Care of a Craig's Crimson Cherry Tree

Craig's Crimson Basics

• Craig's Crimson is well adapted to mild weather environments. It has a low chilling requirement, meaning it can thrive and bear fruit without cold winters. Some species of cherry tree have a high chilling requirement. For example, the Mazzard cherry, which is popular with commercial growers, requires numerous hours of temperatures below 45 F, according to the Sunset Plant Finder website. The Craig's Crimson is one of the few self-fruitful varieties of cherry tree, meaning you don't have to grow other cherry trees with it for pollination.

Conditions

• Like other sweet cherries, Craig's Crimson requires sunlight. It will bear fruit in locations with full or partial sunlight, although full sun is best. Reasonably fertile, loose soil provides ideal growing conditions. These trees prefer an acidic to neutral soil PH. Adequate but lessened summer watering reduces the risk of cracked fruit. Like most cherry trees, the Craig's Crimson is fairly low maintenance, with average water needs.

Pruning

• The Craig's Crimson grows to a height of 10 to 14 feet, about half to two-thirds the height of full-sized cherry trees. It has medium-density growth, meaning its leaf canopy is neither thick nor sparse. Shaping the Craig's Crimson involves pruning during the dormant season. In addition to shaping the cherry tree, you can remove suckers. Annual pruning can increase fruiting for a more abundant supply of sweet cherries.

Netting, Harvesting and Use

• The Craig's Crimson tree fruits mid-season. Bird netting helps to protect the growing cherries from becoming meals for birds. Hardware stores and garden centers sell netting designed to protect fruit trees. Covering the Craig's Crimson with netting as soon as the cherries appear can reduce losses. Cherries tend to mature in May or June. Because of their sweetness, these cherries work well as fresh snacks, dried fruit and as a dessert topping. They also go well in pies and preserves.