Growing cherry trees in pots can be challenging, especially for those without much gardening experience. It’s not as simple as just planting a seed and waiting for it to grow into a healthy tree.
Many aspiring gardeners find themselves frustrated when their cherry trees fail to thrive in pots. Limited space, soil quality issues, and inadequate care can all contribute to stunted growth or even the death of the tree.
But fear not! With the right guidance and a bit of effort, you can successfully grow cherry trees in pots and enjoy the beauty of fresh cherries right from your own home.
Today, I’ll share some proven tips and techniques to help you cultivate healthy cherry trees in pots, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come.
Which Cherry Tree Varieties Grow Best in Pots?
There are several cherry varieties that thrive when grown in containers. Homeowners with limited space can still enjoy fresh cherries by choosing more compact options.
Some of the top varieties suited for pot growth include:
Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf Varieties
Dwarf cultivars stay under 10 feet tall at maturity, making them ideal for balconies, patios, and small yards. Semi-dwarfs reach 10–15 feet, allowing more flexibility in container size.
Popular Dwarf Varieties
The ‘Nanking cherry‘ is a popular dwarf option, growing 6–8 feet tall. Its abundant crops of tart cherries are great for pies and preserves.
Another excellent choice is ‘Canada Red‘, yielding sweet red cherries in mid-summer on a compact 6-foot plant.
Care Requirements and Characteristics
Homeowners should research characteristics like chilling requirements, disease resistance, and pollenization needs before selecting varieties.
Dwarf varieties tend to bear fruit earlier than standard-sized trees. With proper care, cherry trees in pots can produce for many years.
Choosing the Right Pot for Cherry Trees
The container used is crucial for growing cherry trees in pots successfully. It is generally better to allow adequate root growth over the years.
Pot Size
As a minimum, select a pot at least 12 inches in diameter and depth. For dwarf varieties, a 15-gallon pot works well. Semi-dwarfs and weeping cherries will thrive in containers 20 gallons or larger.
Drainage
Terra cotta and plastic are good options, as they allow excess water to drain easily. It’s critical to include drainage holes to prevent root rot in wet soil.
Soil Mixture
The soil will need to retain moisture and nutrients while draining rapidly. A custom soil blend is ideal, combining elements like compost, perlite or vermiculite for air pockets, and slow-release fertilizer.
Weight Considerations
Heavier materials like concrete can cause stability issues once moist soil is added. Opt for terra cotta, plastic or lightweight fabrics if the pot will be in an elevated area.
Proper attention to the container setup establishes a healthy root system for your cherry tree. Choosing the right pot size and soil blend leads to productive growth for many seasons.
Soil Mix for Potted Cherry Trees
The composition of the soil mixture packed into the container is pivotal for cherry trees to thrive. A well-draining, nutrient-rich blend is key.
Custom Soil Recipe
A mix of one-third each of compost, potting soil or garden soil, and perlite or vermiculite provides the necessary structure.
Organic Matter
Compost or other organic matter improves drainage and adds beneficial microbes to the soil. It also slowly releases nutrients as it breaks down.
Drainage Enhancers
Perlite and vermiculite are popular choices to add air pockets without making the soil too dense or compact. This promotes water and nutrient flow to roots.
Balanced Fertilizer
Incorporate a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer according to label instructions during initial potting. This provides a foundation of key nutrients.
Adjusting the Blend
The soil can be customized by adding or removing ingredients depending on your garden’s existing soil composition. Testing may be needed to dial in the perfect ratios.
Taking time to develop an optimized soil blend customized for cherry tree roots makes the most of the limited container space. The trees will be set up for productive growth through many seasons.
Planting and Caring for Young Cherry Trees
Establishing newly transplanted cherry trees properly sets them up to thrive for years. Here are some best practices:
Potting Depth
Place the young tree so the first roots emerging from the trunk are just below soil level, leaving a slight bowl to retain water.
Support Branch Removal
Prune any low-lying branches that touch the soil surface and are prone to rot. Focus growth upwards initially.
Watering Needs
For the first 1-2 years, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not soaked. Young roots are establishing their transportation networks.
Protection From Extremes
Provide shelter from intense sun, wind and frost, especially during transplant adjustment. Cherry flowers are at risk of damage below 28°F.
Staking or Tying
Guiding the central leader upright avoids lanky, unstable growth with flexible staking as needed based on weather.
Proper aftercare following potting enables cherry tree roots to spread unhindered in confinement. Adhering to watering and frost guidelines allows your trees to focus energy above ground.
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Training and Pruning Potted Cherry Trees
Ongoing shaping and maintenance pruning cultivates an attractive form and maximizes fruit production within the container’s space.
Developing Branch Framework
For the first 2-3 years, focus on establishing 3-5 primary scaffold branches by pinching back secondary shoots. This creates a sturdy structure.
Formative Pruning Cuts
Prune young wood back to outward facing buds to encourage branching rather than vertical growth. Develop an open center, allowing sunlight penetration.
Maintenance Pruning
Each winter, remove any competing branches, suckers and spindly growth. Thin overcrowded areas within the framework. Selectively shorten others to control size.
Tying and Training
Tie branches loosely to stakes as needed for support and to maintain an evenly spaced canopy that is not overcrowded or tangled. Pinch emerging shoots to restrict height.
Managing Fruiting Wood
On mature trees, pruning regulates the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. Remove some older wood annually to favor fresh growth.
Fertilizing Cherry Trees in Pots
Providing balanced nutrition enhances fruit production and overall plant health in the potted environment. Some effective fertilizing practices include:
Schedule for the Growing Season
Taprooted woody fruits like cherry need feeding from bud break until leaf drop. Apply a balanced, water-soluble formula weekly at half-strength.
Slow-Release Granular Options
These provide continuous low-level feeding for several months. Incorporate some into the root zone during planting and top dress annually in spring.
Foliar Feeding
Liquid applications directly to leaves supply readily-uptaken nutrients. Spray when new growth appears and after harvest to support fruit bud formation.
Adjusting Based on Growth
If foliage looks pale or sparse, increase frequency and/or dosage slightly per product instructions. Reduce feeding for compact varieties prone to excessive sizing.
Diagnosing Deficiencies
Watch for leaves curling, spotting or discoloring. Have the soil tested if issues persist to identify a lack of nutrients. Amend the fertilizing regimen accordingly.
Proper fertilization, combined with other best practices, allows cherry trees to reach their maximum potential inside containers year after year.
Common Pests and Diseases of Potted Cherries
Anyone growing cherry trees in pots needs to be watchful for potential issues that can hamper health and reduce yields if left unchecked. Some common concerns include:
Aphids
These sap-sucking insects weaken growth. Control with strong streams of water or approved contact sprays according to product label.
Japanese Beetles
Adult beetles skeletonize leaves from June through August. Handpick insects into soapy water or use traps to monitor populations.
Powdery Mildew
A fungal disease is shown as white, powdery patches on leaves and fruit. Prevent with proper air circulation and apply fungicide only if mildew appears.
Cherry Fruit Fly
Larvae tunnel into ripening cherries, causing ruinous spoilage. Place baited traps or apply protective sprays two weeks before harvest.
Bark Scales, Mealybugs or Spider Mites
Infestations of these small insects appear as dirty spots or webbing. Isolate infected branches, pruning them off completely if issues persist after spraying with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Seeking Diagnosis
Unfamiliar pests or worsening outbreaks require identification. Contact local agricultural extensions for professional assistance in assessing and addressing the underlying cause.
Integrated pest management techniques keep container-grown cherry trees largely protected from common threats when nipped in the bud. Monitoring for potential problems is the first step.
Overwintering Potted Cherry Trees
Come fall, proper storage over the dormant winter period ensures potted cherry trees emerge unharmed for the next growing cycle.
Shelter from Harsh Conditions
Relocate to an unheated garage or storage building. Or build a temporary cold frame for outdoors using rigid walls and roof topped with clear plastic sheeting.
Managing Temperatures and Moisture
Ideally, shelter conditions stay between 15 and 32°F. Insulate the container from ground contact if transferring outdoors using boards or styrofoam.
Water Infrequently
Roots are inactive, and potting soil is self-watering. Check the hygrometer and water only if it is very dry to avoid frozen soil that cracks the pot.
No Fertilizer in Winter
Routine feedings cease as growth halts. Resume balanced applications when true leaves emerge in spring, anticipating bud break.
Inspect for Frost Cracks
Cherry bark can split open in severe cold, inviting disease. Wrap tree trunks loosely with burlap or wrap for insulation if below 15°F is expected.
Properly overwintering in shelter protects container-grown cherry trees to usher in healthy growth with warmer spring weather on the horizon. Even potted trees can survive freezing conditions, given the right care.
Spring Care to Resume Growth and Bloom
As temperatures rise above 40°F, it’s time to transition potted cherry trees out of dormancy and into fruiting for the season ahead.
Uncover trees if they are sheltered.
Gradually exposed to full sun over one week. Monitor for any pest or cold damage requiring pruning.
Begin Watering and Fertilizing
Moisten dry soil and fertilize according to the schedule discussed earlier. Liquid seaweed or compost tea also stimulate blooming.
Inspect for Pests
Check emerging buds for overwintering insects like scales or aphids. Treat as needed before blooming.
Evaluate Winter Protection
If wrappings protect thin bark, remove them gradually to also expose bark slowly before new growth begins.
Avoid Late Frosts
Be ready to shield blossoms if frosty nights threaten after bud break, using cloches, sheets, or misters if temperatures dip below 28°F.
FAQs about growing cherry trees in pots
What size pot do I need?
As a minimum, select a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Dwarf varieties will thrive in 15-gallon pots, while semi-dwarfs and weeping varieties need 20 gallons or larger.
How often do I need to water?
For the first year, keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Established trees only need watering during droughts. Check soil moisture 1-2 inches deep.
How much sunlight do cherries need?
Cherry trees prefer full sun, getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They may produce fewer fruits in partial shade but will still bloom and produce fruits with sufficient light.
When will my cherry tree bear fruit?
Dwarf varieties usually crop within 2-3 years, while standard-sized trees take 4-5 years. Cherry trees must also reach maturity, generally 5-7 years old, before maximum yields are achieved.
Can I grow more than one cherry tree in a pot?
In general, it’s best to grow just one cherry tree per container. The roots need room to spread out for the tree to develop properly. You can plant companion plants, like herbs, that don’t compete for nutrients.
Conclusion
With the right variety selection, a large container, and ongoing care, home gardeners can successfully grow cherry trees in pots on patios, balconies or small yards.
While more confined than in-ground sites, cherry trees thrive for many seasons when their needs for drainage, fertilization, pruning and pest monitoring are met within their movable growing space.
With some patience and know-how demonstrated here, container gardening allows taking advantage of fresh cherries’ sweet delights even where space is limited.
