Best 6 Cherry Trees To Grow In Houston
Cherry trees are successfully cultivated in Houston. Cherry trees grow exceptionally well in Houston. Besides selecting the right cherry trees, soil amendment is important for a tree’s survival.
Make sure the tree you choose is appropriate for the area where you live. Cherry trees that grow well in Houston are the black cherry trees (Prunus serotina). The USDA Native Plants Database indicates that four different varieties of black cherry and one variety of chokecherry grow in Houston.
You can make use of the database to find out what varieties grow best in your area. Prunus serotina variety 391 is listed in the database. In southern Houston, Eximia is found only in a few counties, while virens will grow in Big Bend.
Place the tree in a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root system of the tree you are planting. You will need to lightly score the roots of a tree that was containerized with your fingers in order to promote root growth. To avoid moisture shock, the Cooperative Extension Service at Houston A&M recommends soaking the roots in water before planting.
Backfill the hole with soil around the plant and place it in the hole. After you’ve finished, lightly tamp down the soil surrounding the cherry tree’s roots. Avoid burying the plant; this can lead to root suffocation and serious problems. When you are done planting, the top of the roots should be level with the ground.
If the watering is extended (15 to 20 minutes), provide a slow trickle of water. It is crucial for survival that the root system of a plant grow deep and dense. You can water it slowly in order to enable the root system to deepen into the soil. Once your tree has established itself, continue to water it regularly (about twice a week).
A light layer of fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and soaked in. To determine how much product to use on your particular plant, follow the package instructions.
Although some areas in Houston have high potassium soils, a 13-13-13 fertilizer should work there as well. If you are not sure what fertilizer to use, local garden centers and cooperative extension offices can assist you.
Montmorency Cherry Tree
Many centuries ago, farmers in France’s Montmorency Valley began cultivating the Montmorency Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘Montmorency’). Having become the most popular variety of sour cherry is due…well…to the fact that it is simply the best!
When pressed, they yield a strong, clear, tangy juice that is irresistible once you try it. These cherries are bright-red with yellow flesh. The slightly sour flavor of this fruit makes it an excellent pie filling.
Also try it in cobblers or other types of desserts. It is possible to make tasty preserves with these tart berries or even freeze them for later use. They can also be dried and used as a healthy snack.
Van Cherry Tree
Van Cherry Trees (Prunus avium ‘Van’) have a well-deserved reputation as some of the best cherries for home growing. The cherry tree is one of the hardiest varieties of sweet cherries, and it has been widely prized for its stunning ornamental qualities!
Its lovely snow-white flowers, smothering it in clusters every spring, create a wonderful display for the neighbors.
Growing it is a pleasure for gardeners, because its glossy, serrated leaves and upright, round form are appealing to both front and backyard landscape design.
The dark-red cherries, hanging from the leaves, entice you upward for a sweet and tart treat.
Lapins Cherry Tree
When you purchase the Lapins Cherry Tree, the irresistible sweetness of cherries will become a summer family tradition. You can expect 15 gallons of succulent fruit after harvest.
Within just one year, you will have this sweet harvest. The first year of blossoms is followed by a summer bounty of sweet cherries.
In addition, it thrives in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of temperatures down to -10 degrees, which allows it to produce fruit on its own, without needing other pollinators.
Bing Cherry Tree
Bing cherries are notable for their delicious taste even in their first year. You often need to wait years for harvest when you plant other kinds of trees or plants from seed.
It thrives in diverse soil types and is drought-tolerant, so it breaks the mold.
Dark cherries are one of the most popular dark fruits found at the grocery store. However, growing your own doesn’t involve frequent trips to the supermarket since you’re growing it right at home.
Bing Cherry Trees can be grown organically, without pesticides. As a result, you get the most nutritious fruit to snack on, bake with, and more.
Early Richmond Cherry Tree
Cherry trees are prized for their high yield and ornamental qualities, and the Early Richmond Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus ‘Early Richmond’) is no exception!
This delicious cherry has been growing in England since the early 1500s, and they brought it over with settlers to colonial America.
Early Richmond blooms profusely each spring with abundant white flowers. The glossy, dark green foliage of this rounded tree provides a stark contrast against the red cherries that begin to hang heavy in the summer, warmed by the sun.
Early Richmond cherry trees produce a bounty of sour cherries in the late spring, ripening up to a week earlier than other trees.
The Early Richmond is great for cooking, canning, and preserving as well as eating them straight from the tree.
Those classic red pie cherries are a heavy producer and firm, full of juice! You’ll get tons of the medium-sized fruit from this tree!
North Star Cherry Tree
In 1950, the University of Minnesota introduced the dwarf North Star Cherry Tree, a cherry tree known for its abundance, speedy and delicious fruit production, as well as its cold hardiness and adaptability to varying climates.
Moreover, the North Star cherry is considered to be especially versatile, since its plump, tart cherries make excellent snacking apples as well as a wonderful ingredient for baking.
Its dwarf size means it can be placed anywhere, regardless of how large or small the area is.
As a self-fertile tree, it has amazing adaptability, so it is an excellent producer in all kinds of landscapes.
There may not need to be another cherry tree in order for it to fruit, but more trees mean even larger quantities of cherry fruits.
