Cherry trees can grow successfully across Missouri, but achieving a consistent harvest requires careful planning and the selection of varieties specifically adapted to the region’s highly variable weather. The state’s climate, with its cold winters and humid, often erratic springs, presents unique challenges. Success depends heavily on mitigating the risk of late frost damage and selecting a site that offers excellent drainage. By focusing on the correct cultivars and understanding the local environmental hurdles, gardeners can enjoy a rewarding yield from their own backyard.
Identifying the Best Cherry Varieties for Missouri
The most reliable choice for Missouri growers is the tart, or sour, cherry, as sweet cherry varieties are considered marginal for the region. Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) demonstrate greater tolerance for the state’s fluctuating winter and spring temperatures and are more cold-hardy overall. They are also naturally self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without needing a second variety planted nearby for cross-pollination.
The Montmorency cultivar is the most widely recommended and planted tart cherry, known for its heavy-bearing habit and bright red fruit ideal for pies and preserves. The North Star is another well-adapted cultivar, a natural dwarf variety perfect for smaller spaces. The Balaton cherry, which ripens slightly later in early July, is also a suitable option, though its crop size may be enhanced by cross-pollination with Montmorency. Sweet cherries (Prunus avium) are more susceptible to disease and often damaged by early spring frosts, making consistent production difficult.
Addressing Missouri’s Climate Challenges
Cherry trees in Missouri face two primary climate hurdles: fulfilling the necessary winter chill requirement and avoiding lethal spring freezes. To break dormancy and produce a robust flower set, cherry trees require between 800 and 1,200 hours of chilling temperatures (between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Missouri winters typically meet this requirement, but the timing of subsequent warm spells creates a risk.
Unseasonably warm weather in late February or March can cause fruit buds to deacclimate rapidly, pushing the tree toward premature budding. If temperatures subsequently drop below freezing, these deacclimated buds and developing flowers are highly susceptible to injury or complete loss. The erratic nature of Missouri’s spring often results in this cycle. Site selection away from low-lying “frost pockets” helps protect early blooms. Planting a variety with a later bloom time can also offer a small buffer against these damaging late frosts.
Essential Soil and Planting Requirements
Successful cherry cultivation in Missouri hinges on providing a location with excellent drainage, as the trees are intolerant of “wet feet.” Poorly drained soil can quickly lead to root rot and other serious health issues. A loamy soil that drains quickly after rainfall is ideal, and planting on a slight slope can help cold air and excess water drain away from the root zone.
The planting site must receive full sunlight, a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Full sun is crucial for triggering flower bud formation and maximizing the sugar content and flavor of the fruit. Cherry trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. Before planting, a soil test is recommended to determine if amendments are needed, as many Missouri soils are naturally low in phosphorus.
Managing Common Pests and Diseases
Missouri’s humid climate makes cherry trees susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive in moist conditions. Brown Rot is a common fungal threat to stone fruits, often causing blossoms to wither and fruit to develop soft, brown lesions, especially following a warm, wet spring. Good air circulation, achieved through proper pruning, helps reduce the humidity around the branches and minimizes the risk of Brown Rot infection.
Bacterial canker is another prevalent issue, appearing as sunken, discolored patches on branches that may ooze gum. Maintaining overall tree health and promptly pruning out infected twigs are the best management practices, as this disease often attacks trees via wounds or stress. Insect pests, such as the Cherry Fruit Fly, lay eggs just under the skin of ripening fruit, and their larvae cause internal damage, making timely monitoring and control necessary to protect the harvest.