Hardy Fruit Tree
Ideal For:
Border
Flowers:
April, May
Self fertile and easy to grow; Stella remains the most popular dessert cherry. White cherry blossom appear in spring followed by an abundant crop of large, dark-red, sweet fruit in late July. Initially growing with an upright habit, it will gradually spread as it matures. Height: 4m if left unpruned but can easily be maintained to just 275cm (9’).Rootstock: Gisella 5
How to Grow
Cherry Stella
Plant the cherry tree in a sunny border in any well drained soil.
Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole.
Fruit trees should be fastened to a stake to prevent them from rocking in windy weather. Drive the stake into the ground prior to planting. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball of the tree.
Plant fruit trees at the same soil level as they were in their original pots and firm them into the ground.
Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well.
Aftercare
In spring, while the ground is moist, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the tree. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer.
Feed and water cherry trees regularly throughout the summer, particularly during their first two years.
Fruit trees do not suffer weed competition well. Keep weeds and grass clear from within a 30cm radius of base of the tree.
Pruning cherry trees can be undertaken in summer to improve their shape and remove any damaged or crowded branches.
