Leslie Massey
Cherries have been grown in Australia since the late 1800s, with the main production areas being New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The Cherry Growers Association (CGA) represents the interests of its member states and orchardists nationally, and there is also a Victorian Cherry Association. Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit, and there are specific methods for shaping the trees to maximise fruit production.
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What You'll Learn
Cherry-growing history in Australia
Cherry cultivation in Australia has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. When British settlers arrived on the continent, they brought with them a variety of fruit trees, including cherry trees. The first recorded cherry orchard was established in Tasmania in the 1830s. The first cherry trees grown in Australia were imported from England, but later, cherry cultivars were imported from North America and Europe.
By the mid-1800s, cherries were being grown in several regions throughout the country, including Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. However, it was not until the late 1800s that cherry cultivation began to expand more widely in Australia, with the main production areas in Young and Orange in NSW, Wandin, Wangarratta, and Shepparton in Victoria, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and North and Southern Tasmania.
In recent years, there has been significant new plantings in non-traditional areas across the country, and production could double within the next five years as these new plantings start producing. The industry has faced challenges, including pests and diseases such as bacterial canker, as well as environmental factors such as drought and frost. However, it has persevered and thrived, with Australian cherries now being exported worldwide.
Growers have adopted methods such as integrated pest management and the use of cover crops to promote soil health and produce healthier cherries while preserving the environment. There has also been pressure to replace old cherry varieties with new, more marketable ones, and Australia has imported many new selections of cherries from around the world to evaluate their suitability to the varied growing conditions in the country.
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Cherry-growing conditions
Cherries have been grown in Australia since the late 1800s, with the main production areas being Young and Orange in New South Wales (NSW), Wandin, Wangarratta and Shepparton in Victoria, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and North and Southern Tasmania. In recent years, there have been new plantings in non-traditional areas, and production could double within the next five years.
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit. Afternoon shade is acceptable, provided the tree receives sunlight for the rest of the day. Avoid gullies and other sites exposed to late spring frosts, which may damage flowers. If planting near other trees or shrubs, try to plant in a north/south aspect to reduce the amount of shade.
In terms of watering, in winter, a small amount of water once a week is enough to prevent the soil from drying out too much. For planted trees, spring rain usually provides sufficient moisture. In areas with low soil water retention or for potted trees, watering twice a week will suffice. After harvest, in summer, water 2 to 3 times per week during hot periods to encourage new growth for the next season's fruit.
To ensure strong, upright growth, stake your cherry tree and mulch the surface of the soil with straw-based mulches such as sugar cane, barley, or pea straw. Water your plant with a seaweed solution to promote healthy root growth in spring. A balanced fertiliser with low nitrogen will work well in most soils. However, if you see vigorous growth without fertiliser, you may stick to organics such as manure, compost, and mulch.
One popular method of shaping fruit trees is espalier, which involves training limbs to grow horizontally from a leading branch along a flat surface or wires. For cherry trees, a better method is the palmette style, which involves training limbs to a 45-degree angle. This produces more fruiting laterals than traditional espalier.
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Cherry tree care
Cherry trees are a delightful addition to any garden, offering stunning flowers in spring, luscious fruit in midsummer, and bright foliage in autumn. They are relatively low maintenance, but there are some key considerations to ensure your cherry tree thrives.
Firstly, cherry trees require well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. They are susceptible to root rot, so good drainage is essential. If planting a bare root tree, add top dressing compost to the soil. Choose a sunny spot with excellent airflow and ensure the planting hole is large enough for the roots to spread out. For potted trees, select a pot with a diameter of at least 55 cm and ensure it has drainage holes. The hole should be three times wider than the pot, and you should add compost to clay soil to improve drainage.
Cherry trees require full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit. Avoid gullies or areas prone to late spring frosts, as these can damage the flowers. If planting near other trees or shrubs, opt for a north/south aspect to minimise shade.
Watering needs vary depending on the age and type of cherry tree. Young trees, trained trees, and those in pots require regular watering throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells. For potted trees, check the moisture level of the potting mix before watering, and ensure they are not left standing in water, as the roots can rot. Established trees in open ground typically don't need additional watering unless there is a prolonged dry spell, as this can cause immature fruits to shed. Avoid overwatering in summer, as it can cause ripe fruits to split.
Pruning is essential for shaping the tree and improving light and air circulation. The optimal time to prune is during the dormancy period in late winter. Trim the tree's canopy to open the centre and allow sunlight and air to reach the centre. Stake your cherry tree to ensure strong, upright growth.
Lastly, fertilisation is important for the tree's growth. If the tree grows at least 6 inches (15 cm) in its first year, lightly fertilise it. Established trees should be fertilised after harvest with an organic fruit tree blend.
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$193.99
Cherry grower organisations
Cherries have been grown in Australia since the late 1800s, with the main production areas being Young and Orange in New South Wales, Wandin, Wangarratta, and Shepparton in Victoria, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and North and Southern Tasmania. The fruit has become an integral part of Australian cuisine, featuring in cakes, pavlovas, and pies.
Cherry Growers Australia is a significant organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Australian cherry industry. Since 1966, it has played a pivotal role in bringing together growers, industry experts, and stakeholders to foster knowledge sharing, innovation, and industry growth. The organization has been instrumental in addressing the challenges and opportunities unique to the Australian context, including the varied growing conditions across the country.
Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries and other fruits in South Australia, is another key player in the industry. It actively engages with cherry growers and industry professionals, contributing to the collective knowledge and advancement of cherry cultivation in the region.
The Victorian Cherry Association is also dedicated to promoting the cherry industry in Victoria and empowering its members with the knowledge and skills to enhance their business prospects and environmental practices.
These organizations collectively contribute to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of cherry cultivation in Australia, ensuring the continued availability of this beloved fruit for Australians to enjoy.
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Cherry varieties
Cherries have been grown in Australia since the late 1800s, with the main production areas being Young and Orange in New South Wales, Wandin, Wangarratta, and Shepparton in Victoria, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and North and Southern Tasmania. The cherry-growing season in Australia can be extended by having different varieties in orchards, providing fresh produce from as early as late October through to February. Different cherry varieties offer diverse flavours, textures, and ripening periods, enhancing market appeal and consumer satisfaction.
There are two main types of cherries: sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus L.). Sweet cherries are often sold as generic fresh cherries, while sour cherries are mostly used in processed products such as freezing, canning, and juices, or typically preserved and used in cooking or for making cherry brandy.
- Merchant: This variety is heart-shaped, with dark red skin and golden-red flesh. It is sweet in flavour and is usually one of the first cherries to ripen in the season.
- Lambert: This variety is sweet and mild in flavour, with a heart shape and medium size. It has red skin and firm flesh.
- Bing: This commonly available sweet variety is large and heart-shaped, with dark red skin and firm ruby-red flesh. It has a slightly rich flavour and is suitable for both eating fresh and cooking.
- Ron's Seedling (Ron's): This popular and versatile variety is large and heart-shaped, with black, slightly thick skin and juicy deep red flesh. It can be eaten fresh or cooked.
- Stella: This variety is sweet, juicy, and popular for Christmas, with a distinct heart shape and ruby red to deep purple colour.
- Supreme: This variety is large and heart-shaped, with dark red to black skin and deep red flesh. It is one of the easier cherries to pit, making it popular for jam, and it has a rich, sweet flavour.
- Ulster: This variety is a medium-sized sweet cherry with deep black skin and dark red flesh.
- Sweetheart: This recently developed variety is medium-sized, with bright red skin and mild, sweet flesh.
- Lapins: This variety is available late in the season, from mid-December to January. It is large and heart-shaped, with dark red skin and firm, golden-red flesh.
- Empress: This variety is medium-sized, with a deep plum colour and a subtly sweet flavour. It is usually available early in the season.
- Black Douglas: This variety is a large black cherry with firm, meaty flesh. It is heart-shaped and available late in the season.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cherries have been grown in Australia since the late 1800s.
Cherries are grown in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and Western Australia. The main production areas are Young and Orange in NSW, Wandin, Wangarratta and Shepparton in Victoria, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and North and Southern Tasmania.
Cherry season in Australia is typically during the summer months, with harvest taking place from December to February.
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit. They also need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. In winter, a small amount of water once a week is usually enough, while in summer, watering 2-3 times per week is recommended to encourage new growth for the next season's fruit.
Yes, there are several different varieties of cherries grown in Australia, including 'Empress', 'Early Burlat', 'Merchant', 'Vista', 'Kristin', 'Ulster', 'Sylvia', 'Vic', 'Sunburst', 'Nordwunder', 'Lapins', and 'Sweetheart'.
