Cherry cherry Cherries include sweet (Prunus avium) for fresh eating and sour (Prunus cerasus) for cooking and preserves. In Sweden, sour cherries are hardier, while hardier sweet cherry cultivars on suitable rootstocks can succeed in milder zones. Trees prefer a warm, sheltered, sunny site with well-drained soil. Birds relish the fruit; plan for netting. Choose rootstock for size and hardiness (e.g., Gisela-series for semi-dwarfing; Colt for vigor). A single tree of a self-fertile cultivar may suffice; otherwise plant compatible pairs within 20–30 m. Growing conditions LightFull sun (6–8+ hours of direct light). Soil typeDeep, well-drained loam with good organic matter; avoid waterlogging and compacted clay. Water requirementModerate. Keep evenly moist during establishment and in dry spells; allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Nutrient requirementModerate. Spring-applied balanced organic fertilizer or compost; avoid high nitrogen late in the season. Back to plant list
