How to Grow Cherry

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Cherry is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Cherry is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the cherry page for exact timing.

Varieties

Barbados Cherry (Acerola), Heat-loving substitute for the deep South (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 500 cm (197 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 30 cm deep.
Water: roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds, Cherry slug and Aphids. In humid regions, Brown rot, Bacterial canker and Silver leaf can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Cherry is usually ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant cherry where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →