The cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera), also known as the myrobalan plum, is a dual-purpose tree prized for its ornamental appeal and edible fruit. This tough, easy-to-grow species is often featured in landscaping for its early, abundant spring blossoms. Growing this tree successfully is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for new fruit tree cultivators. The small, round fruits are sweet and juicy, ideal for fresh eating, preserves, or baking.
Selecting the Site and Preparing the Soil
Choosing the right location sets the foundation for a healthy, productive cherry plum tree. The tree thrives best in full sun, receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, which maximizes fruit production and vibrant foliage color. While it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, reduced sunlight will result in a lower yield.
The planting site should also offer protection from late spring frosts, as the cherry plum is one of the earliest fruit trees to flower, leaving its blossoms vulnerable to damage. A well-draining loam is the ideal medium for root growth. This species is adaptable but dislikes “wet feet,” meaning poor drainage can quickly lead to root rot.
The preferred soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. If the native soil is heavy clay, incorporate organic matter, such as well-rotted compost, and grit or coarse sand before planting. Amending the soil improves structure and porosity, ensuring water moves away efficiently and preventing compaction around the roots.
Planting and Initial Establishment
The best time to plant a bare-root cherry plum tree is during its dormant season, typically in late winter or very early spring, before the buds begin to swell. Container-grown trees can be planted throughout the year, provided the ground is workable and extreme weather is avoided. When preparing the hole, dig it to be at least twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself.
It is crucial to plant the tree so that the graft union remains several inches above the finished soil level. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate large air pockets around the roots. Immediately after planting, give the tree a deep, thorough watering to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
In locations prone to strong winds, a young tree should be secured with a short stake angled at 45 degrees for its first year to prevent movement that can damage developing roots. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or compost, over the root zone helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed competition. Maintain a mulch-free circle of a few inches around the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation that can lead to disease.
Routine Care and Pruning Methods
Once established, cherry plum trees require consistent watering and feeding to support growth and fruit development. Young trees need deep, consistent watering for the first two summers, aiming for the root zone to be moist down to 12 to 18 inches. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from deep watering during extended dry spells, particularly as the fruit is sizing up.
Fertilization is generally light; a balanced NPK fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, can be applied in early spring to encourage healthy growth and fruit set. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit production and may increase susceptibility to pests like aphids. Pests such as the plum curculio can be managed through good orchard sanitation and targeted treatments if infestation becomes severe.
Pruning serves two main purposes: training the young tree and maintaining the health and productivity of the mature tree. Pruning stone fruit like the cherry plum is best performed in the summer, after the harvest in late July or August, or during the dormant season in late winter. Summer pruning helps reduce the risk of contracting silver leaf disease and bacterial canker, which can enter through fresh wounds in wet weather.
Training the Tree
For training, you can shape the young tree into a central leader form, which maintains a single dominant upright trunk, or an open vase shape. An open vase shape promotes better light penetration and air circulation.
Maintenance Pruning
Maintenance pruning involves removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, along with crossing or rubbing branches. This thinning increases airflow throughout the canopy, reducing disease pressure and ensuring high-quality fruit.
Timing the Harvest and Storage
Determining the exact time to harvest cherry plums relies on visual cues and touch, as the fruit does not ripen significantly once removed from the tree. The fruit is ready when it has reached its full color (yellow, red, or purple, depending on the variety) and feels slightly soft when gently squeezed. A reliable indicator is the ease with which the fruit detaches; a ripe plum will come away with a gentle twist and minimal pulling.
Picking the fruit requires care to avoid damaging the tree’s fruiting spurs. It is often necessary to pick the tree multiple times over a two-week period, as all the fruit will not ripen simultaneously. Prompt harvesting also helps prevent birds from dominating the crop and reduces the mess of overripe fruit falling to the ground.
Freshly picked cherry plums can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days if they need to soften slightly. For longer preservation, immediate refrigeration is required. Store the fruit unwashed in a breathable container, such as a perforated plastic bag, where they will maintain quality for up to a week. The fruit is excellent for eating straight from the tree, or it can be used to make jams, jellies, or preserves.