How to grow Cherry (Sweet)
in the US

Growing sweet cherries, to be honest, it's a bit of a commitment, proper hard work even. But there's nothing quite like picking your own cracking fruit straight from the tree, warm from the sun, you know what I mean. These beauties are part of the Rosaceae family, like roses and apples, and a real joy if you've got the space and patience.

Sowing

Now, starting cherries from seed is a two-year project before you even see fruit, like the app says, about 730 days to harvest. Most of us, me included, find it much easier to buy bare-root or potted young trees to "sow" or plant out. The best time for this depends on your USDA zone, but generally, it’s late winter to early spring, or sometimes fall in warmer spots. For example, folks in zones 3-5 might plant April-May, while those in zone 10 could plant January or even November-December. Always check your local last frost date before planting out. Dig a hole wide enough for the roots, make sure the graft union stays above soil level, and give it a good drink.

Growing on

Once you've got your young tree in the ground, it's all about giving it a good start. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, that's crucial. Sweet cherries need plenty of space, so think about their mature size – usually 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) tall and wide, unless you've got a dwarf variety. Staking is a good idea for the first few years, especially in windy spots, to help the trunk establish strong roots. You won't find plug plants for these, like I say, it's trees you're after.

Looking after it

Water is important, especially for young trees and during dry spells when the fruit is developing. A good, thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk itself, will help keep moisture in and weeds down. Feed your tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning is key for good fruit production and tree health, usually done in summer after harvest to prevent diseases, you know what I mean.

What goes wrong

Cherries are proper magnets for birds, they'll strip a tree clean overnight if you let them, so netting is essential. Keep an eye out for cherry fruit fly and aphids; often a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap can manage aphids. Brown rot can be an issue, especially in wet weather, so make sure there's good air circulation. Companion plants like nasturtium or chives can help deter some pests.

Harvest

You'll be harvesting your sweet cherries around June and July, depending on your variety and zone. The fruit should be firm, plump, and fully colored. Pick them with the stems attached; this helps them store better. Once picked, they don't ripen any further, so wait until they're just right. Store them in a cool, dry place, or pop them in the fridge if you've got a proper glut.