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New seasons trees are freshly potted each winter, be aware that most of the potting mix may fall away from around the roots at this time, and it is important, therefore, you DO NOT pick your tree up by the trunk as you can break the fine feeder roots developing and that you plant the tree immediately as having the roots exposed can damage the plant. 

Fruiting Cherry trees are hardy and easy to grow.  Most will grow to 5 m +, they like some chill, but as with most fruit trees, there are varieties that will grow in warmer weather.  Cherry, even self-fertile varieties, will yield better if they have a pollination partner.

Plant your tree ...

Plant trees at approx. 4 m spacings.  

Remove the label from the branch before planting your tree, as this can scar and damage the bark of your tree.

Plant in a sunny, sheltered position where there is good top soil.  Dig a hole larger than the bag that the tree came in; and mix the soil in the bottom of the hole to a crumbly consistency. Don’t add compost or green organic matter to the hole as compost tends to absorb excessive moisture and may cause new roots to rot.  

We recommend staking your tree to avoid wind rock and possible root damage; put the stakes around the outside of the hole, before the tree goes in. Stakes should be robust and sturdy. 

Plant your tree no deeper than the soil line in the bag.  

Cut the bottom of the bag away and sit your tree in the hole; when you’re happy it is at the correct height, add some soil around the outside of the tree to hold in place, then cut the bag up each side and remove the bag completely.  Pressing the soil firmly in place with your hands as you go, continue to add soil until the hole is filled to ground level.

Add good quality compost/mulch on the soil surface, keeping it approx. 20 cm away from the tree trunk – if touching the trunk, it may cause rot.  Add controlled or slow release fertiliser to the soil surface, around the drip-line - the rain, watering or organisms will distribute this food.

It is important to regularly water newly planted cherry trees and water the tree during dry periods.  Pick the fruit with the stalks on for longer storage, that is if you can resist eating them straight off the tree. Fruiting in 2 - 3 years after planting. 

After Care ...

Add fertiliser to cherry trees in spring and summer to maximise flowering and fruiting. Spray in winter with Copper Oxychloride and Conqueror oil, then and Lime Sulphur.  Spray the Lime Sulphur at least 2 weeks after Copper Oxychloride/Conquerer Oil mix, as they are incompatible.

If you require other seasonal information on trees, then please check out our website for information on how to grow and care for your trees.

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Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: