Maximizing Your Nanking Cherry Harvest: A Guide to Pruning

As summer approaches, many gardeners turn their attention to their fruit trees and bushes, including the Nanking cherry bush. This small but mighty bush produces delicious fruit that can be used in a variety of ways, from jams and jellies to baked goods and even wine. But to get the most out of your Nanking cherry crop, it’s important to know how to properly prune the bush. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Nanking cherry pruning, exploring everything from when to prune to specific techniques for maximizing your harvest.

When to Prune Your Nanking Cherry Bush

The best time to prune your Nanking cherry bush is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This gives the plant time to heal before the growing season begins, reducing the risk of damage or disease. However, if you missed the winter pruning window, you can still prune in early summer after the fruit has been harvested. Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden before winter.

Tools you’ll need

Before you start pruning, it’s important to have the right tools. You’ll need sharp pruning shears, a pruning saw for thicker branches, and gloves to protect your hands from thorns.

Step-by-Step Pruning Technique

1. Start by removing all dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This will help keep the plant healthy and prevent the spread of disease.
2. Next, remove any suckers or water sprouts growing from the base of the plant or along the trunk. These shoots take energy away from the main plant and can reduce fruit production.
3. Look for branches that cross or rub against each other, as well as any branches that grow inward toward the center of the plant. These branches can create a tangle that blocks light and air, reducing fruit production. Cut these branches back to the main stem or a side branch.
4. Finally, thin out any overcrowded branches by cutting them back to a side branch or the main stem. This will allow more light and air to reach the remaining branches, promoting healthy growth and fruit production.

Tips for maximizing your Nanking cherry crop

In addition to proper pruning, there are a few other tips that can help you get the most out of your Nanking cherry crop:

• Fertilize your Nanking cherry bush in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix.
• Water your plant deeply once a week during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
• Harvest your Nanking cherries when they are fully ripe, which is when they are a deep red color and slightly soft to the touch.
• Store your harvested cherries in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use them. They can also be canned or made into preserves for later use.

By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Nanking cherries year after year. Happy pruning!

FAQs

How do you prune a Nanking cherry bush?

Pruning: Unless maintaining a hedge, Nanking cherries require little pruning. However, some yearly late-winter pruning will help keep good air circulation and keep branches productive. Start by removing any broken, damaged or diseased branches. Next, remove old center limbs to allow for optimal air circulation.

How do you prune a Nanking?

Quote from video: The goal is to cut out a lot of the random. Branches towards the top of the tree because those are usually the more fruity branches it’s going to produce the more fruit.

How do you care for Nanking cherries?

Plant Nanking cherry trees in a sunny location. They prefer a loamy soil, but can be grown in many soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Bush cherries are tolerant of windy conditions and can be planted as a windbreak. Once established, growing bush cherries doesn’t require much maintenance.

When should you prune an ornamental cherry?

The only pruning that is really important is the removing of dead wood. Don’t prune before the blooming, but wait until it is over to reduce tree size or balance the branches, if needed.

Do you need two Nanking cherries?

Nanking Cherries are wonderful to plant multiple together to create a solid hedge that will act as privacy while also providing you stunning colors in the spring and fruit in the summer.

Should I prune Nanking cherry?

Pruning: Unless maintaining a hedge, Nanking cherries require little pruning. However, some yearly late-winter pruning will help keep good air circulation and keep branches productive. Start by removing any broken, damaged or diseased branches.

What do Nanking cherries look like?

Attributes. This shrub: Blooms in early spring, with pinkish buds opening up into pale pink or white flowers that are very fragrant. Produces tart and tangy scarlet-colored cherries that can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams and jellies.

Do deer eat Nanking cherries?

Growers interested in growing Nanking cherries for fruit should consider looking for seedlings with an origin of northeast China or Mongolia. Nanking cherries have surprisingly few disease or insect problems. Deer appear to avoid Nanking cherries.

Do Nanking cherries have pits?

The Nanking cherry will often set full crops when other fruits are lost to late-spring freezes. Fruit ripens in June and ranges from sweet to tart in taste. Most plants produce small fruits, only ½ inch in diameter, cherry shaped, and with a large pit inside.