How to plant and grow a cherry tree

Sweet or sour, cherries are a popular summer treat around the world. Lovely and narrow, the cherry tree is suited to areas with cold winters, creating a stunning display of blossom in spring followed by the much-loved fruit.

What you need to know about a cherry tree

Name: sweet cherry (Prunus avium), sour cherry (Prunus cerasus).

Height: 10m+ if left unpruned, but generally 5-6m, with dwarf cultivars growing 1.5–2m.

Foliage: deciduous.

Climate: prefers cool climates, but will grow in warm, arid and semi-arid climates.

Soil: prefers deep, well-drained soils enriched with compost and decomposed manure.

Position: full sun, protected from strong winds. Can grow in part shade in hot, dry areas.

Flowering and fruiting: flowers appear in spring followed by a crop of delicious cherries in summer.

Feeding: mulch with compost in spring and autumn.

Watering: regular watering throughout summer when the weather is hot and dry and cherries are setting fruit. Avoid wetting fruit and foliage.

Appearance and characteristics of the cherry tree

The cherry is a tall, narrow tree. Deciduous, it loses its leaves in winter and flowers on bare stems in spring. Foliage emerges after the flowers, and fruit develops in summer. 

Uses for a cherry tree

Cherries can be planted quite close together to form an edible deciduous hedge, allowing sunlight (and prying eyes) to penetrate in winter. Suitable for gardens of all sizes – even pots, depending on variety – cherries are a highlight of the summer garden.

How to plant and grow cherry trees in your garden

Always plant at least two cherry trees close together to improve pollination and fruiting. Even self-pollinating types benefit from having another tree close at hand. 

Prepare the soil prior to planting with compost and decomposed manure. Stake bare-rooted trees at planting in winter. Potted plants can be planted year-round, although the height of summer should be avoided, as cherries do not respond well to heat stress during establishment. 

Planting cherries from pots

1. Water the pot prior to preparing the planting hole.
2. Dig a hole twice the size of the pot and backfill so that the potting mix inside the pot is positioned at the same height as the surrounding soil.
3. Gently remove the tree from the pot and place it in the centre of the hole.
4. Backfill with soil and firm down to remove any air holes around the roots.

Planting bare-rooted cherry trees in the garden

1. Unwrap the tree roots and soak in a bucket of diluted seaweed solution while you prepare the hole.
2. Dig a hole at least 40cm wide and 30cm deep. Backfill a mound in the centre of the hole, and check that the tree is level in the hole. The mark on the trunk where the previous soil level should be level with the surrounding soil.
3. Fan the roots out down the mound and backfill with soil.
4. Firm the soil down to remove any air holes around the roots.
5. Water in well and mulch with pea straw, sugarcane or lucerne. Apply an organic mulch like pea straw or sugarcane mulch to prevent weeds.

Caring for a cherry tree

For best results, follow these steps when caring for your cherry tree:

• Cherry trees need cold winter nights to set fruit, and require regular water during summer.
• Mulch with compost in spring and again in autumn.
• Stake for the first few years to allow the roots to establish.
• Avoid wetting the fruit, as even summer rain can cause your cherries to split. This is vital in areas with wet or humid summers.
• Netting is essential to protect developing fruit from birds.
• Pear and cherry slug can quickly defoliate your tree. Although it is not necessarily life or death, it does weaken your tree, so treatment is recommended.
• Depending on the variety, cherries will be ready to harvest either early, mid or late summer. Check their colour, size and flavour to determine optimal harvest date.

Once established, bi-weekly watering will usually suffice unless weather is extremely hot and dry. Water more regularly throughout summer, during fruit development.

How and when to prune your cherry tree

Prune only to remove last season’s fruiting branches and to minimise overall height for netting. This is best done in early spring, rather than winter.

Cherries can also be trained to espalier, producing their harvest flat against a wall or fence. 

Diseases and pests associated with cherry trees

Birds are the number one pest when it comes to your harvest, quickly decimating your crop in the time it takes you to go and get your net. Be vigilant and net early to ensure you get to reap the rewards of your labour. 

Pear and cherry slug is the other major pest for cherry trees. These small slugs can be found munching their way through the foliage. They are best treated with a suitable insecticide, like Yates Success Ultra.

How to propagate your cherry tree

Most cherries are grafted onto dwarf rootstocks, however they can be grown from a cherry pit or seed. Grafting helps to reduce the overall size of the tree-seed-grown cherries can reach up to 20m! Cuttings can also be used, but you may end up with a tree much larger than you want.

Growing cherries from seed

1. Collect fresh cherry pits and place them in moist perlite in the crisper section of your fridge.
2. Leave for 3–4 months to replicate a cold winter, then plant into seed-raising mix.
3. Continue to pot into progressively larger pots until the tree is at least 60cm high. At this time the tree can be transplanted out into the garden.

Cherry tree grafting

Grafting is an advanced method of propagation where the desired cherry variety is grafted onto the rootstock of a tree that offers other qualities, usually dwarfing characteristics.

Safety tip

If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

If you like this then try

Dwarf fruit trees: perfect fruit trees for small gardens and pots.

Pear: a close relative to the cherry that shares similar growing conditions.

Plum: one of the easiest and most rewarding fruit trees to grow. 

Start planting today

35 Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots

Discover the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots. Learn more about the varieties and tastes, and get growing today!

Get ready to sink your teeth into the sweetest adventure yet! Want to grow your own cherry trees but don’t have the space for a full-blown orchard? No problem! With our guide to the best types of cherries to grow in pots, you can have juicy, delicious fruit growing on your patio or balcony. Whether you prefer tart or sweet, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get growing and taste the fruits of your labor! Here’s our pick of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

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Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots

1. Early Burlat

Tree Size: 10-12 feet. Easily can be maintained at 4-6 feet height.

USDA Zones: 5-9

This cherry variety is known for its dark, almost black color and large size. Early Burlat cherries have a sweet and juicy flavor and were originally found in France.

2. Balaton

Tree Size: 4-6 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

A Hungarian variety, Balaton cherries are a deep, dark red with a sweet and tangy taste. You can use this for making preserves and baked goods. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

3. Stella

Tree Size: 6-8 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

A sweet and flavorful cherry, Stella is a well-known variety that is widely grown in the United States. With its bright red color and firm texture, it is a favorite for fresh eating and baking.

4. Ozark Premier

Tree Size: 3-4 feet

USDA Zones: 4-8

With its unique, sweet-tart flavor and deep red color, Ozark Premier is a favorite among cherry growers. This variety is known for its long shelf life and is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

5. Dwarf Cherry

Tree Size: 6-8 feet

USDA Zones: 5-9

This Canadian cherry variety is a sweet and juicy fruit with a bright red color. It is an excellent choice for both fresh eating and baking.

6. Regina

Tree Size: 6-8 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

This sweet cherry variety is known for its large size and bright red color. Regina cherries have a sweet and juicy flavor and are widely grown in Europe. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

7. Corum

Tree Size: 8-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and juicy texture. Corum cherries are widely grown in Europe and are popular for eating fresh and baking.

8. Summit

Tree Size: 6-8 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

This sweet cherry variety is known for its large size and bright red color. Summit cherries are mostly for eating fresh and baking and are widely grown in North America. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

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9. Samba

Tree Size: 8-10

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its dark red color and sweet flavor. Samba cherries are widely grown in Europe and are popular for eating fresh and baking.

10. Burlat Supreme

Tree Size: 4-6 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its dark red color and sweet flavor. Burlat Supreme cherries are widely grown in Europe and are another popular choice for eating fresh and baking.

11. Royal Anne Cherry

Tree Size: 6-9 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and sweet flavor. Royal Anne cherries are widely grown in North America and Europe and are most suitable for eating fresh and baking.

12. Summer Sun

Tree Size: 6-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and juicy texture. Summer Sun cherries are widely grown in North America. You will love to either bake with it or eat it fresh.

13. Royal Lee

Tree Size: 8-25 feet

USDA Zones: 8-10

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and juicy texture. Royal Lee cherries are widely grown in North America and are another good choice for eating fresh and baking.

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14. Santina

Tree Size: 8-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and juicy texture. Santina cherries are widely grown in Europe and are tasty for eating fresh and baking. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

15. Bing Supreme

Tree Size: 4-5 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

This sweet cherry variety is known for its dark red color and sweet flavor. Bing Supreme cherries are widely grown in North America and Europe and are ideal for eating fresh and baking.

16. Emperor Francis

Size: 5-15 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and juicy texture. Emperor Francis cherries are widely grown in Europe and are best for eating fresh and baking.

17. Sunglo

Tree Size: 8-10 feet

USDA Zones: 7-9

With its bright red skin and golden flesh, Sunglo is a sweet and juicy cherry that is perfect for snacking. This variety is known for its high sugar content and is a favorite among sweet-tooth cherry lovers.

18. Van

Tree Size: 6-15 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

A classic cherry variety, Van cherries are known for their bright red color and sweet, juicy flavor. This variety is widely grown in Europe and is popular for eating fresh and baking. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

19. Bing

Tree Size: 8-35 feet

USDA Zones: 5-8

One of the most popular cherry varieties in the United States, Bing cherries are dark red and have a sweet, rich flavor. They are great for fresh eating and are also used in many baked goods.

20. Montmorency

Tree Size: 8-10 feet

USDA Zones: 4-7

This tart cherry variety is widely grown in the United States and is often used for making pies, jams, and syrups. Montmorency cherries have a bright red color and are small to medium in size.

21. Romeo

Tree Size: 5-12 feet

USDA Zones: 2-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its large size and bright red color. Romeo cherries are grown in several countries and are popular for fresh eating and baking. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

Check out our article on growing apple trees in pots here

22. Hedelfinger

Tree Size: 2-4 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This dark red cherry variety is native to Germany and is known for its sweet and juicy flavor. Hedelfinger cherries are a great choice for fresh eating and baking and are also used for making wine and liqueurs.

23. Kordia

Tree Size: 4-8 feet

USDA Zones: 4-9

This sweet cherry variety is grown primarily in Europe and is known for its large size and firm texture. Kordia cherries have a deep red color and are a popular choice for fresh eating and baking.

24. Rainier

Tree Size: 6-35 feet

USDA Zones: 4-9

With its yellow flesh and sweet, juicy flavor, Rainier is a unique cherry variety that is highly prized by growers. This variety is grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest and is a favorite for its exceptional sweetness.

25. Compact Stella

Tree Size: 6-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-9

This compact cherry tree is a smaller version of the popular Stella variety. With its sweet flavor and firm texture, Compact Stella is a great choice for container gardening or small gardens.

26. Carmine Jewel

Tree Size: 4-10 feet

USDA Zones: 4-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red skin and golden flesh. With its high sugar content and firm texture, Carmine Jewel is a great choice for fresh eating and baking.

27. Brooks

Tree Size: 8-10 feet

USDA Zones: 8-11

This sweet and juicy cherry variety is known for its deep red color and long shelf life. These are a great choice for growers who sell their fruit, as they can be stored for several weeks without losing their flavor or quality.

28. Tieton

Tree Size: 7-15 feet

USDA Zones: 4-7

This sweet cherry variety is grown in the Pacific Northwest and is known for its bright red color and high sugar content. Tieton cherries are a popular choice for fresh eating and are also used in many baked goods.

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29. Sweetheart

Tree Size: 6-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red and heart-shaped appearance. Sweetheart cherries are most-known for eating fresh and baking and are widely grown in the United States and Europe.

30. White Gold

Tree Size: 6-25 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This yellow-fleshed cherry variety is known for its sweet and juicy flavor. White Gold cherries have a pale yellow color and are a great choice for eating fresh and baked goods. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

31. Lapin Supreme

Tree Size: 6-12 feet

USDA Zones: 4-8

This sweet cherry variety is known for its large size and bright red color. Lapin Supreme cherries are another trendy choice for eating fresh and baking and are widely grown in North America.

32. Ulster

Tree Size: 6-12 feet

USDA Zones: 4-8

This sweet cherry variety is grown in the Pacific Northwest and is known for its bright red color and high sugar content. Ulster cherries are meant for eating fresh and are also used in many baked goods.

33. Utah Giant

Tree Size: 6-15 feet

USDA Zones: 5-9

This sweet cherry variety is known for its large size and bright red color. Utah Giant cherries are a popular choice for eating fresh and baking and are widely grown in North America.

34. Sweetheart Supreme

Tree Size: 7-10 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This sweet cherry variety is known for its bright red color and heart-shaped appearance. Sweetheart Supreme cherries are a popular choice for eating fresh and baking and are widely grown in the United States and Europe. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

35. Black Tartarian

Tree Size: 6-25 feet

USDA Zones: 5-7

This variety produces large, juicy, and sweet cherries that are a deep, dark purple color. The tree is compact and easy to grow, making it a great choice for container growing. It is one of the Best Types of Cherries to Grow in Pots.

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Quick Tips for Growing Cherries in Pots

Follow these tips to ensure that your cherry tree grows well and produces plenty of juicy, delicious fruit in your container:

1. Choose the Right Pot

Use a large, sturdy container with good drainage holes to ensure that your cherry tree has enough room to grow and that the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

2. Use Rich Soil

Fill the container with high-quality potting soil that contains plenty of organic matter to help retain moisture and provide nutrients for your cherry tree.

3. Give Them Enough Sunshine

Place your container in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

4. Water Regularly

Water your cherry tree regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Keep the Temperature Right

Cherries are cold-sensitive, so make sure that the temperature doesn’t drop too low, especially during the winter. Consider using a frost blanket or other protective covering to help keep your cherry tree warm.

6. Fertilize Regularly

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide your cherry tree with the nutrients it needs to grow and produce fruit.

7. Prune and Train

Regular pruning and training will help keep your cherry tree healthy, promote fruiting, and control its size.

8. Protect from Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take steps to control them as needed. This may include using insecticides, fungicides, or other treatments.

Check out our article on growing blueberries in containers here!