Step-by-step instructions on when and how to properly plant cherry trees outdoors.

Cherry trees grow in almost every garden in every region of Russia. If you don't see them among your fruit trees, the problem lies in the fact that the owners have no idea how to properly plant and care for them. Planting isn't difficult, but there are some nuances that need to be kept in mind and not neglected during cultivation. Improper planting and care can lead to crop failure and the cherry tree's decline.

When to plant cherry trees

Cherry trees are typically planted in the spring, from late March to mid-April. Planting can also be done in the fall, no later than a month before the onset of cold weather. It is important to take into account that the timing of planting seedlings depends not only on the climate zone, but also on the variety.

Depending on the growing region

The basic rule for all regions is to begin planting in early spring. Fall planting should be done in late September during warmer days to allow the seedlings to take root before frost sets in.

In Siberia and the Urals, as well as in the Leningrad region—regions with harsh winters—spring planting is recommended exclusively, as young seedlings that haven't yet established roots won't have time to adapt to the new location and won't survive the cold season.

Depending on the variety

The variety determines both the yield and the taste of the fruit, as well as how easy or difficult it is to cultivate. The main criteria to consider when choosing a variety are its tolerance to local winters, soil, and humidity.

Also pay attention to self-fertility, since many crops are not self-fertile, and to form ovaries, they need pollinators, which must also be selected taking into account climatic and biological characteristics.

The wide range of cherry tree seedlings allows you to plant young trees outdoors in the fall. Purchased trees can be buried for the winter and then transplanted to their permanent location in the spring, when the time is right.

The best season for planting berry trees

The plant can be planted in spring or fall. In spring, as soon as the snow melts and the ground warms to 10-12 degrees Celsius. Fall planting is best done in the summer, beginning in early August, to allow the seedling time to establish itself before the cold weather sets in.

We choose a healthy and strong seedling

The seedling must be as well adapted as possible to the climate of the area where it will grow, so the choice of variety should be approached responsibly.

Sometimes, to save money, novice gardeners try to grow seedlings from seeds, but getting the same fruit as the parent plant is unlikely. And if we're talking about grafted plants, their offspring are completely sterile. Therefore, it's best to buy seedlings from reputable stores and nurseries.

When purchasing planting material, inspect it carefully. It should have a developed root system, 3-4 skeletal branches, and no swelling, plaque, or other damage to the bark.

What you should know before boarding

Before you begin planting cherries in your garden, you should consider several important rules.

What kind of soil does the tree like?

Cherries won't grow in marshy soil. Well-drained, neutral soil is ideal. The soil should be light and well-aerated.

Before planting, the soil must be properly prepared by fertilizing it with organic and mineral fertilizers. Apply 1.5 buckets of manure per square meter and 100 grams of phosphorus and potassium per square meter. It is best to avoid using nitrogen fertilizers in the initial stages, so as not to increase soil acidity and harm the young root system.

Location and lighting

Choose a planting site that's as sheltered from drafts as possible, and the area should also be sunny. Previously, fruit trees were planted close to a fence for additional protection from wind and frost, as more snow accumulates there, which is known to be essential for the root system to prevent freezing.

Neighborhood with other cultures

It's important to choose the right growing location and soil, as well as the best neighbors. It's recommended to grow cherries near stone fruits: peaches, cherries, and apricots. Keep in mind that tall varieties (those over 3.5 m) should not be planted nearby.

Apple and pear trees are poor neighbors for cherries, as their spreading crowns will obscure the cherry. However, when planted next to hawthorn or rowan, fruit production will increase significantly for both trees.

Cherry tree planting patterns

This should be an elevated place, protected from the northern winds, preferably on the side of the fences.

Necessary conditions

To ensure a healthy cherry tree produces a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy fruit, you need to put in the necessary effort and create comfortable growing conditions.

Temperature conditions

Temperature is crucial for cherry tree growth. It's recommended to plant the seedling when the temperature reaches 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Air humidity

To plant a young tree, choose warm, dry, windless weather when no precipitation is forecast for the next few days.

Preparatory work

Before planting, it's important to properly prepare the hole and seedling, and equip yourself with the necessary gardening tools. Then, begin the planting process immediately.

Necessary tools

To plant, all you need is a shovel to dig out the soil, some twine, and a stake to securely tie up the seedlings.

Preparing the seedling and planting hole

Free the roots of the seedling from the old soil, dip them in clay and trim them slightly.

To dig properly, drive a stake into the ground and draw a circle around the future hole. The depth should be at least 60 cm, and the diameter should be approximately 100 cm.

Step-by-step planting instructions

Planting cherry trees has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when carrying out planting work.

Planting depth

Position the seedling so that the root collar is 3-5 cm above ground level. Next, add topsoil, carefully straightening the roots, followed by topsoil. After filling the hole, drive a stake next to the tree to tie the trunk of the seedling to. Afterward, water the soil thoroughly.

Fertilization

Once the soil has absorbed the moisture and settled, fill the area around the trunk with sawdust and dry soil. At the planting stage, a 4-5 cm layer of mulch is sufficient.

The nuances of planting cherry trees with a closed root system

Planting a closed-root cherry tree is much easier because you only need to move the entire contents of the container, along with the soil, into a pre-dug hole.

Further care

During the first summer season, the seedling requires ample watering; thereafter, water only during prolonged droughts. Fertilizing is performed twice during the growing season:

• immediately after flowering is complete;
• two weeks after the first application of fertilizer.

Feed with a mullein solution supplemented with wood ash or micronutrients. After 2-3 years, the plant will need pruning, as the crown will become so dense that harvesting will be difficult. Protect the cherry tree for the winter by covering it with spruce branches; this will protect it from freezing and preserve the future harvest.

Regularly inspect the tree for signs of disease and pest infestation and, if detected, prescribe appropriate treatment using proven protective agents.

Why doesn't a cherry tree grow in the first year after planting?

To ensure the seedling begins growing in the first year after planting, it's important to choose the right location, as close proximity to groundwater significantly slows growth. There's also a risk of selecting the wrong variety, meaning it's unsuitable for growing in the given climate. Shrews and moles are a common problem.

Common mistakes when landing

Growing cherries is quite simple if you carefully study the planting and care instructions. Common mistakes include choosing the wrong planting site, using poor-quality planting material or purchasing it too early, and failing to plant within the specified timeframe. Serious mistakes can also be made during planting, such as planting the tree too deep or adding too much mineral fertilizer to the hole.

It's entirely possible to plant a cherry tree so that it will continue to yield fruit. All that's required is a detailed study of the planting guidelines and their practical application.