How to Grow Cherry Trees in a Greenhouse?

Explore how to grow cherry trees in a greenhouse. In fact, it offers protection from harsh climates. Choose dwarf varieties, consider potting for mobility, and manage temperature, light, humidity, and soil conditions. With care, enjoy plentiful cherries year-round, irrespective of outdoor conditions.

If you want cherries but your climate isn’t ideal, a greenhouse can help. By protecting cherry trees, you can prevent birds and create optimal growing conditions.

Choose dwarf varieties for smaller spaces and flexibility. Sweet or sour, both cherries thrive in a greenhouse. Whether for fresh eating or baking, growing cherries in a greenhouse is rewarding. Just remember a few key points before starting.

Why we should grow cherry trees in a greenhouse?

A greenhouse provides a controlled environment for plants regardless of outside weather. It offers control over light, temperature, humidity, water, and soil.

Cherry trees thrive in zones 5-7, but harsh winters in colder climates make greenhouse growing a better option. Greenhouses also protect from pests like birds, offering a labor-saving alternative to nets.

If interested, continue reading for tips on growing cherry trees in a greenhouse.

What type of greenhouse do you need to grow cherry trees?

Growing standard-sized cherry trees in a greenhouse requires ample space due to their potential height. Even dwarf varieties can reach over 12 ft tall. Multiple trees are ideal for pollination, as most sweet cherry trees are self-sterile.

Ensure your greenhouse allows room for both tree growth and your movements. Consider factors like other plants you want to grow, local climate, available space, and aesthetic preferences when choosing a greenhouse size.

What more you can do to grow with cherry trees?

Cherry trees require a mild cold period for fruit development. Thus, your greenhouse should stay cool, just above freezing, in winter.

Opt for cold-hardy plants like brussels sprouts, lettuce, cabbages, and carrots if you plan to grow other plants. You can also over winter annuals that wouldn’t survive outside.

How Can I plant cherry trees in a greenhouse

Planting cherry trees in a greenhouse requires some care, but the payoff is worth it. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a suitable spot in your greenhouse with enough space for the tree to grow.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and at the same depth.
Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole.
Fill the hole with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
Water the tree thoroughly to help it settle into its new home.
Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor the tree regularly for water and fertilizer needs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

How to select the right variety

For cherry trees to bear fruit, pollination is essential. Sour cherries are usually self-pollinating, while most sweet cherry trees need cross-pollination.

This requires at least two or three trees or introducing pollinators during flowering. Hand-pollination is also an option.

Varieties of Cherry Tree

Popular cherry tree varieties for greenhouse growing include dwarf types, which save space and produce full-sized fruit. Self-pollinating varieties reduce the need for external pollinators. Some popular choices are:

Dwarf Bing Cherry Tree: Grows up to 15 feet, needs cross-pollination.
Dwarf Sweetheart Cherry Tree: Grows up to 10 feet, self-pollinating, produces red sweet cherries.
Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree: Grows up to 8 feet, self-pollinating, deep crimson fruits.
Juliet Dwarf Cherry Tree: Grows up to 8 feet, self-pollinating, produces tart dark red fruits. Availability varies by location, but you can often find cherry trees at local nurseries or through shipping options.

How can a lay Gardener plant cherry trees

You have two options for growing cherry trees in a greenhouse: planting directly in the soil or using a large pot for mobility. Each option has its advantages, which we’ll discuss below.

You can grow your cherry tree directly in the soil in the greenhouse, or you can plant it in a large pot to keep it mobile. There’s advantages to either option, which we’ll look at below:

Plant Cherry in the Ground

Planting cherry trees directly in the soil in your greenhouse reduces watering needs and allows for larger growth due to better root access to nutrients.

However, it limits mobility and requires more effort for relocation. Increased weeding is necessary to prevent root competition for water and nutrients.

Plant Cherry in Pots

Growing cherry trees in pots offers mobility and allows for outdoor placement during warm seasons, freeing up greenhouse space. However, there are drawbacks:

Potted trees need frequent watering due to limited soil, especially during the growing season.
Well-draining soil and ample drainage holes are crucial to prevent root rot
Repotting into larger containers every few years is necessary as the tree grows.
Potted trees produce fewer fruits and grow slower due to limited root space.

Start with containers at least 16 inches in diameter and repot when water drains too quickly, indicating root overcrowding.

Also, You must Start With Organic Greenhouse Gardening.

How Can I care Cherry Trees in a greenhouse?

Cherry trees require a cold period for fruit development, but the duration varies by variety. Regular care and maintenance are essential for optimal growth.

Need Appropriate Temperature

Cherry trees in greenhouses require a cold period, so keep the greenhouse mostly unheated in winter. This saves energy but limits other crops you can grow simultaneously. To encourage early fruiting, heat the greenhouse early to simulate spring conditions and prompt blooming.

The Original Light

Typically, cherry trees in greenhouses don’t need artificial light unless the greenhouse lacks natural sunlight due to shading. In most cases, they thrive with natural sunlight alone.

Reasonable Humidity

A greenhouse’s humid environment is ideal for plant growth but can attract pests and fungal diseases. To maintain a healthy greenhouse, ensure good air circulation. Use vents, fans, and proper spacing between plants to prevent issues and promote plant health.

Conditions of Soil

Cherry trees thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. When planting, mix one-quarter potting soil with three-quarters compost. Each year, add more compost or fruit tree fertilizer to maintain nutrient levels.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1). Where Can I cherry trees grow best?

Cherry trees thrive in warm, sheltered areas with frost-free conditions and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Sweet cherries require plenty of sunlight, while Morello cherries can tolerate some shade. Choose the planting spot carefully to provide the ideal conditions for your cherry tree.

2). In which season cherries grow?

Cherry season typically runs from late spring to early summer, peaking from May to August in many areas. Sweet cherries are usually harvested earlier, while sour cherries are picked later in the season.

Conclusion

This article offers a viable solution for those in climates unsuitable for outdoor cultivation. With proper care and attention to factors like variety selection, planting method, and maintenance, greenhouse growers can enjoy bountiful harvests of delicious cherries regardless of the weather outside.