Cherry trees, specifically the traditional sweet and sour varieties, are native to temperate climates, making their successful cultivation in Florida a significant challenge. Traditional Prunus species, such as the popular ‘Bing’ or ‘Rainier’ sweet cherries, require a long period of winter cold that the Sunshine State typically cannot provide. Growing cherries in Florida requires selecting non-traditional varieties and implementing specific cultivation practices adapted to the subtropical environment.
The Essential Need for Chill Hours
The difficulty in growing classic cherry varieties stems from their requirement for a cold dormancy period, measured in “chill hours.” A chill hour is defined as one hour where the ambient temperature is between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 7.2 degrees Celsius). Traditional sweet cherry cultivars often require between 800 and 1,200 chill hours to properly break dormancy, ensuring a synchronized bloom and successful fruit set.
The northernmost region of Florida, the Panhandle, averages only about 500 to 700 chill hours annually, while Central and South Florida receive far fewer. If a tree does not accumulate its required cold period, it will exhibit delayed, weak, or uneven flowering, significantly reducing the potential fruit harvest. This lack of reliable cold is the primary obstacle, rendering high-chill varieties unsuitable for the state.
Low-Chill Varieties Suitable for Florida
To overcome the climate barrier, growers must focus on low-chill Prunus cultivars or cherry-like alternatives that do not share the same cold requirements. Low-chill true cherries require significantly fewer hours of cold to set fruit.
True Low-Chill Cherries
Cultivars like ‘Minnie Royal,’ ‘Royal Lee,’ and ‘Royal Crimson’ are sweet cherry options that need only between 200 and 300 chill hours, making them viable for North and parts of Central Florida. ‘Royal Lee’ and ‘Minnie Royal’ are cross-pollinators and must be planted together to produce fruit, while ‘Royal Crimson’ is a self-fruitful option. These varieties bloom early, often in February, which helps them avoid the heavy spring rains that can cause fungal diseases and fruit rot.
Tropical Alternatives
For Central and South Florida, which receive almost no chilling, the focus must shift to tropical and subtropical alternatives. The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola, is a popular choice that requires no chill hours and thrives in the heat and sun. This small tree or shrub produces bright red, vitamin C-rich fruit that is softer and more tropical in flavor than a traditional cherry.
Another option is the Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), a member of the myrtle family native to South America. Its fruit is distinctly ribbed and ranges from sweet to tart depending on ripeness and cultivar.
Managing Florida’s Unique Soil and Environment
Successful cherry cultivation in Florida depends heavily on managing the state’s challenging soil and environmental conditions. Florida’s native soil is often highly sandy, draining very quickly and having a low capacity to hold water and nutrients. This rapid drainage is generally good for cherry roots, which are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions, but it necessitates frequent irrigation.
To improve fertility and water retention, significant amounts of organic matter, such as compost or well-aged manure, must be incorporated into the planting site. Cherry trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, and testing the soil is advisable before planting. Alkaline soils, common in some parts of Florida, can lock up micronutrients like iron, leading to yellowing leaves, a condition known as iron chlorosis.
The high heat and humidity of the Florida environment also increase the risk of fungal diseases. Brown rot and powdery mildew are common fungal issues that target the blossoms, fruit, and leaves. Good air circulation, achieved through proper pruning, helps reduce the humid microclimate around the tree and minimizes disease spread. Additionally, pests like the black cherry aphid can cause leaves to curl and stunt new growth, requiring vigilant monitoring and management.