Cultivating Flora

How to Grow Tart cherries in Minnesota

If you’re a gardening enthusiast in Minnesota, you might be considering adding tart cherries to your landscape. Tart cherries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They are perfect for pies, jams, and even as a healthy snack. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully grow tart cherries in Minnesota’s unique climate.

Understanding Tart Cherries

Tart cherries, often referred to as sour cherries, belong to the Prunus cerasus species. Unlike their sweet counterparts (Prunus avium), tart cherries have a higher acidity level which gives them their distinctive flavor. Popular varieties of tart cherries include Montmorency and Morello, both of which adapt well to Minnesota’s climate.

Benefits of Growing Tart Cherries

  1. Nutritional Value: Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  2. Versatile Uses: They can be used in desserts, beverages, marinades, and salads.
  3. Wildlife Friendly: Cherry trees attract birds and beneficial insects.
  4. Ornamental Appeal: The trees bloom with beautiful flowers, adding aesthetic value to your garden.

Selecting the Right Variety

When it comes to growing tart cherries in Minnesota, selecting the right variety is crucial. The following varieties are well-suited for the region:

Montmorency

The Montmorency cherry is one of the most popular tart cherry varieties in the U.S. It is known for its bright red color and robust flavor. This variety is self-pollinating but will yield a better harvest if planted alongside other varieties.

Balaton

The Balaton cherry is a newer variety that has gained popularity due to its sweetness and large fruit size. It is also known for its resistance to diseases common in cherry trees.

North Star

The North Star variety is a dwarf tart cherry tree that produces high-quality fruit. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, and it also offers good cold hardiness.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate Requirements

Minnesota typically experiences cold winters and warm summers, making it ideal for growing tart cherries. These trees require a chilling period (below 45°F) during winter months to produce fruit effectively.

Soil Conditions

Tart cherry trees prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Sandy loam or sandy soil works best for their growth. Ensure that your planting site has good drainage to avoid root rot.

Sunlight Needs

Cherry trees thrive in full sun conditions. Aim for a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Planting Tart Cherry Trees

When to Plant

The best time to plant tart cherry trees in Minnesota is in early spring (April) or late fall (October). This timing allows the trees to establish their roots before facing extreme temperatures.

How to Plant

  1. Choose Your Site: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Test the soil’s pH and amend if necessary. You can add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
  3. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide but no deeper than the root ball of the sapling.
  4. Planting: Place the tree into the hole and fill it with soil while ensuring that the graft joint (swelling on the trunk) is above ground level.
  5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and continue regular watering for about two years until the tree becomes established.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

Monitor your cherry tree’s moisture levels regularly, especially during dry spells in summer. Cherry trees typically need about an inch of water each week during their growing season.

Fertilization

Cherry trees benefit from balanced fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium but low in nitrogen once they are established (after two years). You can apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain tree shape while promoting airflow and sunlight penetration:

  1. When to Prune: Late winter or early spring before buds break.
  2. How to Prune: Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas inside the canopy.

Pest and Disease Management

Tart cherries are susceptible to several pests and diseases such as aphids, cherry fruit flies, brown rot, and powdery mildew:

Harvesting Tart Cherries

Tart cherries typically ripen in mid-summer (July). Here are some tips for harvesting:

  1. Timing: Harvest when the fruits turn bright red but maintain firmness.
  2. Method: Gently twist or pull the cherries from the stem instead of yanking them off to avoid damaging the branches.
  3. Storage: Freshly harvested cherries can be stored in refrigeration for about one week or frozen for long-term preservation.

Common Challenges

While growing tart cherries can be rewarding, there are challenges unique to Minnesota gardeners:

Cold Weather

Late frosts can damage blossoms; thus, select frost-resistant varieties and plant them in protected areas if possible.

Birds

Birds love tart cherries! Use netting or scare tactics like reflective tape to deter them from feasting on your crop before you can harvest it.

Limited Space

If space is an issue, consider dwarf varieties like North Star that fit well even in smaller gardens while still producing abundant fruit.

Conclusion

Growing tart cherries in Minnesota offers numerous benefits from delicious pies to health advantages due to their nutritional profile. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing your planting site adequately, providing continuous care through watering, fertilization, pruning, pest control, and harvesting at the right time, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown tart cherries each summer.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, cultivating these delectable fruits will not only enhance your garden’s appeal but also provide you with a bountiful harvest year after year! Embrace the joys of home gardening by planting tart cherry trees today!