How long is the growth cycle of cherries?

Cherry Growth Introduction

Cherries are suitable for planting in plains and hills where water is not easily accumulated, but are not suitable for planting in low-lying areas. Therefore, they are mainly cultivated in the north of the Yangtze River in my country, with a small amount planted in the southwest, but the quality is poor.

Cherry growth cycle

Cherry is a fruit tree that likes moisture, warmth, light and fertilizer. It is suitable for growing in climatic conditions with an annual precipitation of 600-700mm, an average annual temperature of 10-12°C, and an annual sunshine hours of more than 2600-2800h. The best soil is sandy loam with a deep soil layer and loose soil.

It takes more than 4 years for large cherries to bloom and bear fruit, and 6 years to reach the high-yield period, while small cherries only need about 3 years, and 5 years to reach high-yield. Cherries generally bear fruit in May and June.

Cherry growth rate

From the time of budding, cherries regularly go through several periods, including flowering, fruit setting, fruit enlargement, fruit ripening, new shoot growth, flower bud differentiation, new shoot cessation of growth, leaf fall and dormancy. This is called the annual growth cycle. Cherries bloom from March to April, bear fruit from April to May, and ripen from May to June.

Cherry growth cycle management

A cherry tree can produce about 15 kilograms of fruit. Although the plant will bloom many flowers every year, it needs to be properly pruned and not too many fruits left to ensure that the tree has a yield every year.

Temperature management: Cherries prefer warm and humid climates and have poor cold resistance. They are more suitable for planting in areas with an average annual temperature of 15-16°C. Sweet cherries are just the opposite. They prefer cool and dry environments and are more suitable for planting in areas with an average annual temperature of 10-12°C. The lowest temperature in winter cannot be lower than -18°C.

Fertilization management: Cherries need the first topdressing in spring, but high-nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied. Instead, high-potassium fertilizer should be applied, which can promote root development, increase fruit enlargement and coloring, and increase the sweetness of the fruit.