• Bloom Time:
  Cherries tend to bloom very early in the season; this can make them susceptible to small crop size in years with late rains as pollinators will not to be active on rainy days. Choose varieties with later bloom times to avoid this problem. 

• Chill hours:
  We are often asked what this means, to keep things simple, we have chosen our selections based on years of experience, the listed varieties have historically performed well.
  ~ If you really want to know more about chilling hours, click here!

• Cross pollination:
  Most all sweet cherries will produce enough fruit you, your neighbors, and your friends. It is often written that certain varieties will benefit from having another nearby. Most sour cherries will not need a pollinator.

• Air Flow:
  Air movement, even the slightest breeze, is key to dry the leaves from the morning dew. Without it your aprium will be prone to leaf fungal problems.

In the Bay Area, the best growing conditions for Cherries involve full sun, well drained soils, and good airflow.

Specific Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight:
  Cherry trees need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. 

• Soil:
  Well-drained, sandy loam soil is preferred. Amending clay soil with organic matter can improve drainage. Avoid planting where winter rains may puddle. 

• Irrigation:
  Cherries require moderate irrigation during dry periods of our year. Typically, a well-established tree may only need a slow deep watering every 10-14 days. A newly planted tree will need lighter more frequent watering. 

• Mulch:
  Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. 

• Fertilization:
  Supplemental fertilization is typically not needed unless the plant shows signs of deficiency. Use a well balance fruit tree fertilizer as needed.

• Pruning:
  Pruning is often overlooked yet, when done properly, can help increase fruit production and improve air flow through the tree which decreases the incidents of disease and pest outbreaks.

  Pruning cherries correctly can make harvest a breeze.

Most Common Pests

• Aphids:
  These tiny insects suck sap from leaves and fruit, causing damage and potentially spreading diseases. 

  Learn more about Aphids here.

• Scale:
  Various types of scale insects can infest apricot trees, suck sap and weakening the tree. 

• Birds:
  Birds love cherries and can decimate an entire crop in just a couple of days. 

Controls

• Aphids and Scale can be controlled with Fertilome’s ’Neem’ which is approved for organic gardening. As with other oil-based garden sprays it is best to apply either in the very early morning or evening to prevent leaf burn. If pollinators are present, apply in the evening after foraging activity has stopped.

• Birds are best controlled by creating a physical barrier to prevent them from accessing the fruit. This is best done with light “bird” netting that can be dropped over the tree.

Most Common Diseases

• Powdery Mildew:
  This is the most prevalent disease we contend with in the Bay Area. It is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery growth on leaves and young twigs, eventually leading to leaf and twig death if left untreated.

  Learn more about Powdery Mildew here

• Bacterial Canker:
  Infection is typically noted by the production of sticky, amber colored gum that forms in sunken lesions on branches or the trunk. Prevention is very important as there is no cure.

• Fire Blight:
  This bacterial disease causes sudden wilting and death of flowers, blossoms, and young shoots, and can be fatal to the tree. 

Controls

• Each of these disease issues can be controlled during the growing season by applying Fertilome’s ‘Fungicide 5’, a biofungicide that is approved for organic gardening. Powdery Mildew can be controlled with Fertilome’s Spinosad Soap, a bio-insecticide that will also control many of the pests listed above. Apply Spinosad Soap in the evening after bees have stopped foraging to prevent harm. This product is considered bee safe 3 hours after application.

• Treat your trees in winter with Fertilome’s ‘Copper Fungicide’ (approved or organic gardening) or Monterey Lawn and Garden’s ‘Liquid-Cop’. Winter applications of either of these two products can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of disease outbreaks during the growing season.