Cherries can be problematic to grow, but the reward is definitely worth it. There are two main types of cherries, sweet cherries, and tart cherries. Tart cherries tend to be easier to grow and less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Planting Location: Cherries prefer full sun with well draining soil, sweet cherries will not tolerate wet or clayey soils. Avoid planting cherries in low lying areas, which are prone to collect more water and readily frost over in cold conditions. Sweet cherries tend to bloom early, and are often subject to frost damage, which can be detrimental to fruit production.

Pests and Disease: Birds have an affinity for cherries and will consume the whole trees worth in a very short time if allowed. Bird netting can be easily used on dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, it becomes more difficult, but not impossible on standard sized trees. Along with birds, cherries are prone to a variety of other ailments, especially when grown in the Willamette Valley’s wet climate, making a pest management strategy essentially necessary.

Cherries will grow to be large or small, it is all dependent on the rootstock they are grafted on to.

Dwarf- A dwarf cherry tree will grow 8-14′ tall and wide. They are usually the earliest to mature and bear fruit, and typically produce 15-20 quarts a tree. They usually benefit from staking.

Semi Dwarf- A semi-dwarf cherry tree will grow 12-18′ tall and wide. They are slower to bear fruit then dwarf, but will produce a larger amount, typically 20 to 60 quarts a tree. They commonly do not require staking.

Standard- A standard cherry tree will grow 18′-25′ tall and wide. They often take longer to bear fruit, but bear the most fruit, typically 60-75 quarts a tree. They are very sturdy and require no staking.

In order for cherries to set fruit they need to be pollinated. Cherries are most commonly pollinated by honey bees. While some cherries are considered self-fertile (can set fruit when pollinated with their own pollen), all will benefit/require cross pollination to produce a good yield of fruit. Cross pollination will occur when two or more differing varieties of compatible cherries are planted within the same vicinity and bloom at the same or overlapping times.

Cherries can be eaten fresh, canned, dried, or baked into goodies. Tart cherries, often called pie cherries, and like their name suggests, and typically better for baking with. Sweet cherries are best for fresh eating.