How to properly plant cherry seedlings in spring, summer and autumn, care rules

Regardless of the size of the garden, the owners certainly try to devote the most space to cherries - lush trees regularly delight with a bountiful harvest of tasty and healthy berries. Fruiting largely depends on how correctly the variety was chosen for a particular region. Mistakes made during planting can also negatively affect the growth, development and fruits of the tree. To avoid annoying consequences, it is better to figure out in advance how to plant cherries so that they quickly take root and grow rapidly.

What should the seedlings be like?

Even novice gardeners who take care of healthy and high-quality planting material can get a lush cherry orchard. It is better to choose seedlings from trusted nurseries with an impeccable reputation. It is recommended to go shopping for seedlings in the fall.

When purchasing cherries, you need to pay attention to the following details:

• the root system is well developed, has many lateral processes, there should be no rot or dry areas;
• there should not be many branches, they will quickly grow later;
• seedling height is at least one meter;
• bark and branches must be clean, without damage or mold.

It is better to purchase plants with a closed root system; you will not have to worry about how to properly preserve the cherries until spring. The tree will overwinter well in a cool cellar. If it is not possible to send it to the cellar, it is recommended to simply bury the seedling on the site and cover it with spruce branches and sawdust for the winter.

Nuances when choosing a variety for different regions

Before heading to the nursery, it's a good idea to research the varieties that are best suited to your region. For cool, harsh conditions, it is better to choose hardy, early-ripening crops. If you purchase late varieties and plant them in the Urals or Siberia, getting a harvest will be problematic - ripening may not occur.

Late varieties are perfect for warm areas. Be sure to purchase several early crops - fruiting will begin in early summer.For the Leningrad region, cherries with medium ripening periods are recommended - the harvest can be harvested even in cool summers. Be sure to familiarize yourself with other characteristics - wintering requirements, endurance, resistance to frost.

Pampered crops that thrive in medium or warm climates will certainly die in harsh conditions, even if they overwinter under cover.

Deadlines

It is recommended to plant young trees in the fall, but only in warm regions - a temperate climate will allow the seedlings to take root well and begin to actively grow with the arrival of spring days. Cool areas are not so careful with cherries - it is better to go with the plants to the garden in the spring, after the frosts have completely gone, otherwise there is a risk of destroying the seedlings. If you need to plant before winter, it is better to start the process in August, the roots will have time to take root well.

Some gardeners manage to plant cherries even in the summer, but you should prepare for the fact that you will have to put in a lot of effort for the tree to take root. You will have to create artificial shade for the plant, otherwise the hot rays of the sun will cause burns; water it abundantly and regularly.

Benefits of spring planting

In regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended to start planting cherries in the spring - this is the best time for the process.

There are many advantages to spring planting:

• the roots will quickly take root, melt water will provide the necessary moisture;
• it is easy to monitor the growth and development of the tree;
• you can prepare for planting in advance - add nutrients to the soil, dig it up, by spring the soil will subside and be completely ready for planting trees;
• the plant will have time to prepare for winter.

A significant drawback of spring planting is that along with the growth of roots, the above-ground part of the tree will begin to actively develop. This will require a lot of strength, so you will have to take care of timely fertilizing.

Pros and cons of autumn planting

Autumn planting of cherries, if not delayed, has its own number of advantages. The tree will have time to take root; it will not be threatened by hot sun rays or sudden night and day temperature changes.

The dormant period, which lasts throughout the winter, also plays an important role - after the onset of warm weather, the seedling will actively begin to grow.

The disadvantage of planting cherries in the fall is that if winter comes too early, frost can destroy the plant. The only way to protect the seedling is to use a cover and a layer of mulch.

How to plant cherries correctly

Having chosen a seedling, it is important to plant it correctly. There are many rules that are best studied in advance; this will help prevent unpleasant mistakes that subsequently affect the development and growth of the tree. It is important to choose the most comfortable place, prepare the soil (it is recommended to do this in advance), and study the intricacies of care. Watering and adding nutrients also play an important role - it’s better to understand how to do this without harm to the cherries.

Selecting a location

For good growth, it is important to provide the cherries with suitable conditions. Choose a place that is comfortable, sunny, without access to drafts. It is better to choose a site that is covered on all sides by tall trees or outbuildings.

You also need to take into account what planting scheme will be used. It is recommended to leave a distance of at least 4 m between plants; this is enough for the full development of the crown. If large varieties of cherries are grown, increase the gap between the trees.

Required soil composition

The most suitable soil for growing cherries is light loam or sandy loam. Be sure to monitor the acidity; a neutral level is recommended. If the soil is too acidic, add a little lime when planting. Sandy soil is also good for cherries, but you will have to regularly add nutritional compounds after planting the tree in open ground. If fertilizers are not used, negligence will affect fruiting - the berries will be small and low in sugar.

Clay soils are not recommended for growing cherries. Heavy soil will certainly affect the yield.

At what distance to plant

A prerequisite is maintaining the distance between seedlings. Much depends on the variety - plant large cherries, leaving a gap of 3.5 m between plants. The distance between rows is 4-5 m.

Preparation and depth of the planting hole

It is recommended to start preparing the hole no later than two weeks before planting the cherries. Be sure to dig deep and remove all weed roots. The hole is up to half a meter wide. Depth - at least 80 cm. It is advisable to immediately drive in a support peg, which will protect against gusts of wind and, if necessary, help level the trunk.

Feeding during planting

When planting a young tree in a hole, it is recommended to add a special soil mixture. It’s easy to prepare, mix:

• regarding leaf soil, rotted manure;
• a handful of superphosphate (per plant);
• half a handful of potassium sulfate;
• three parts nutritious garden soil.

It is better not to add nitrogen compounds - active growth of the above-ground part will begin, the roots will not have time to supply it with nutritional components.

Undesirable neighborhood

It is not recommended to plant cherries near trees that are too large.Undesirable neighbors are stone fruits (peaches, plums), shrubs (black currants, raspberries).

Caring for a planted tree

There will be no particular difficulties when caring for the seedling; cherries are extremely undemanding. You will have to ensure there is a sufficient amount of moisture, add nutrients in a timely manner, and protect the plant from pests and diseases.

Watering and fertilizing

Overwatering is destructive for cherries, so immediately after planting you will have to monitor the amount of moisture in the soil. It is recommended to add water only on dry days. Irrigate the soil with warm liquid - first soak the water in the sun's rays.

There is no need to fertilize in the first season after planting; the tree has enough nutritional components that are in the soil.

Digging in cherry seedlings for the winter

It often happens that seedlings were purchased too late and weather conditions do not allow them to be planted in a permanent place. In such cases, it is recommended to carry out instillation.

There are several rules that must be followed:

• choose a suitable sunny place, groundwater should not be near the surface;
• there should be no heaps of garbage nearby; rodents usually live there;
• remove all leaves, inspect the roots;
• bury the seedlings in a ditch (up to half a meter deep);
• Sprinkle the roots with your hands and compact the soil with a shovel;
• Before frost, cover with spruce branches and straw.

After snow falls, carry out hilling, pour high snowdrifts onto the buried cherries, which will protect them from frost.

What problems may a gardener encounter?

There are several problems that often await novice gardeners.Usually, mistakes made during planting are to blame for growth, development, and lack of fruiting. To avoid troubles, it is better to study possible problems in advance and their timely elimination:

• if the cherry does not grow in the first year, improper planting is to blame - the root collar is too deep into the ground, it is recommended to replant and raise the plant a few centimeters up;
• frequent diseases, poor growth - the seedling is more than two years old, the immune system is too weak, when purchasing, be sure to find out the age of the plant;
• pollination does not occur due to the absence of a pollinator nearby - it is recommended to plant cherries nearby, after making sure that different varieties are planted;
• plant death is caused by non-compliance with planting deadlines - it is recommended to monitor weather conditions in the region.

Another important rule is to purchase planting material only from trusted sellers. High-quality seedlings are the key to a good harvest. Planting cherries does not require special knowledge; even a novice gardener can cope with the process. The main thing is to study all the requirements and planting rules and purchase a high-quality seedling. The tree will certainly thank you for your efforts with generous harvests.