When to plant Cherry Trees

The best time to plant cherry trees in Perth is in winter or autumn. This gives them enough time to root during the cooler months and sprout in the spring. 

Trees are available from good nurseries or Garden Centres and August is also a fine time to plant.  The trees are one of the first to flower in spring and often have a sweet scent.

How to plant Cherry Trees

Cherry trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They prefer an acidic soil pH of 6.0-6.5, but they can adapt to slightly alkaline soils.

Purchase a young tree from a nursery or garden centre. Look for a tree that has a straight trunk, healthy foliage, and no signs of disease or pests.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. Break up any clumps of soil and enrich the soil with Baileys Soil Improver Plus which contains compost and manure that will encourage strong and healthy growth. If you have very sandy soils, use Baileys Clay & Compost.

Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen any roots that have become compacted. Place the tree in the centre of the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the tree is at the same level as it was in the container. Tamp down the soil to eliminate air pockets.

If planting in a pot, choose a pot or container that is wide and deep with good drainage. Use a top-quality potting mix such as Baileys Premium Potting Mix designed to assist plant establishment and ensure vigorous and healthy growth in pots and containers. Position the pot in a sunny location where the tree can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Care and maintenance

Cherry trees need regular watering, especially during their first year in the ground. If planting in ground add a layer of mulch, use Baileys Moisture Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first few months after planting.

They also need to be fertilised in spring and autumn. Feed with a complete, organic-based fertiliser such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden.  A liquid feed every 3-4 weeks in the growing season with Turfect Repair and Turfect Boost will also benefit the roots and growth of new and established trees.

Cherry trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, birds, and cherry scab. It is important to inspect your trees regularly and take steps to control any pests or diseases that you find.  Having the right soil and root growth, will aid keeping pests and diseases at bay.

The best time to prune a cherry tree in Perth is early to late winter before the tree starts to bud. This is when the tree is dormant and the sap is not flowing, so it will heal more quickly. Use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers to make your cuts. Cut just above a bud or branch that is pointing in the desired direction.

Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches will not produce fruit and they can harbor pests and diseases.

Harvesting Cherries

Cherries typically start to ripen in Perth in November and December. However, the exact timing of the harvest can vary depending on the variety of cherry tree, the weather conditions, and the location of the tree.

Cherries are typically ripe when they are a deep red or black colour and should be firm but not hard. Give the cherries a gentle tug. If the cherries easily pull away from the stem, they are ripe.

You have to be fairly patient with Cherry trees as the first fruits might take 2-3 years to arrive as the tree becomes established. 

Cherry tree varieties

Early Burlat: This variety is known for its sweet, juicy flavour. It is one of the earliest varieties to ripen, so you can enjoy fresh cherries from your backyard in early November.

Lapins: This variety is a good choice for those who want a cherry tree that is resistant to pests and diseases. It is also a late-ripening variety, so you can enjoy fresh cherries from your backyard in late December.

Rainier: This variety is known for its beautiful, golden-yellow colour. It has a sweet, tart flavour that is perfect for eating fresh or baking.