How do you plant a Nanking cherry tree?
Plant Nanking cherry trees in a sunny location. They prefer a loamy soil, but can be grown in many soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Bush cherries are tolerant of windy conditions and can be planted as a windbreak. Once established, growing bush cherries doesn't require much maintenance.
Nanking Cherry Pollination
Something you have to remember is that nanking cherry trees don't self-pollinate. You need two or more shrubs for cross-pollination that are planted within 100 feet of each other.
How to plant cherry blossom trees. Plant your cherry blossom tree in rich, fertile soil that is acidic rather than alkaline. Space your trees 10-20 feet away from each other or other structures or plants. Dig a hole that's roughly two feet around by one foot deep, and dig some compost in the hole before planting.
The Nanking cherry typically grows to a height of 6–10' and a spread about 15' at maturity.
Plant cherry trees in early spring or late fall (when the ground is soft and has a higher moisture content) in a sunny site with good air circulation and deep, well-drained soil. Apply mulch and water well.
Choosing where to plant cherry trees
The best times to plant are spring and fall when the weather is mild. The ground is often harder during winter, when it may be frozen, and in some climates during the summer, when exposed ground may be partially baked.
A Nanking Bush Cherry will do best in full sun and can grow a foot or two years.
“Nanking cherries need cross pollination, for fruit production, therefore more than one plant is required, or an early flowering plum such as Brookgold, Bounty or Dandy.
Crown Width - 6 to 10 feet. Bark Color - Shiny brown and exfoliating when mature. Root System - Medium in depth and spread.
Wall-trained trees should be planted at least 20cm (8 inches) from the wall to allow for the radial growth of the trunk.
How close can you plant a cherry tree to a fence?
Plant a hardy cherry tree 6 to10 inches away from the fence. Planting in the early spring on a south-facing wall works best. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly higher than the root ball.
According to the Colorado State University Extension, fruit trees in general should be planted no more than 60 to 120 feet apart to guarantee the best chance of pollination. Cherry trees need much closer spacing, with 20 feet being the average ideal spacing.
Pruning: Unless maintaining a hedge, Nanking cherries require little pruning. However, some yearly late-winter pruning will help keep good air circulation and keep branches productive. Start by removing any broken, damaged or diseased branches. Next, remove old center limbs to allow for optimal air circulation.
It will grow in shade but blooms better when grown in full sun to partial shade. Crops are larger when planted in full sun, but hot, dry conditions can cause them to desiccate rapidly especially in drought years.
Use Extreme Caution With Feeding Dogs Cherries
The main danger of cherries is that their pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous and potentially lethal if consumed in high enough quantities. Cherry pits can also get lodged in a dog's digestive tract and cause intestinal blockages.
Speaking of nutrients, Cherry Trees do benefit from a little fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that's low in nitrogen late in the winter, or in the early spring. About a month before your trees flower is the best time to fertilize.
Average Time Cherry Trees Take To Grow
On average, cherry trees planted as saplings take between 4 and 5 years to reach maturity. By that time, you can expect to harvest a full crop every year. However, some varieties have faster growth rates than others.
Give your cherry tree enough water to soak the ground all around the roots. It's important to note that, even if you're in the midst of a “brown-lawn drought”, you shouldn't water too much. Once every 7- to 10-days (or even once every two weeks) is plenty.
Only one sour cherry tree needs to be planted for pollination and fruit set. Many sweet cherry varieties cannot produce fruit from their own pollen and are considered self-unfruitful. These plants require cross-pollination for fruit set.
Plan to prune your cherry trees every year during their dormant season.
Is Nanking cherry a true cherry?
Though often called a "cherry" and superficially resembling them, Nanking cherry is closer related to plums than true cherries. It prefers full sun and grows naturally in a variety of soils. It is drought-resistant, and cold-resistant to hardiness zone 2.
Deer appear to avoid Nanking cherries. They acquire few leaf diseases. Unlike plums and sand cherries, the disease brown rot has not been observed in Nanking cherries. Birds love Nanking cherries, and growers should prepare to protect their plants against birds.
Nanking cherries are quite small, measuring one to 2 centimeters in diameter (about the size of a blueberry). Their pale pink to bright cherry red skin is shiny and smooth, and the pulp is juicy. Each fruit contains one seed, much like other cherries. Nanking cherries are sweet and tart.
Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that your body converts into hydrogen cyanide, making their consumption potentially dangerous.
Nanking cherry is so tough that it will even grow under semiarid conditions and endure a snowless winter of -40°F followed by a scathing summer six months later. Generally, the bushes grow about 8 feet high and wide and bear grape-size fruit with a refreshing flavor somewhere between sweet and tart.
Dig a hole at least 40cm wide and 30cm deep.
9 Tips For Planting Your Cherry Blossom Tree
This is important for water absorption and proper root growth. Also be sure to avoid planting your tree too close to a building or structure.
Good soil drainage is necessary to keep a cherry tree's roots healthy — and healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy tree. If your native soil is composed of heavy clay that retains water after rainy weather, you should choose a different site for your cherry tree.
Only one sour cherry tree needs to be planted for pollination and fruit set. Many sweet cherry varieties cannot produce fruit from their own pollen and are considered self-unfruitful. These plants require cross-pollination for fruit set.
Cherry blossom trees do best in a sunny, sheltered spot – strong winds can strip a tree of its blossom. Trees that produce sour edible fruits, such as the Morello cherry, can tolerate some shade. Cherries can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as long as it is moist and well drained.
Can you plant a cherry tree close to a house?
Fruit trees can often be planted closer to buildings than large ornamental trees because the rootstocks constrain the spread of the roots. In this respect fruit trees are often a better choice than ornamental trees if you are planting near to the house.
