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Sweet cherry (Prunus avium)
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- General Information
- Buy
- Plant
- Sow Seeds
- Fertilize
- Water
- Prune
- Mulch
- Protect
- Pest/Disease Inspection
- Treat for Pest/Disease
- Transplant
- Propagate
- Harvest
- Special requirements
General Information
In the mild coastal Southern California climates, Sweet Cherries will grow, but they generally do not fruit well (if at all). This is because they do not get nearly enough winter chill to set fruit, and warm late fall and winter daytime temperatures can further disrupt dormancy. Still, folks will always keep trying! Although there are currently (2009) no truly "low chill" varieties of Sweet Cherry commonly available, there are four that come close: 'Royal Lee' and its pollinator 'Minnie Royal' require only 400-500 hours of winter chill (temperatures below 45 degrees F.), 'Lapins' (self-fertile) needs 500 hours, and 'Stella' (self-fertile) needs 500-600 hours. While these numbers are a real stretch for most gardeners in these climate zones, if you live in a real "cold hollow", you might give these varieties a try.
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Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
Sow Seeds
When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
Special requirements
Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?
