How to plant cherries in spring: a step-by-step guide for beginners

For stone fruit crops, the optimal time for placement on the site is the beginning of the growing season before sap flow. Planting cherry seedlings in open ground in the spring will give a positive result if the variety suits the climate and the work is carried out taking into account the requirements of agricultural technology. The tree will grow normally with sufficient light and in fertile, neutral soil.

Features of planting cherries in spring

The berry crop is widespread in Russia from the south to the Far North. The plant is characterized by standard agricultural technology, takes root well in a new place, and bears fruit abundantly every season. Popular varieties are created on the basis of the common cherry, which, due to its high frost resistance and undemanding watering, is capable of growing in all climatic zones.

Depending on the variety, the harvest is harvested in the 4th-5th year of the growing season; the tree retains the ability to bear fruit for more than 30 years. All the positive aspects of a crop are fully revealed if the biological needs of the tree or shrub are taken into account when planting.

When determining the location on the site, the following factors are taken into account. For photosynthesis, the plant needs a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation; in the shade, the growing season will be incomplete, so the yield and quality of the berries may suffer. Place the plant on southern or eastern slopes; an open, unshaded area is suitable.

Cherry does not react well to gusts of north wind and constant drafts, especially at the beginning of the season: during flowering and swelling of the buds.

For planting, choose a place protected by a wall or solid fence.

An adult tree is not afraid of being near large trees, but a seedling will not develop in the shade and in high humidity.

A drought-resistant crop can survive without water for a long time. The central deep root supplies enough moisture from the soil layers, young seedlings are watered regularly. The cherry growing season is early. At this time, there are no abnormally high temperatures, and the soil is sufficiently moistened by melting snow.

Excess water for young trees can be destructive. Therefore, when planting, do not consider lowlands where water accumulates from precipitation; for the same reason, ravines, wetlands and areas with close groundwater are not suitable. The horizontal part of the root system is deepened within 60 cm and extends beyond the crown boundary. With high humidity in a large area around the cherry, there is a risk of root rot, disease and even death of the plant.

When planting a crop, a novice gardener should not neglect determining the composition of the soil. Cherry will not be able to grow on acidic or alkaline soils; it requires neutral soils. The soil should be fertile, light, well aerated. Clay and sandy soils are not suitable for planting.

Planting cherries in spring has a number of advantages; a young tree has enough time before the onset of cold weather to form a strong root system for its age. During the growth period, gardeners will be able to determine by the condition of the seedling, errors made during planting, the appearance of pests or diseases, and also take measures to eliminate the problem.

When is the best time to plant cherries in spring?

It is recommended to plant stone fruit crops in the spring; this condition is especially important for temperate climates. In the south, the planting season does not play a big role. If the cherry tree is placed on the site in the fall, it will have time to take root before frost and will immediately begin to grow its root mass in the spring. In climates with early and cold winters, there is a risk that the seedling will not survive the winter even with sufficient shelter, so the autumn months are not considered for planting.

Planting dates also depend on the weather conditions of the area.

Work is carried out when the soil has warmed up to +7 ⁰C, and at night the temperatures are above zero (for cherries +4-6 is enough ⁰C).

The sap flow of the crop is early, so you should have time to plant the tree before it starts. Then the plant will withstand stress more easily and take root faster.For the middle zone, the estimated planting time begins at the end of April and lasts until mid-May. In the Urals, the dates are shifted and planting is carried out 10 days later. In the southern climate, planting work is completed before mid-April.

How to choose a cherry seedling for planting in spring

The most important thing in choosing planting material is not to make a mistake with the variety. Cherries from southern latitudes will not be able to grow in temperate climates due to poor winter hardiness. Frosts in the spring will be a particular threat to it, the buds will die, and the tree will not bear fruit.

Representatives with good winter hardiness will have a hard time withstanding high summer temperatures due to poor drought resistance. A variety is needed that is zoned in this area or adapted to its conditions.

Even with the right choice of variety, planting will not give a positive result if the planting material is of unsatisfactory quality. The basic requirements for a seedling are as follows:

• age not younger than one and not older than two years;
• the presence of healthy vegetative buds in a dormant state, planting cherries with leaves in the spring will be less successful. The plant may take root, but will be sick for a long time;
• the optimal height of a young tree is 1.5 m, the thickness of the central trunk is at least 1 cm, but the indicator depends on the variety and shape of the crown;
• increased attention is paid to the condition of the root. There should be no visible damage, signs of drying out or rot on the surface. This can only be considered for seedlings with an open root system;
• If planting material is purchased in a transport pot, pay attention to the condition of the soil. The soil should be moderately moist, without signs of mold and without foreign odors;
• The bark of young cherries is smooth, light brown in color; there should be no damaged areas.

If a heat-loving cherry is planted in Siberia, the plant will not take root and time for planting will be wasted.

How to prepare the soil for planting cherries in spring

The planting area has been prepared since the fall. Determine the composition of the soil. If necessary, neutralize by adding dolomite flour (if the acidity is high) or granulated sulfur if the soil is alkaline. These events are repeated once every 4 years. An area of ​​1x1 m is dug up to a depth of 15-20 cm. This is a necessary measure to eliminate pests overwintering in the upper layers of the soil.

Preparing the site in the spring before planting

When preparing a hole in the fall, adding organic matter is not relevant. If a planting hole is made before planting, then compost, phosphate and potassium are added to the prepared area and covered with wood ash.

Preparing a hole for planting cherries in spring

Autumn work is carried out before the onset of frost: in a temperate climate around the end of September, for the south October is suitable. By this time, the caterpillars of the pests will go into the ground and disturbance of the top layer will be disastrous for them.

Tips for preparing a pit in the fall:

1. The exact size of the recess is difficult to determine; it directly depends on the length and volume of the root.
2. They focus on the average parameters, and adjust them when planting: 20 cm is allocated for drainage, 15-25 cm for the nutrient substrate, 15-20 cm for the height of the root to the neck. The depth must be at least 0.5 m.
3. The width can be made the same, it is better to fill up the excess space, the main thing is that the plant does not feel cramped.
4. The bottom of the hole is covered with a layer of large stone, construction waste in the form of broken bricks can be used, concrete fragments cannot be used. The next layer is coarse gravel. Complete the drainage pad with crushed stone.

This concludes the autumn preparations for planting.

The advantage of autumn work is that during the winter, drainage will settle under a layer of snow and the boundaries of the hole will be visible. By looking at the hole in spring, you can determine the depth of warming up of the earth.

Spring preparation of the planting hole is not much different. When the ground warms up, they dig up the soil. Leave the hole until the night frosts stop.

How to plant cherries in spring

Prepare planting material. If it has an open root, dip it in a pale pink solution of manganese and leave for 2 hours. Then dilute “Kornevin” or any drug that stimulates growth, immerse the root system in it, and soak for several hours. These measures are not carried out for planting material in a portable pot; in the nursery, the root is disinfected before sale.

Make a nutrient mixture from the top layer of soil (turf) and humus in equal parts. Sand is added to loamy soil, approximately ¼ of the volume; for sandy loam, this component is not needed. Then potassium and phosphate are added to 10 kg of the mixture. For planting you will need 15-20 kg of substrate.

In the table you can see the approximate doses of fertilizers required per hole

Step-by-step instructions on how to plant cherries in spring:

1. Having shifted 10 cm from the center, drive in a stake.
2. Divide the soil mixture into two parts.
3. One is poured onto the drainage; if the root is open, then the mound is made in the form of a cone. The seedling is placed vertically on a hill.
4. Distribute the roots over the ground and cover with the rest of the substrate to cover the root. Lightly compact with your hands.
5. Then pour out the rest of the soil mixture and compact it.
6. If there is not enough mixture, add soil from the top layer.
7. Planting material purchased in a transport pot is filled with warm water and carefully removed from the container.
8. They don’t make a hill at the bottom of the hole; they pour the mixture in an even layer, place the cherry on it along with a lump of earth and fill it to the top.
9. If a young tree has soft protective material on its roots, it is removed and placed in a hole together with the soil, and covered in the same way.

A shallow trench is dug along the perimeter of the root circle; this is necessary to prevent water from spreading. Water it abundantly and tie it to a fixing stake so that the young tree does not break from the wind and the trunk is formed straight.

If it is necessary to plant plants in summer, use only material with protected roots. Planting cherries with a closed root system in the summer is carried out according to the same scheme as in the spring - together with a ball of earth. This must be done carefully, minimally injuring the seedling. To prevent the cherry from getting burned, after planting it is shaded during the midday hours.

Two-year-old closed-root cherries are suitable for planting even in summer

At what depth to plant cherries in spring?

The planting hole must be deep enough. The excess space can be filled with soil. If the depression is shallow, the work will have to be done again. The root collar should not be deepened (filled with soil) or raised too much above the surface. In the first case, rotting and the appearance of fungal infections are possible. In the second - drying of the root and death of the seedling.

At what temperature to plant cherries in spring

The optimal temperature in spring, when you can safely start planting crops, is +5 ⁰C, 3-4 is enough for soil ⁰ C. But this has its own nuances, the seedling will calmly react to such a temperature regime, only return frosts pose a threat. After planting, cover the plant at night to preserve the buds; remove the protection for the day. When stable weather sets in, the measure will become irrelevant.

For the Ural region and Siberia, varieties have been created that grow in the form of a bush. These are plants with high winter hardiness. Planting bush cherries in spring can be done with zero soil warming. Daytime temperature +2-3⁰C, for this variety, frosts do not pose a threat; you don’t have to cover the seedling, but it won’t be superfluous to be on the safe side.

Distance between cherry seedlings when planting in spring

Thickened planting of cherries in open ground in spring leads to poor circulation in the crown, bending of branches, and shading of young shoots with buds. If one cherry tree gets sick, the problem will appear on the one growing nearby. The same applies to pests; they quickly appear on neighboring trees. The distance between the holes when planting depends on the crop variety. If the tree is tall, with a spreading crown, maintain a distance of at least 2.5 m. Bush cherries are distributed at intervals of 2 m. For dwarf forms, 1.5 m is sufficient.

Arrangement of cherries in one line

How to save a cherry seedling before planting in the spring

Cherry is a frost-resistant plant, so it is better to keep the seedlings on the site until spring. The harvest has been harvested, there is enough free space. Algorithm for storing seedlings until spring planting:

1. The ditch is dug from west to east, its depth is equal to the height of the seedling minus 10 cm.
2. The roots of the planting material are placed in water for 2 hours.
3. The seedlings are placed at a distance of 15-30 cm from each other, the roots should face north and the branches should face south, and they are covered with earth up to the crown to form a ridge.
4. After the first light frosts, the branches are covered with a dry mixture of earth and sawdust.
5. Spread rodent repellent over the embankment.
6. They put spruce branches on top, and in winter they make a snowdrift at the burial site.

Caring for cherry seedlings after planting in spring

Agricultural technology for caring for young cherries is simple:

1. If a nutrient mixture is added during planting, there is no need to feed the plant. It will last the seedling for 3 years.
2. To prevent the soil from drying out and becoming waterlogged, water it periodically, focusing on the frequency of precipitation.
3. Formative pruning begins in the fourth year of the growing season.
4. For preventative purposes, pest control is carried out in the spring, and chemicals are also used as needed during the season.
5. Make sure that there are no weeds near the seedling.
6. For the winter, cherries are hilled up and the trunk is wrapped in burlap.
7. Mulch in the spring, and in the fall the layer is renewed and increased.

Advice from experienced gardeners

Advice from experienced gardeners will help you avoid problems with growing cherries:

1. In autumn and spring, the tree trunk is covered with lime or water-based paint to avoid burns.
2. When planting, the seedling is fixed to a support near the lower branches, so it will be more stable.
3. If the plant has not increased in growth over the season and looks weak, there may be several reasons, but most often it turns out that the root collar is located incorrectly. In this case, the plant needs to be dug up and replanted.
   
   

   When planting, the root collar is left on the surface

4. If everything is fine with planting, it means that the soil or place is not suitable for the cherry; it is transferred to another area.

It is better to plant stone fruit crops in the spring, being sure to select a variety that matches the climatic conditions of the region.

Conclusion

Planting cherry seedlings in open ground in spring is recommended by experts, as this is the optimal time for the crop to take root. To ensure that the plant does not get sick and produces a stable harvest, planting is carried out at a favorable time. For beginning gardeners, below is a video of planting cherries in the spring, which will help you do the work correctly.

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