Unlock the Secret to Growing Luscious Purple Cherries with These Proven Techniques

Are you looking to add a splash of color and deliciousness to your garden? Growing purple cherries is a rewarding experience, offering a unique and vibrant addition to your landscape. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to grow purple cherries, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your sweet bounty.

Understanding Purple Cherry Varieties

Purple cherries are not a separate species but rather a color variation within the cherry family. Several varieties boast this captivating hue, each with distinct characteristics.
1. Sweetheart Cherry: This popular variety is known for its deep purple skin and juicy, sweet flesh. Sweetheart cherries are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a pollinator.
2. Black Tartarian Cherry: This variety is a classic choice, producing large, dark purple cherries with a slightly tart flavor. Black Tartarian cherries are self-fertile and are a good choice for home gardens.
3. Stella Cherry: This variety is a newer selection, known for its large, dark purple cherries with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Stella cherries are self-fertile and are highly resistant to diseases.
4. Balaton Cherry: This Hungarian variety produces large, dark purple cherries with a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. Balaton cherries are self-fertile and are known for their excellent flavor.

Choosing the Right Location

Purple cherries thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. The ideal spot should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil Requirements:

• pH: Cherries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5.
• Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging.
• Soil Type: Loamy soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for cherry trees.

Planting Your Purple Cherry Tree

1. Timing: The best time to plant cherry trees is in the early spring, just before the buds begin to swell.
2. Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
3. Root Ball: Gently loosen the roots of the tree before placing it in the hole.
4. Backfill: Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the graft union (the point where the rootstock and scion meet) is above ground level.
5. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting.

Pruning for Optimal Growth

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your cherry tree.
1. Dormant Pruning: Prune your cherry tree during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before bud break.
2. Thinning: Remove crossing branches, branches that grow towards the center of the tree, and weak or diseased branches.
3. Heading Back: Cut back the tips of branches to promote branching and fruit production.

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering: Cherry trees need regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing: Cherry trees benefit from annual fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, before the tree begins to grow.

Pest and Disease Control

Common Pests:

• Aphids: These tiny insects can suck sap from leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.
• Scale: These insects can attach themselves to branches and leaves, causing damage and weakening the tree.
• Cherry Fruit Flies: These flies can lay eggs in ripening cherries, causing them to rot.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves and fruit.
• Brown Rot: This fungal disease can cause fruit to rot and drop prematurely.

Control Measures:

• Prune: Remove diseased or infested branches to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Insecticides: Use insecticides to control insect pests.
• Fungicides: Use fungicides to control fungal diseases.

Harvesting Your Purple Cherries

Purple cherries are typically ready to harvest in late June or early July. Look for cherries that are firm and have a deep purple color.
Harvesting Tips:

• Pick cherries when they are ripe: Overripe cherries will be soft and mushy.
• Use a sharp knife or pruning shears: Cut the cherries from the branch, leaving a short stem attached.
• Handle cherries gently: Avoid bruising the fruit.

Enjoying Your Purple Cherry Harvest

Purple cherries are delicious eaten fresh, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes, including:

• Cherry pies: A classic dessert that is perfect for showcasing the sweet and tart flavor of purple cherries.
• Cherry jams and jellies: A delicious way to preserve the flavor of your harvest.
• Cherry cobblers and crisps: Simple and satisfying desserts that are perfect for a summer gathering.
• Cherry salads: A refreshing and colorful addition to any salad.

Preserving Your Purple Cherry Harvest

Freezing:

• Wash and dry the cherries.
• Remove the stems.
• Place the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the cherries for 2-3 hours, or until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cherries to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Canning:

• Wash and dry the cherries.
• Remove the stems.
• Pack the cherries into sterilized jars.
• Add a hot syrup or juice to the jars.
• Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to the recipe instructions.

The Sweet Rewards of Growing Purple Cherries

Growing purple cherries is a rewarding experience that brings beauty and deliciousness to your garden. With careful planning and consistent care, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. How long does it take for a purple cherry tree to bear fruit?
Purple cherry trees typically begin to bear fruit 3-5 years after planting.
2. Can I grow a purple cherry tree in a pot?
While possible, growing a cherry tree in a pot is challenging. Cherry trees need ample space for their roots to grow and thrive.
3. What is the best way to protect my cherry tree from birds?
Birds are attracted to cherries, so it’s important to protect your crop. You can use bird netting, scare tactics like shiny objects or loud noises, or even cover the tree with a sheet during the day.
4. What are some other varieties of purple cherries?
Other purple cherry varieties include:

• Black Republican Cherry: A large, dark purple cherry with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Montmorency Cherry: A tart cherry variety that is often used for pies and jams.
• Bing Cherry: A large, dark red cherry with a sweet flavor. While not technically purple, Bing cherries have a deep red color that can appear almost purple.