Cherry trees can be grown in pots, but success requires selecting the right compact tree and providing a highly controlled environment. Standard cherry varieties are too large for container life. Container gardening for fruit trees involves managing root space, soil composition, and water retention to mimic natural conditions. By tailoring the variety and environment, a gardener can successfully cultivate and harvest cherries on a patio or balcony.
Selecting the Right Cherry Variety
The choice of tree is the most important decision, as full-sized cherry trees grow 20 to 35 feet tall. Gardeners must choose dwarf or genetic dwarf varieties specifically bred or grafted to maintain a manageable size. The size-limiting factor is the rootstock onto which the cherry variety is grafted.
Modern dwarfing rootstocks, such as Gisela 5 or Gisela 3, make container cherry growing feasible. Gisela 5 reduces the tree’s vigor to about 50% of a standard tree, resulting in a mature height of approximately 8 to 12 feet, which is ideal for large pots. These specialized rootstocks also encourage earlier fruiting.
Sour cherries are generally more suitable for container life than sweet cherries. Varieties like ‘Montmorency’ or ‘Northstar’ are naturally less vigorous and more cold-hardy. Sweet cherries can be grown, but select self-fertile varieties like ‘Stella’ or ‘Lapins’ if cross-pollination is not possible.
Setting Up the Container Environment
The container must be large enough to accommodate the dwarf tree’s restricted root system. Start the tree in a container of at least 10 to 15 gallons, aiming for a final size of 20 to 25 gallons for long-term health. Gradually increasing the pot size over several years is better than placing a small tree directly into a large container.
Pot material should be considered; plastic containers or half wine barrels offer better insulation than unglazed terracotta, which allows rapid moisture evaporation. Excellent drainage is necessary, so the container must have large drainage holes to prevent root rot. Never use garden soil, as it compacts too easily and restricts oxygen flow.
The growing medium needs to be a high-quality, well-draining potting mix that provides aeration and structure. A good mix typically includes components like peat moss, perlite, or bark chips to ensure water drains freely and the soil does not become waterlogged. Cherry trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.2.
Ongoing Care and Winter Protection
Container cherry trees require a different watering and feeding regimen than in-ground trees because the limited soil volume dries out rapidly. During the active growing season, especially when fruit is developing, the tree may need deep watering several times a week. Applying a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate the temperature of the root zone.
Since nutrients leach out quickly with frequent watering, potted trees need consistent and regular feeding. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer according to a consistent schedule. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote foliage growth over fruit production. Pruning is necessary to maintain a manageable size and an open canopy for light penetration and air circulation.
Winter protection is the biggest challenge for containerized cherry trees, as the roots are highly susceptible to freezing temperatures. While the tree itself may be hardy, the roots in a pot lack the insulation provided by the ground. The primary goal is to keep the root ball from freezing solid and repeatedly thawing, which destroys the root structure.
Before the first hard frost, thoroughly water the tree and move it to a protected location. Ideal overwintering spots include an unheated garage, a shed, or a protected patio area where the temperature remains consistently cold but above freezing. Alternatively, the pot can be buried in the ground up to its rim or heavily insulated with straw, burlap, or mulch piled around the container.