Bing
Sweet
Carmine
Jewel
Sour
Cavalier
Sweet
Crimson
Passion
Sour
Juliette
Lapins
Montmorency
Romeo
Stella
Van
DESCRIPTION
HARVEST
HEIGHT
WIDTH
ZONE
Large, firm, juicy black fruit.
One of the best known varieties. Requires a pollinator
Mid
July
20’
15’
5
Very dark red fruit that is high
in sugar. Great for juice and
wine. Self pollinating.
Early
August
6’
6’
2b
Sweet black fruit. One of the
hardier sweet cherries.
Mid
July
20’
15’
5
6’
6’
3b
Large dark red fruit that has
the highest sugar content of all
sour cherries.
Early August
Sour
Dark red fruit. For eating fresh
and baking.
Early August
6’
6’
3
Sweet
Very large, firm, dark red fruit.
Vigorous and productive tree
with an upright growing habit.
Self pollinating.
End
July
20’
15’
4
End
July
13’
10’
3
6’
5’
3
Sour
Sour
Sweet
Sweet
Large bright red fruit with a
firm texture. The most widely
planted sour cherry. Used for
preserving and baking. Self
pollinating.
Small sweet dark red fruit. For
eating fresh or juice. Self pollinating.
Late
August
Very large and sweet, firm
black fruit on a naturally dwarf
tree. Resists cracking. Self
pollinating.
End
July
12’
10’
5
Large, firm black fruit with
good flavor. A heavy producer
and good pollinator. Hardier
than Bing.
Early August
20’
15’
5
Note: Sour cherries do not pollinate sweet cherries.
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca