Cherries can certainly be grown in Ohio, but success is heavily reliant on selecting the appropriate tree variety and providing focused care tailored to the region’s climate. The state’s USDA Hardiness Zones (5b to 7a) are generally hospitable to cherry cultivation, which requires a specific amount of winter cold to set fruit. However, a successful harvest often requires navigating the challenges of Ohio’s variable spring weather and summer humidity. Choosing a robust, well-suited variety is the primary step, and understanding the differences between the two main types of cherries will guide a grower’s decisions from planting to harvest.
Choosing the Right Cherry Varieties for Ohio
The primary decision for any Ohio grower is the choice between tart (sour) and sweet cherries, as their hardiness levels differ significantly. Tart cherries, Prunus cerasus, are the more reliable choice for the vast majority of the state because they are more cold-tolerant and less susceptible to common diseases. The Montmorency variety is highly recommended for Ohio, along with other hardy options like ‘North Star’ and ‘Meteor’. These varieties thrive in the state’s typical climate swings.
Sweet cherries, Prunus avium, are more challenging because they are sensitive to cold and require nearly perfect conditions. They are better suited for the warmest microclimates, such as the areas near the Ohio River or Lake Erie, which fall into Zone 7a. Sweet cherries are much more vulnerable to cracking when exposed to heavy rain near harvest time, and their blossoms are easily destroyed by late spring frosts. Growers of sweet varieties must be prepared for a higher level of maintenance compared to their tart counterparts.
Essential Environmental and Site Requirements
Cherry trees require a specific period of cold during the winter, known as chilling hours, which Ohio’s climate typically provides without issue. This dormancy period, usually defined as hours between 32°F and 45°F, is necessary for the buds to develop properly and break uniformly in the spring. Tart cherry varieties generally require a higher number of chilling hours, often between 800 and 1,200, which is well within the typical winter accumulation across the state.
The greatest environmental threat to fruit production in Ohio is the late spring frost, which can kill blossoms after the tree has already broken dormancy. To mitigate this, site selection is important, favoring high ground or slopes that allow cold air to drain away, avoiding low-lying areas known as frost pockets. Cherry trees also demand full sun exposure, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, to ensure a high-quality fruit set and to help manage disease pressure. The soil must be well-drained, as cherry trees are intolerant of “wet feet,” which can lead to root rot; a slightly acidic to neutral pH is also preferred for optimal nutrient uptake.
Addressing Regional Pests and Common Diseases
Ohio’s high humidity and frequent rainfall create an environment where fungal diseases pose a constant management challenge for cherry growers. Cherry Leaf Spot, caused by the fungus Blumeriella jaapii, primarily affects the foliage. Symptoms begin as small purple spots on the leaves, which enlarge and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely, severely weakening the tree. The fungus overwinters in fallen leaves, making sanitation a simple yet foundational control measure.
Brown Rot, caused by Monilinia fructicola, is another prevalent fungal disease that attacks the blossoms, shoots, and developing fruit. This disease thrives in warm, wet conditions, often causing blossoms to turn brown and wither, and fruit to develop soft, brown spots covered in gray-brown spores. Proper pruning to increase air circulation within the tree canopy is a cultural practice that helps reduce the moist conditions favorable to both Cherry Leaf Spot and Brown Rot. Key insect pests in the region include the Cherry Fruit Fly, whose larvae feed inside the ripening fruit, making the fruit unusable. Monitoring adult fly populations with yellow sticky traps is a common first step in managing this pest.
Understanding Pollination and Yield
The reproductive requirements of cherry trees differ markedly between the two main types, which is a significant consideration for backyard growers. Most tart cherry varieties, including the highly recommended ‘Montmorency,’ are self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without a second pollinator. While fruit set will occur with one tree, planting a second compatible variety often results in a better overall yield.
Sweet cherry varieties, in contrast, are often self-unfruitful, requiring a different sweet cherry variety with a similar bloom time. This obligate cross-pollination means the home grower must allocate space for at least two compatible trees to secure a harvest. Regardless of the type, a newly planted cherry tree will typically take three to five years to begin producing a viable crop. A mature, semi-dwarf tart cherry tree can yield approximately 20 to 60 quarts of fruit, with dwarf trees producing a smaller harvest of around 15 to 20 quarts.