Cherry trees aren’t just beautiful with their spring blossoms—they’re fascinating from a botanical point of view too. These trees belong to the Prunus genus, which also includes peaches, plums, and almonds. While cherry trees are loved for their sweet or sour fruit, they also play a key role in ecosystems, offering food for pollinators and shelter for birds.
Growing a cherry tree is a rewarding experience, but it takes patience and care. Whether you’re starting from a seed or buying a young tree, you’ll eventually get to enjoy fresh cherries, straight from your backyard. From understanding how to plant them in the right season to pruning them for better growth, there’s a lot to learn and love about these trees. In a few years, your hard work will pay off with juicy cherries and a beautiful tree that brightens up your garden every spring.
Popular Cherry Varieties
- Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium) – These are the cherries you can eat fresh.
- Sour Cherries (Prunus cerasus) – These are best for baking and jams.
- Japanese Flowering Cherry – Grown for its flowers, not fruit
Care
- Water: Cherry trees prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially when they’re young, but don’t let the soil get soggy.
- Light: Cherry trees love soaking up the sun. Make sure they get full sunlight (at least 6 hours a day) for the best growth and fruit production.
- Soil: They like well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or organic matter can help the tree thrive.
- Temperature and Humidity: Cherry trees do best in areas with mild winters and warm summers. They need a cold winter period to produce fruit but can be sensitive to extreme frost (below -18 °C or -0.4 °F).
Planting & Growing
Growing a cherry tree from a seed takes some patience, but it’s worth it!
- In spring, soak the seeds, let them dry for a few days, and then store them in the fridge for 10 weeks to mimic winter.
- After that, plant them in small pots and keep them in a sunny spot, watering regularly until they’re ready to move outdoors. If you’re planting in the fall, you can skip the fridge and plant the seeds directly in the garden. Just pick a safe, sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and frost is gone, you can transplant them outside.
- Make sure to protect your young trees from wildlife like deer or rabbits. In 3 to 10 years, you’ll have your first cherries
Pruning
Pruning your cherry tree keeps it healthy and helps it grow better fruit. By cutting back certain branches, you’re making sure the tree grows strong, with enough space for sunlight and air to reach every part. It also helps prevent overcrowded branches, which can lead to weaker growth.
Spring is the best time to prune, right after winter, but you can also trim it in late summer once the cherries are picked. Regular pruning means healthier trees and bigger harvests in the long run!
For more detailed pruning tips, check out our full guide below!
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Cherry fruit flies
- Japanese beetles
- Birds (yes, they love cherries too!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best climate for cherry trees?
Cherry trees like cooler climates with low humidity, but they can handle warm areas if you pick the right variety. In winter, they lose their leaves and burst into cherry blossoms by spring.
Where do cherry trees grow the most?
Most fresh cherries come from Turkey and the U.S., especially on the West Coast in places like Washington and California. Sweet cherries are the kind you can eat straight from the tree or freeze for snacks.
What is the most heat-tolerant cherry tree?
The Taiwan cherry can handle heat the best, growing well in warm areas like the deep south. It loves full sun but can grow in some shade too.
How long does a cherry tree live?
Cherry trees usually live around 15-25 years, but some, like black cherry trees, can live much longer—up to 250 years with the right care.