Why isn't my cherry tree producing fruit?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing cherry trees that produce fruit start by identifying potential problems. Young trees can take 4-10 years before they set fruit. My ‘Stella' set fruit in year five. No flowers? Review the pollination needs. Some varieties, like ‘Lapins', are self-fertile and don't need a partner for pollen. Over-pruning or poor soil can also cause fruit production to fail.
Common Causes
- Immaturity: Trees under 4 years rarely fruit.
- Pollination gaps: Plant partners within 50 ft (15 m).
- Over-pruning: Remove <25% of branches yearly.
- Nutrient imbalance: Test soil pH (6.0-7.0).
Solutions
- Add self-fertile varieties like ‘Stella'.
- Prune in late winter, not fall.
- Apply 5-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
- Test soil and add lime/sulfur as needed.
Get your soil tested if you have yellowing leaves or an abrupt stall in growth. My clay soil was at a pH of 5.2, and it took 2 lbs (0.9 kg) of lime per 100 sq ft to correct it. Also, don't use high-nitrogen feeds as they make leaves grow twice as fast, but don't produce fruit. I also recommend using bone meal for phosphorus to produce more blooms.
Prune with discretion and intention. Start by removing any wood that is dead, then work to thin branches that are growing inward. I over-pruned a ‘Bing' once and it took two years to recover. Make sure the tools you use are sharp and sanitized. You may seal any larger cuts with pruning paint to keep borers from entering.
Increase pollination by planting dill or lavender plants nearby. First, the bees go to the dill or lavender, and then to the cherry blossoms. Keep birds off your fruit with netting but remove after harvest. Track progress year by year - consider a journal to note patterns like blooms that freeze out from frost.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cherry Trees From Seed or Sapling
