Small cherry trees are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to their compact size, attractive appearance, and delicious fruit. They offer the beauty of traditional cherry trees in a more manageable form, making them suitable for smaller spaces or urban environments.
Characteristics of Small Cherry Trees
- Size: Small cherry trees typically reach heights of 10-15 feet and widths of 6-8 feet.
- Growth Habit: They have a compact or dwarf form, resulting in a dense and bushy appearance.
- Foliage: The leaves are typically oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy texture. They emerge in shades of green and turn vibrant hues of yellow and orange in the fall.
- Flowering: Small cherry trees bloom in the spring, producing clusters of delicate white or pink blossoms. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and create a stunning visual display.
- Fruit: The fruit of small cherry trees is typically small and round, ranging in color from yellow to red to black. The cherries are sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart flavor.
Popular Varieties of Small Cherry Trees
- ‘Stella’: A compact variety with a height of 10-12 feet and a spread of 8-10 feet. It produces abundant white blossoms and sweet, dark red cherries.
- ‘Compact Stella’: A smaller version of ‘Stella,’ reaching a height of 8-10 feet and a spread of 6-8 feet. It is ideal for confined spaces and produces a heavy crop of cherries.
- ‘Bing Dwarf’: A dwarf variety that reaches a height of 6-8 feet and a spread of 4-6 feet. It is self-fertile and produces large, dark red cherries with a sweet flavor.
Growing and Care Tips
- Sun and Soil Requirements: Small cherry trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly.
- Watering and Fertilizing: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune in the late winter or early spring to maintain size and shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruiting.
- Pest and Disease Management: Small cherry trees are susceptible to pests such as aphids, mites, and borers. They can also be affected by diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Practice good sanitation and use appropriate pest and disease control measures as needed.
Harvesting and Enjoying Cherries
- Harvesting Time: Cherries are typically ready to harvest in the summer, when they have fully ripened and turned their characteristic color.
- Harvesting Techniques: Pick cherries gently by hand, avoiding bruising or damaging the fruit.
- Culinary Uses: Fresh cherries can be enjoyed as a snack, used in desserts, or made into jams and preserves. They are also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Small cherry trees are a delightful addition to any garden or landscape. Their compact size, beautiful blossoms, and delicious fruit make them a versatile and rewarding choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. By following the care tips outlined in this article, you can successfully grow and enjoy these charming trees for years to come.
References:
- The Complete Guide to Growing Cherry Trees
- Small Cherry Trees for Small Gardens
- How to Grow Dwarf Cherry Trees
FAQs
How big do small cherry trees get?
Small cherry trees typically reach heights of 10-15 feet and widths of 6-8 feet. However, some dwarf varieties may be even smaller, reaching heights of 6-8 feet and widths of 4-6 feet.
What do the leaves of a small cherry tree look like?
The leaves of a small cherry tree are typically oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy texture. They emerge in shades of green and turn vibrant hues of yellow and orange in the fall.
What color blossoms do small cherry trees have?
Small cherry trees produce clusters of delicate white or pink blossoms in the spring. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and create a stunning visual display.
What kind of fruit do small cherry trees produce?
Small cherry trees produce small and round fruit, ranging in color from yellow to red to black. The cherries are sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart flavor.
How long does it take for a small cherry tree to bear fruit?
Small cherry trees typically begin bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting. However, some varieties may take longer, especially if they are grown in less than ideal conditions.
How do I care for a small cherry tree?
Small cherry trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during the first growing season, and fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning is also important to maintain size and shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruiting.
Are small cherry trees self-fertile?
Some small cherry tree varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without the presence of another cherry tree for pollination. However, many varieties require cross-pollination, so it is recommended to plant at least two compatible varieties to ensure good fruit production.
What are some popular varieties of small cherry trees?
Some popular varieties of small cherry trees include ‘Stella,’ ‘Compact Stella,’ and ‘Bing Dwarf.’ These varieties are known for their compact size, abundant blossoms, and delicious fruit.