Cherry: Types and Conditions of Growth

Cherry is not only a popular fruit tree, but also a beautiful ornamental plant. Its delicate flowers and bright fruits make the cherry a desirable element in any garden. As a designer, I have always admired this culture and would like to share with you information about different types of cherries and their growing conditions.

Types of Cherries:

There are several main types of cherries, each of which has its own characteristics and is suitable for various purposes.

1. Sweet Cherry (prunus avium): sweet cherries are one of the most popular types. It has large fruits trhat are consumed fresh and used to make various desserts. Sweet cherries usually have high demands on the soil and climate, preferring sunny places.
2. Sour Cherry (prunus cerasus): sour cherries, or ordinary cherries, are distinguished by smaller and sourer fruits. It is well suited for canning, jam-making and baking. Sour cherries are more resistant to cold weather and can grow in conditions less favourable than for sweet cherries.
3. Decorative Cherry: many varieties of ornamental cherries, such as the flowering cherry (prunus serrulata), are prized for their beautiful flowers. These trees are often used in landscape design to create spectacular vistas. Their flowers can be white, pink or red, and attract a lot of bees and butterflies.
4. Steppe cherry (prunus fruticosa): this variety of cherry is common in the wild and is a small shrub. The fruits are small and sour, but they have a high nutritional value and can be used to make jams and tinctures.

Growing Conditions:

Despite the variety of species, cherries have common requirements for growth.

1. Light: cherries prefer sunny places. At least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day are needed for good flowering and fruiting. Shade or partial shade can negatively affect the quantity and quality of the fruits.
2. Soil: cherries prefer light, well-drained, soil which is neutral or slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7). Avoid heavy clay soils that can trap water and cause root rot.
3. Watering: regular watering is important, especially in the first year after planting. However, waterlogging should be avoided, as this can lead to root diseases. Mature trees usually need watering during dry periods.
4. Fertiliser: cherries require regular applications of fertiliser, especially during the period of active growth and flowering. Use fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to ensure the health and productivity of plants.
5. Pruning: proper pruning promotes crown formation and improves air circulation inside the tree. Pruning is best done in the spring, removing old , diseased and intersecting branches.
6. Protection from Pests and Diseases: cherries can be attacked by pests, such as cherry flies and aphids, as well as by various diseases. Regular inspections and preventative measures will help to keep your trees healthy.

Conclusion:

Cherry is not only a source of delicious fruits, but also a wonderful ornamental plant that can become a bright accent in your garden. Understanding the various types of cherries and their growing conditions will help you choose the right variety and create a harmonious and beautiful space. As a designer, I always try to take into account the peculiarities of each species in order to maximise their beauty and functionality.