Delicious, Early Cherries That Hold Up Well Chelan Cherries are known for their deep red color and rich, juicy flavor, similar to the Bing Cherry. Compared to Bing cherries, though, your Chelan Cherry Tree fruits earlier and is more likely to avoid split or fused cherries! Cherry trees grow taller than other fruit trees, and the Chelan Cherry can reach 15 to 30 feet at maturity. In spring, the medium-to-large tree turns out a brilliant display of white and pink flowers. Later, these abundant flowers transform into sweet, heart-shaped cherries with around 16 to 18 percent sugar content. In fact, the tree produces so many cherries, it sometimes needs help to stop overproduction. If you’re searching for a cherry that looks and tastes like the Bing, the Chelan Cherry Tree is a smart alternative. This is because it doesn’t crack in rainy seasons or create double spurs (two fused cherries on the same stem) in hot weather. Otherwise, the two cherry tree varieties are similar in size and color. Many Chelan Cherry fans eat their fruit straight from the tree, while others prize them for their sweet richness in pies and desserts. These cherries can also be dried, canned, or even turned into jam or preserves! With so many cherries each season, you can let your creativity take over. Ready for an easy-growing cherry? Order your Chelan Cherry Tree today! Planting & Care 1. Planting: First, find an area with well-drained soil and full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day). Once you've selected your location, dig a hole that's approximately a foot and a half deep and equally as wide. Place your cherry in the hole, tamp down the surrounding soil to remove air pockets, and then water to settle the roots. Finally, spread a layer of mulch over the soil around your cherry tree to help encourage healthy growth and preserve moisture. 2. Watering: For the first week, water your tree daily. In the second week, switch to every other day, then reduce to once a week after the first month. Check the soil often during hot weather—your tree may need extra water. In heavy soils, let the soil dry between waterings. Once established (after one to two years), the tree can usually rely on rainfall, needing only a few inches every 10 days. During hot, dry periods, add extra water as needed. The best method is to use a slow-trickling hose at the base for about 30 seconds once a week. If you’re unsure, check the soil 2–3 inches down; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. 3. Pruning: A year after planting your cherry tree, prune in the late winter, while it's still dormant. Shape the tree to encourage horizontal branch growth with space between branches. Prune once a year as necessary to remove weak, drooping branches. 4. Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring and midsummer using low-nitrogen fertilizer, applying 2 weeks after planting and 4 weeks after the first application. Use a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and apply 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk. FGT Tip: Surround your cherry tree with a thin layer of mulch each spring.
