Wild Cherry / Bird Cherry / Sweet Cherry

Plant family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Also known as

Gean

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

300 cm

Row spacing

300 cm

Seeding depth

15 cm

Instructions

Description

Sweet cherries are mostly derived from the native wild bird cherry (Prunus avium). They are part of the rose family (Rosaceae). They can grow between 4 - 15 m tall. The white flowers are formed in April. Depending on the species and variety, the fruits are sweet, dark red and less acidic than sour cherries.

Growing tips

Sweet cherry likes an airy, full-sun site with rather loamy, deep, slightly calcareous soil. Avoid late frost-prone sites because of early bloom. Wet and acidic, sandy soils increase risk of frost damage. Relatively high space requirement (4-6 m high and wide). Planting depth: as deep as in the pot. If necessary, secure with support rod. Then tamp down soil and water well. Water during dry periods. Mulch with compost and horn shavings in spring. Annual maintenance pruning: after harvest, thin out crown. Most varieties need pollinator, as they are not self-pollinating. Harvest: when fruits have reached varietal coloration and can be easily detached, pick with stem. Shading or painting the trunk white prevents frost damage to the bark.