Container Planting for an Ultra Dwarf Cherry Tree

Ultra Dwarf Characteristics

• Dwarf and ultra dwarf cherry trees get their small size from the rootstock in a process called grafting. A bud or shoot section of a cherry tree with the desired fruit is grafted onto a dwarf root stock. That way you can grow full-size fruit on a 4- to 6-foot tall tree. Cherry trees, including ultra dwarf varieties, grow best in full sun, at least six hours per day.

Container Selection

• Containers are commonly measured in inches or in volume capacity. Ultra dwarf cherry trees grow well in a container 18 inches tall and 18 inches in diameter, or a 15-gallon-capacity. Planters come in a variety of materials that include wood, ceramic, terra cotta, plastic and metal, all of which are good containers for growing ultra dwarf cherry trees. Just make sure the planter you choose has drainage holes in the bottom to keep excess water from building up around the lower roots.

Potting Soil

• You need 2 cubic feet of soil for a 15-gallon-pot. You can use a standard pre-mixed potting soil, commonly available in bags containing 3 cubic feet, but if you are planting several trees or want to fill more volume at a lower cost, make your own potting mix. Combine 2 cubic feet of damp peat moss with 1 cubic foot each of clean sand, perlite and compost. Add 1/2 pound of lime and 1 1/2 pounds of granular, slow release 17-6-10 fertilizer. Mix the ingredients thoroughly before potting your new cherry tree.

Preparing the Planter

• Ultra dwarf cherry trees grow best in a sunny, protected area like a sunny open or enclosed porch, patio or other outdoor living space. Before adding the potting soil, place a piece of broken pottery over the drainage holes to keep soil in and let water out. If you don't have broken pottery lying around, use a 1-inch-deep layer of pebbles or pieces of flat stone. Start by filling the container half full with the potting soil mix.

Planting

• To remove the nursery pot from the root ball, turn your ultra dwarf cherry on its side and gently pull the pot away from the roots. Lifting the tree by the root ball, place it upright in the center of the pot, positioned so that the base of the trunk is 1 inch below the lip of the pot. Add or remove soil under the roots as necessary. Fill the pot with potting soil to the base of the trunk, leaving 1 inch between the soil line and the lip of the planter.

After Planting and Ongoing Care

• Water right after planting. This settles the soil around the roots and dampens the root ball. If the soil settles and leaves the root ball higher than the soil line, add more potting soil. Planters dry out quickly, especially in dry or hot weather. Water when the top 1 or 2 inches of potting soil starts to dry out. A mulch layer, like wood chips, compost or leaf mold spread over the top of the soil helps slow moisture evaporation. If you use mulch, keep it 1 inch from the base of the trunk. Fertilize ultra dwarf cherry trees every one-to-two weeks using a general purpose plant food fertilizer. Mix 1 teaspoon of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water and pour it over the soil in the container. Fertilizers vary by brand, so read the package label and follow indicated dilution rates when necessary.

Pests and Diseases

• Cherries are mostly pest free and rarely need treatment. In orchards, birds are a problem at harvest time, but if your ultra dwarf cherry is planted close to the house or inside a structure, birds are less likely to strip the tree of fruit. If birds are after your cherries, drape a piece of bird netting over the canopy until harvest. Two diseases to watch out for are cherry leaf spot and brown rot. Keep these under control by removing any dead leaves from the top of the container and keeping your tree healthy with regular fertilizing and watering.