Planting Times for Cherries

Planting Time

• The best planting time for cherry trees is during late fall or early spring. In areas of severe winter, wait for the soil to dry and warm a before planting. Spring planting is the preferred period for planting cherries, as recommended by the Purdue Cooperative Extension. The University of Wisconsin Extension suggests planting container grown trees at any time of the year but with more care as compared to bare root planting.

Site

• Select an area with full sun for most of the day for best growth. No fruit tree, including cherry, grows well in shaded areas. Plant it a gentle slope where the cold air does not collect around the trees. The collection of cold air in low-lying areas creates frost pockets that damage early blooms. Avoid hilltops, as these become windy and exposed. Make sure there is enough room to allow the tree to grow freely.

Soil

• Prepare the soil before planting and check the soil pH. Cherry trees adapt well to a variety of well-drained soils but prefer fertile and sandy loam. Avoid planting in rocky or poorly drained ground. The recommended soil pH is slightly acidic, ranging anywhere between 6.0 and 7.0, Adding sulfur to alkaline soil increases acidity. Work in leaves, compost or manure before planting, as this improves aeration and water-holding capacity in soil. (Reference 3)

Water

• Providing adequate and regular irrigation to newly planted trees aids healthy establishment. Provide 1 to 2 inches or 3 to 5 gallons of water every week throughout the first year of growth. This is especially important at times of insufficient rain. As the roots establish, the trees require less water. Trees still require water once they are larger and again after fruit harvest.