Can I grow cherry trees in containers?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To grow cherry trees in containers, start with the dwarf varieties called 'Stella' or 'Compact Stella'. I've grown both varieties on my patio with great success. Choose 25-gallon pots with drainage holes. Growing trees in containers allows you to control the soil and you can move the trees to wherever sunlight is best.
Pot Selection
- Size: Minimum 25 gallons (95 liters) for root space.
- Drainage: 3-5 holes + gravel layer to prevent rot.
- Material: Terracotta or fabric pots for breathability.
Seasonal Care
- Fertilize: Low-nitrogen (5-10-10) monthly in growing season.
- Sunlight: 6+ hours daily, rotate pots for even exposure.
- Repot: Refresh soil every 3-4 years; trim circling roots.
I utilize soil that drains properly, I mix 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, and 20% compost. Do not use garden soil, it compacts in pots. I fertilize with 5-10-10 in the spring. You want to avoid overfeeding with nitrogen as it will produce leaves and not fruit. On my first go, I couldn't have healthier foliage but zero cherries.
Position pots on wheeled bases to track sunlight. In the winter months, place root insulation around the roots with burlap or move the whole container into a garage. I recommend pruning them once a year in late winter. I keep my 'Stella' at 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. Container trees will stay smaller when compared to trees planted in the ground.
Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry a bit. Do not drown the roots; use a moisture meter for peace of mind. My self-watering pots helped eliminate the mystery. You should harvest the fruit when it feels firm. Cherries grown in containers ripen 1-2 weeks earlier than cherries grown in orchards; a sweet bonus!
Read the full article: How to Grow Cherry Trees From Seed or Sapling
