Cherry

Cherry Trees – Best Trees In New Zealand

Growing cherry trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste.
• Lower grocery costs.
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Convenience.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From large Cherry trees to small ones, we’ll help you find the right sized tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cherry trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cherry Tree Questions

1. Do cherry trees grow in NZ?

Cherry trees grow well in New Zealand, and are most commonly grown in the South Island, where the climate is cooler. There are a few different varieties of cherry trees that grown, including sweet cherries, sour cherries, and ornamental cherries.

Sweet cherries are the most popular type of cherry tree grown in New Zealand. They are typically grown for their fruit, which is eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and other desserts. Sour cherries are less common, and are used in cooking due to their tart flavour. Ornamental cherry trees are grown for their beautiful flowers in spring. They are a popular choice for gardens and parks.

2. When is it best to plant cherry trees?

The best time to plant cherry trees is during late winter or early spring. At this time of year, the soil is still cool, but it is starting to warm up, which is ideal for root growth. The weather is also generally mild and sunny, which helps the tree to establish itself.

Here are some tips for planting a cherry tree:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree.
• Amend the soil with compost or manure.
• Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, firming down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the tree thoroughly.

After planting, be sure to water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season. You can also feed the tree once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer such as https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/fruiting-plant-fertiliser

3. Where is the best place to plant a cherry tree?

The "best" place to plant a cherry tree depends on several factors, including the specific variety, your climate, and your desired outcome. Here's a breakdown to help you find the ideal spot:

Sunlight:

• Full sun: Most cherry trees thrive in at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This promotes optimal growth, flowering, and fruit production.
• Partial shade: Some varieties, like sour cherries, can tolerate some shade, but they might produce fewer fruits and have less vibrant foliage.

Soil:

• Well-drained: Cherries hate wet feet! Choose a location with well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Sandy loam or loamy soil are ideal.
• Fertile: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to ensure proper nutrient levels for healthy growth.
• pH: Aim for a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Other factors:

• Wind: Avoid windy areas, as this can damage blossoms and fruit.
• Space: Consider the mature size of the tree and choose a location with enough space for it to grow without overcrowding other plants or structures.
• Pollination: If your chosen variety requires a cross-pollinator, plant another compatible cherry tree within a certain distance (typically 15-20 meters).
• Existing structures: Don't plant too close to buildings or houses, as the roots can damage foundations.

4. What month is best to plant cherry trees?

The best month to plant cherry trees depends on your specific location and the type of cherry tree you're planting. For bare-root trees they are ideally planted in winter when they're dormant. This allows them to establish root systems before spring growth begins. For potted trees, they can be planted any time of year, but avoid extreme heat periods such as summer. The Plant Company recommends planting anytime during autumn, winter, and spring for the best chances of success.

5. What cherry trees are edible in New Zealand?

Many cherry tree varieties thrive in New Zealand:

Sweet Cherries:

• Early Season (Late November - December):
  • Compact Stella: Self-fertile dwarf perfect for smaller gardens.
  • Summit: Large, sweet, firm cherries.
  • Lapins: Popular heritage variety with large, juicy, dark red cherries.
• Mid Season (January):
  • Reiner: Highly prized for its large, black, intensely sweet cherries.
  • Skeena: Large, firm, and very sweet cherries.
  • Kordia: Delicious dark-fleshed cherry, self-fertile.
• Late Season (January - February):
  • Dawson: Dark black cherries with sweet red flesh and good resistance to splitting.
  • Black Pearl: Late-ripening, self-fertile variety with large, sweet black cherries.

Sour Cherries:

• Stella: Popular self-fertile variety with good disease resistance.
• Montmorency: Classic sour cherry for pies, jams, and desserts.
• Morello: Early-ripening sour cherry with dark red fruit.

6. What is the cherry season in NZ?

The cherry season in New Zealand typically stretches from early December to late February, although this can vary slightly depending on the specific variety and regional climate. Here's a breakdown:

Early Season (Late November - December):

• You can start finding the first ripe cherries from varieties like Compact Stella, Summit, and Lapins.

Mid Season (January):

• This is peak season for most sweet cherry varieties, with popular choices like Reiner, Skeena, and Kordia reaching their sweet prime.

Late Season (January - February):

• Dawson and Black Pearl are the prominent varieties.

Sour cherries, like Stella, Montmorency, and Morello, have slightly different timings:

• They generally fruit earlier than sweet cherries, with some varieties ripening as early as November.
• Sour cherry season can extend through January.

7. What are the best New Zealand cherries?

Choosing the "best" New Zealand cherries depends on your preferences! Different varieties offer unique strengths in terms of taste, ripeness timing, and suitability for specific uses. Here's a breakdown to help you find your perfect cherry:

Sweetness:

• Intensely sweet: Reiner, Skeena, Black Pearl.
• Balanced sweetness: Kordia, Stella, Lapins.
• Tart with a sweet finish: Summit, Dawson.

Ripeness timing:

• Early: Lapins, Summit, Stella.
• Mid-season: Kordia, Reiner, Skeena.
• Late: Dawson, Black Pearl.

8. How do you grow cherry trees in New Zealand?

Growing your own cherry trees in New Zealand can be a rewarding experience, offering amazing homegrown fruit. Here's a guide to get you started:

Choosing your cherry tree:

• Sweet vs. Sour: Decide if you want sweet cherries for fresh eating or tart cherries for baking.
• Variety: Select a variety suitable for your climate, pollination needs, and desired ripening time. Consider Stella, Reiner, Kordia, or Lapins for popular choices.
• Self-pollination: Opt for self-fertile varieties like Stella or Kordia if you have limited space for multiple trees.

Planting:

• Timing: Ideally plant bare-root trees in winter (June-August), potted trees can be planted any time during mild seasons like spring or autumn.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Avoid windy areas.
• Planting hole: Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter.
• Planting: Position the tree and backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots. Water well.

Care:

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year and summer months.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Prune young trees for strong structure and to remove diseased or dead branches. Consult a guide for specific pruning techniques for your chosen variety.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and early summer.
• Disease and pest control: Monitor for common cherry diseases and pests like cherry leaf spot and aphids. Use organic methods whenever possible.

Additional tips:

• Support young trees with a stake until they are established.
• Protect fruit from birds with netting if necessary.
• Be patient – it may take a few years before your cherry tree produces significant fruit.