Cherry trees can be successfully grown in Oklahoma, but achieving consistent fruit production requires careful selection and management due to the state’s challenging climate. Oklahoma’s weather is characterized by fluctuating winter temperatures, intense summer heat, and erratic late spring frosts that can severely damage blossoms. Success hinges on choosing a cherry type specifically adapted to these extremes and diligently managing the unique environmental conditions of the region.
Suitable Cherry Types for Oklahoma’s Climate
The two main categories of cherries, Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium) and Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus), perform very differently in Oklahoma’s environment. Sweet cherries, which include popular varieties like ‘Bing,’ struggle significantly with intense summer heat and humidity, making them highly susceptible to disease. While some nurseries offer heat-tolerant sweet varieties, they remain a high-risk option for the average homeowner.
Tart cherries, often called sour or pie cherries, are the most recommended and resilient choice for the region. These trees are naturally more tolerant of fluctuating temperatures, require less intensive care, and exhibit greater resistance to common fungal issues. The ‘Montmorency’ variety is a reliable selection, known for its consistent production and hardiness across the state. Other suitable options include ‘North Star’ and ‘Meteor,’ which are also self-pollinating and produce fruit suitable for cooking and processing.
Meeting Specific Environmental Needs
Cherry trees require a specific period of winter cold, known as chilling hours, to properly break dormancy and set fruit. For Oklahoma, select varieties that require a medium to high number of chilling hours, typically between 800 and 1,000 hours below 45°F. Choosing a variety with too low a chilling requirement can cause the tree to bloom prematurely during a mid-winter warm spell, leaving it vulnerable to subsequent killing frosts.
The soil environment is important, as cherries require well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Much of Oklahoma has naturally alkaline soil, which can inhibit the tree’s ability to absorb micronutrients like iron. Testing the soil and amending it with sulfur or organic matter may be necessary to correct a high pH, preventing iron chlorosis, a condition that causes leaves to yellow.
Managing intense summer heat is important for survival, especially for young trees. Applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps conserve soil moisture and keeps the roots cooler during 100-degree days. Cherries are intolerant of “wet feet,” meaning the soil should never remain soggy. Deep, consistent watering is necessary during extended dry periods to mitigate heat stress.
Guide to Planting and Initial Establishment
Planting should occur during the dormant season, typically late fall or early spring, before the buds begin to swell. Selecting the right location involves finding a spot that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of full sun daily and possesses excellent air circulation to discourage fungal diseases. A slightly elevated area or slope is preferable, as cold air drains away from the blossoms, offering protection against late spring frosts.
When preparing the site, dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper than its height. This wide hole encourages the roots to spread quickly into the surrounding native soil. The tree should be positioned so the graft union, the slightly swollen area on the trunk where the variety was joined to the rootstock, sits a few inches above the soil line.
After setting the tree, backfill the hole with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Initial establishment focuses on root development, so avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers in the first year. Ensure the tree receives steady water without becoming waterlogged.
Long-Term Care and Regional Threats
Once established, annual maintenance is necessary for maximizing fruit production and tree longevity. Cherry trees benefit from annual winter pruning to maintain an open canopy, which allows for better light penetration and air movement. Removing water sprouts and branches that cross over others helps reduce the humid environment where fungal diseases thrive.
Fertilization, beginning in the second year, should focus on replenishing nitrogen, which supports healthy leaf and branch growth. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in late winter before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, as it promotes excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Oklahoma’s regional threats include pests like the plum curculio and borers, and diseases such as brown rot and cherry leaf spot. Cherry leaf spot, a fungal disease exacerbated by the state’s humidity, requires a proactive annual fungicide spray program beginning at bud break. Protecting early-blooming varieties from late spring frost may require temporary covering, while planting on higher ground helps mitigate the pooling of cold air.