Bosh Bruening
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus avium
Plant Common Name
Sweet Cherry
General Description
This sweet cherry is among the most universally enjoyed of all tree fruits. It is believed to have originated from a region between the Black and Caspian Seas in Asia Minor. The Greeks and Romans popularized the fruits through heavy cultivation and planted the trees throughout their ancient empires. Continued European cultivation inspired more refined selection and eventually breeding. American colonists introduced sweet cherries to the New World early on and the trees were brought westward to the California mission orchards where many popular American varieties originated.
Sweet cherry trees are large and deciduous. Their thick canopies become covered with deep green shiny serrated leaves during the growing season. In spring, they burst into heavy bloom, bearing clusters of sweetly scented white flowers that are five-petaled, cupped and ornamental in their own right. Most varieties require a pollinating tree nearby to ensure a good fruit crop. The fruits are borne in clusters or singly and are shiny, round and red. They usually ripen by midsummer.
Plant sweet cherries in climates where summers are drier. This will ensure that the fruits will have maximum sweetness and won’t crack during development. They require full sun and well-drained soil that’s moderately fertile. Like many fruit trees, cherries fruit best when pruning regularly. Prune while the trees are dormant to shape them and remove unwanted suckers. Cherries can only survive in regions with cold winters and require 1000 to 1500 annual chilling hours for good flowering and fruit production.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 6, 7, 14, 15
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
30'-35' / 9.1m - 10.7m
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Width
25'-35' / 7.6m - 10.7m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
