Growing cherries in Georgia is possible, though it presents a significant horticultural challenge. Success depends almost entirely on bypassing the climatic and biological limitations of the state’s environment, particularly its mild winters and humid summers. Standard sweet cherry varieties popular in cooler climates will not thrive, but careful selection of specific low-chill cultivars combined with dedicated site management can yield a harvest. Cultivating cherries in the Southeast requires a strategic approach focused on overcoming the tree’s natural need for prolonged cold and its susceptibility to fungal disease.
Climate Requirements and Chill Hours
The primary hurdle for cherry cultivation in much of Georgia is the requirement for adequate winter chilling. Deciduous fruit trees, including cherries, need a specific duration of cold temperatures, known as “chill hours,” to properly break dormancy and set fruit blossoms in the spring. A chill hour is counted as one hour when the temperature is between 32°F and 45°F.
Standard sweet cherry varieties, such as ‘Bing’, require a high number of chill hours, often ranging from 700 to over 1,000. The majority of Georgia, especially the central and southern regions, does not reliably accumulate this many cold hours. Without sufficient chilling, the trees will experience delayed, weak, or uneven bloom, resulting in very poor or nonexistent fruit production.
The temperature fluctuations common in Southern winters are problematic. Periods of warm weather interspersed with cold snaps can trick the tree into prematurely ending its dormant period. If the tree begins to bud early, a subsequent freeze can destroy the tender blossoms, eliminating the entire year’s potential crop. This inconsistent winter weather pattern makes relying on high-chill varieties a gamble even in North Georgia’s slightly cooler elevations.
Selecting Specific Cultivars for Southern Climates
Given the state’s mild winters, successful cherry growing depends on selecting varieties specifically bred for low chilling requirements and tolerance to heat. These low-chill cultivars require fewer hours of cold to set fruit. Varieties needing 500 or fewer chill hours are the most suitable choice for the region.
For sweet cherries (Prunus avium), specific cultivars developed for warm climates include ‘Minnie Royal’ and ‘Royal Lee,’ both of which require a very low accumulation of approximately 200 to 300 chill hours. These two varieties must be planted together to ensure cross-pollination, as they serve as pollinators for each other. ‘Royal Crimson’ is a self-fertile sweet cherry that also falls into the 200 to 300 chill hour range, meaning it does not require a partner tree for fruit set.
The ‘Stella’ cherry requires 400 to 600 hours, and it offers the advantage of being self-pollinating. Choosing a self-pollinating variety is particularly helpful for home gardeners with limited space. Tart or sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), such as ‘Montmorency’ or ‘North Star,’ are naturally more adaptable to warmer climates and require fewer chill hours than most sweet cherry varieties.
Managing Soil, Drainage, and Humidity Threats
The challenge in Georgia is managing the high humidity and heavy clay soils. Cherry trees are highly susceptible to root problems in poorly draining soil. The fine, dense structure of the region’s native clay soil often retains excessive moisture, which creates an ideal environment for the soil-borne fungus responsible for Phytophthora root rot.
Planting in a location with excellent drainage is non-negotiable. If the native soil is heavy clay, constructing a raised bed at least 12 inches high with a well-draining, loamy soil mix is a highly effective way to prevent waterlogging around the root crown. Cherry trees also require full sun exposure, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
The combination of warm temperatures and high humidity, particularly during the summer, increases the risk of fungal diseases. Brown Rot (Monilinia fructicola) is a common and destructive fungal disease of stone fruits in the Southeast, causing blossoms to blight and fruit to rot rapidly as it nears ripeness. Other fungal issues include Powdery Mildew and various leaf spot diseases.
Mitigation requires both cultural and chemical control. Pruning techniques that open up the tree canopy to allow for better air circulation and sunlight penetration are necessary to help dry the foliage quickly after rain or morning dew. A strong morning sun exposure is particularly beneficial for drying the canopy and discouraging fungal growth. Preventative fungicide applications are often required, especially just before and during the bloom period, to protect the blossoms from early Brown Rot infection.