Sour cherry / Tart cherry

Plant family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Also known as

Dwarf Cherry

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

500 cm

Row spacing

500 cm

Seeding depth

15 cm

Instructions

Description

Sour cherries belong to the rose family. Their fruits have a hard pit or stone, so they are considered stone fruit. They can grow as a shrub, bush or tree and grow up to 10 m tall. In spring (April to May), the beautiful white flowers form - about 1 - 2 weeks after sweet cherries. Depending on the varieties, these can be self-pollinated or cross-pollinated. The fruits of sour cherries are more sour and usually softer than sweet cherries.

Growing tips

An annual application of compost is sufficient fertilizer for sour cherry. A coat of white paint before winter makes the thin, smooth bark less susceptible to frost cracking. Watering during dry periods and regular pruning are also important. Plant depth about as deep as depth in pot. Can also be planted in spring. Tread well and possibly tie larger trees to a tree stake for storm protection. In heavy soils, add a good portion (several cm) of fine gravel to the planting hole as drainage. Sour cherries are very sensitive to waterlogging. Ripe sour cherries are soft and glassy. Most sour cherries are self-pollinating, but some varieties need a 2nd plant for pollination; sweet cherries are also suitable if they flower at the same time. Maintenance pruning ideally immediately after harvesting.