Ruqayyah Snyder
Cherry trees can be grown in Australia, but they require full sun and well-drained soil. Different varieties of cherry trees require different amounts of chilling hours to fruit successfully, so it's important to choose a variety suited to your climate and location. For example, some cherry trees need a cold winter to fruit well, while others can be grown in warm temperate areas. Dwarf varieties are perfect for small gardens and pots, growing to only 2.5 meters tall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun throughout the day |
| Soil | Deep, well-drained, moist, rich in organic matter |
| Climate | Cool to cold winters, less humid |
| Protection | Netting to protect from birds and strong winds |
| Planting time | Winter or early spring |
| Watering | Regular, especially in summer |
| Fertiliser | Balanced with low nitrogen |
| Pruning | Open vase system, espalier/palmette method |
| Pests | Aphids, cherry slug, brown rot |
| Varieties | Dwarf, Lapin, Stella, Sir Don, Morello, Minnie Royal, Starkrimson, Trixzie White Cherree, Royal Rainier, Van, Blackboy, Napoleon, Trixzie Black Cherree, Trixzie Miniature Cherry |
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What You'll Learn
Climate and location suitability
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit, so a spot that enjoys sunlight throughout the day is ideal. They also require well-drained soil, as they are susceptible to fungal diseases and root rot if the soil is too wet. Cherry trees prefer a cooler, less humid climate with cold winters, making them a good choice for the southern states, Tasmania, and the highlands.
Different varieties of cherry trees require different amounts of chilling hours (cold winter temperatures) to fruit successfully, so it is important to choose a variety suited to your local climate. Some varieties, such as Lapin, Stella, and Sir Don, are self-fertile and require a cool climate, while others, like Minnie Royal, are low-chill varieties that can be grown in warmer temperate areas.
When planting, it is recommended to use organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil and protect the tree from strong winds and birds by using netting. Cherry trees should be planted during the cooler months of winter or early spring and watered regularly, especially during hot summers. Pruning can also help promote healthier growth and better fruiting by encouraging an open vase shape, which allows more sunlight to reach the centre of the tree.
In terms of soil, cherry trees prefer a deep, well-drained soil full of organic matter, such as compost and aged manure. A neutral pH is suitable, and regular deep watering is essential during dry spells, especially in the summer. In winter, less frequent watering is needed, but occasional checks are still necessary.
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Soil type and drainage
Different cherry varieties require different growing conditions, so it's important to choose a variety suited to your climate. Some varieties, like 'Lapins', 'Stella', and 'Starkrimson', prefer cool climates, while others, like 'Minnie Royal', thrive in warmer temperate areas. Additionally, some cherry trees require a cold winter to fruit well, while others need fewer chilling hours.
The soil type also plays a significant role in drainage. Sandy soils have large particles, allowing moisture to penetrate easily but not retaining water for long. In contrast, clay-heavy soils hold moisture tightly. To improve drainage in clay-heavy soils, you can incorporate materials like gypsum or clay breakers. On the other hand, organic materials can be added to sandy soils to help retain moisture and improve nutrient retention.
To enhance the soil structure and drainage, it's recommended to test your soil before planting. This will help determine if any essential minerals or nutrients are lacking. You can then amend the soil with the necessary additives, such as minerals, nutrients, pH correctors, or organic matter. A slightly acidic soil pH is ideal for cherry trees, so adding garden lime to acidic soils or sulphur to alkaline soils can help achieve the desired pH level.
For potted cherry trees, ensure your pot has a diameter of at least 55 cm and adequate drainage holes. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix, such as a blend of premium potting mix and coir peat, to aid in moisture retention without causing waterlogging. Potted cherry trees require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground due to limited soil water reserves.
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Sunlight and shade
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce a good number of fruits. They should be positioned in a spot that enjoys sunlight throughout the day. Afternoon shade is fine, provided your cherry tree receives sun 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 in a line, try to plant in a north/south aspect to reduce the amount of shade they will receive.
Cherry trees flower in early spring, with blossoms lasting around two weeks. If the flowers are pollinated, the fruit will develop and will be ready to pick from November to February. Different varieties of cherries also require different amounts of chilling hours (cold winter temperatures) to fruit successfully, so it's important to grow a variety suited to your climate. For example, the 'Lapins' variety is late-maturing and self-fertile with dark red fruit, requiring a cool climate. The 'Minnie Royal' variety, on the other hand, is a low-chill variety with red fruit that needs fewer chilling hours.
When planting cherry trees, it is important to select a location sheltered from strong winds, which can damage blossoms and reduce pollination rates. Implementing wetting agents or organic mulches helps maintain moisture levels, which are ideal for cherry growth. Cherry trees also require well-drained soil as they are susceptible to fungal diseases and root rot if the soil remains too wet. A simple test to check soil drainage is to dig a hole, fill it with water, and observe how quickly the water disappears.
Pruning cherry trees can help promote healthier growth and better fruiting. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to encourage an open vase shape, which enables more sunshine to reach the centre of the tree. This shape also allows ample airflow for cherries to thrive. The open vase pruning system involves removing the leading branch and selecting four or five evenly distributed outward-facing branches.
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Pruning methods
Pruning is essential for the health and fruitfulness of cherry trees. It helps shape the tree, stimulates growth, makes harvesting easier, and increases yield. There are several pruning methods to choose from, each with its advantages and considerations. Here are some of the most common pruning methods for cherry trees in Australia:
Open Vase Pruning System
This method is popular among home gardeners as it is easy to achieve and allows ample airflow for cherries to thrive. It involves removing the leading branch and selecting four to five evenly distributed outward-facing branches. The aim is to produce a shorter, wider tree. However, this method requires more space and can be more challenging to control as the tree ages if left unmanaged.
Espalier/Palmette Method
Espalier is a widely used technique for shaping fruit trees. It involves training the limbs to grow horizontally from a leading branch along a flat surface or wires. For cherry trees, the palmette style is more specific and effective. This method involves training the limbs at a 45-degree angle, producing more fruiting laterals than traditional espalier. The espalier/palmette approach creates an attractive feature and makes it easy to hang a net over the tree.
Spanish Bush Method
The Spanish Bush method is another way to prune cherry trees. It involves the following steps:
- Sterilize and sharpen your pruning shears with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Prune back 30 cm above the graft after planting or during the first summer.
- In the following year, the tree will grow four to six leaders. Prune back these leaders 30 cm above the previous year's cutting point in February.
- Repeat the pruning process the next season to control the tree's growth.
- After three years, you should have 15 to 20 leaders, each with many fruiting spurs. The tree will be smaller and easier to net and harvest.
General Pruning Tips
Regardless of the specific method chosen, here are some general tips for pruning cherry trees:
- Prune to encourage an open vase shape, allowing more sunlight to reach the centre of the tree.
- Once the framework is established, little pruning is needed beyond removing inward-growing or dead branches.
- Prune the lower extremities of the tree first, cutting back branches to achieve a round and even shape.
- Move on to pruning higher and larger limbs with garden loppers at the upper parts and centre of the tree, using a stepladder if necessary.
- Remove suckers (small shoots) from the tree base with pruning shears, as they can compete with the main trunk for resources.
- Always disinfect pruning tools with a solution like bleach or rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases and fungi.
- Clear away all clippings, as they can harm the grass and plants underneath.
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Pests and diseases
Other pests that affect cherry trees in Australia include the two-spotted mite, the European red mite, the Bryobia mite, the Lyonetia clerkella (Apple Leaf Mining Moth), and the Carpophilus beetle. The Carpophilus beetle is a major vector of brown rot, and its arrival can be predicted using pheromone traps, which can help with early control and management.
Cherry trees in Australia are also susceptible to several diseases. One of the most significant is Little Cherry Virus 2 (LChV2), which affects the overall health of the tree and results in fruit that is small, poorly coloured, and lacking flavour. LChV2 was first detected in Tasmania in 2014 and has since been found in Victoria, leading to the belief that it could be widespread across the country. Other cherry tree diseases include Alternaria leaf blotch, which is characterised by irregular red-brown lesions on the leaves, and Silver Leaf fungal infection, which affects branches and can be identified by a silver sheen on the leaves and a brown stain in the centre of affected branches.
In addition to pests and diseases, cherry trees can also suffer from fruit splitting, which is a condition that some varieties are more susceptible to than others. While choosing a resistant variety is the best way to prevent fruit splitting, avoiding excessive nitrogen and humid conditions can also help reduce the likelihood of this condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Cherry trees thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that enjoys sunlight throughout the day. They also require well-drained soil, protection from strong winds, and shelter from birds. Cherry trees are suitable for growing across much of the southern states, Tasmania, and highlands, especially areas with cold winters.
Some cherry tree varieties that can be grown in Australia include:
- Lapin
- Stella
- Sir Don™
- Morello
- Minnie Royal
- Starkrimson
- Trixzie White Cherree®
- Trixzie Black Cherree
- Royal Rainier
- Van
- Blackboy
- Napoleon
Cherry trees require well-drained soil, full sun, and protection from strong winds and birds. Plant during the cooler months of winter or early spring and water regularly, especially during hot summers. Use organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil, apply fertiliser during growing seasons, and manage pests like Aphids and diseases such as brown rot. Prune cherry trees in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and bountiful fruit production.
