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Cherry blossom trees are beautiful and vibrant, but they're also finicky and hard to grow. The cherry blossom tree's name comes from the soft and pretty blossoms they produce, and range in color from hot pink to creamy white. If you'd like to grow your own cherry blossom tree, choose a consult a nursery or landscaper before beginning. Then, pick a sheltered spot with full to partial sun and rich, deep soil. Plant your tree, then feed, water, and stake it, before surrounding the root area with wood chips.
Steps
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Choose the type of cherry blossom tree you want. There are actually a variety of different cherry blossom trees available, each with different features. The Yoshino cherry tree grows quickly and has wide-spreading branches, while the Okame cherry tree has a rounded appearance and is a bit smaller. [1] X Research source
- The Kwanzan cherry tree is a tall tree that provides enough space to walk beneath it and admire it's bunches of blooms.
- There are also several kinds of weeping cherry trees, and you can choose one by size, if you have a specific spot to fill.
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Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade. In order to blossom, your cherry tree will need lots of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. [2] X Research source If possible, choose a spot that is elevated compared to the rest of your lawn or garden to keep cold air from settling around your cherry tree. [3] X Research source
- Cherry blossom trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. [4] X Research source
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Select a space with deep, fertile soil. The soil beneath your cherry tree should be rich and deep. It's important that the soil is moist, but well-draining. Cherry trees can adapt to several soil types, but do better in acidic than alkaline environments. [5] X Research source
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Procure a one- to two-year-old tree . Nurseries sell cherry blossom tree planting stock as young trees, rather than seeds. Choose a tree in the type you have selected that is one- to two-years-old and that has been grown in an environment similar to the one you plan to transfer the tree too (i.e. sun exposure, soil type). [6] X Research source
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Plant your cherry blossom tree after the last frost. To ensure your new tree thrives, plant it after the last frost of the season. Do an Internet search to find the average frost dates based on your location. [7] X Research source
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Space your tree 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) from other foliage. A cherry blossom tree needs lots of room to grow. Plant the tree 10 to 20 ft (3 to 6 m) from other trees, shrubs, flowers, or foliage. This also helps reduce the spread of pests or diseases between plants.
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Prepare a hole for the tree. Dig a 2 feet (0.61 m) by 2 ft (60.1 cm by 60.1 cm) hole that is 1 ft (30.5 cm) deep by in your chosen location. Layer a small amount of organic matter in the bottom of the hole. [8] X Research source
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Place your tree in the hole. Carefully put your young tree in the hole. Make sure the surrounding soil is level with the top of the roots of the tree. Add or remove soil from the bottom of the hole if necessary. [9] X Research source
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Fill the hole with soil. Mix organic matter in with the soil you removed from the hole and fill in the area around the cherry blossom tree. Level out the soil with the surrounding area and tamp it down firmly. [10] X Research source
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Stake the tree to the surrounding area. To reduce movement due to strong winds, use tree ties to anchor your tree to two tree stakes. Place the stakes opposite each other, 2-2.5 ft (60.1-76.2 cm) from the trunk of the tree. Attach one tree tie from each stake to the trunk of the tree, about one-third of the way up the trunk. [11] X Research source
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Water the tree thoroughly. Water the area thoroughly until moist to set the soil in place. Let the soil drain well, as cherry blossom trees don't do well when sitting in soggy areas. [12] X Research source
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Fertilize your tree after watering. Sprinkle all-purpose fertilizer around the roots of your cherry tree. Choose a granular kind, rather than a liquid, as it will slowly release nutrients into the soil that surrounds the roots of your tree. [13] X Research source
- To determine what type of fertilizer to use, pick up a soil test from any garden center. If your soil is deficient in any specific nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, or magnesium, choose a fertilizer that will add more of that nutrient. Otherwise, just use a 10-10-10 all-purpose fertilizer. [14]
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Expert Source
Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- To determine what type of fertilizer to use, pick up a soil test from any garden center. If your soil is deficient in any specific nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, or magnesium, choose a fertilizer that will add more of that nutrient. Otherwise, just use a 10-10-10 all-purpose fertilizer. [14]
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Expert Source
Matt Bowman
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Surround the root area with bark or wood chips. Cover the root area with bark, wood chips, or garden compost to protect the roots. Layer 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) of the material in a 2-ft-wide (60.1-cm-wide) circle around the tree trunk. This helps protect the tree roots from extreme temperature changes. [15] X Research source
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Water only during a drought. Cherry blossom trees do not require much care after planting. They will receive enough water from the natural environment, so only water them during extremely dry periods of the summer. If the leaves are wilting or the soil has begun to crack, give your tree a long drink. [16] X Research source
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Avoid pruning your tree. There's usually no reason to prune your tree, but if you find it to be absolutely necessary, do so between May and August, which is when the tree is actively growing. [17] X Research source
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Fertilize your tree in the spring. Apply a general granular fertilizer to your tree once per year, in the spring. Sprinkle the granules around the base of the tree so nutrients can be absorbed through the root system. [18] X Research source
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Enjoy your brilliant, beautiful cherry blossoms! Flowering cherry trees grow at a rate of between 1 and 2 ft (30.5 to 60.1 cm) per year. [19] X Research source Even young trees will bloom, and they begin to flower at the first sign of spring, usually around April, depending on where you live. [20] X Research source
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Look out for aphids. If you aren't able to see the little bugs, look out for curling leaves. Black cherry aphids leave behind secretions that infect the twigs and leaves of cherry blossom trees. Treat the tree with insecticide to remove the aphids. [21] X Research source
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Inspect the joints and branches of the tree. If you see small growths on the joints or branches (usually light brown in color), your tree may be suffering from black knot fungus. Remove the affected branches to prevent the disease from spreading to the rest of the tree. [22] X Research source
- To control fungal diseases, soak your pruning tools in alcohol after using them on an infected plant or tree.
- If you see branches in the spring or summer that don't have any leaves on them, it could indicate that branch is damaged. [23]
X
Expert Source
Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
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Examine the leaves of the tree. Watch out for a gray or silver appearance of the leaves on your tree. This silver leaf fungus occurs when branches begin to die, so cut back diseased branches immediately. [24] X Research source
- Watch the bark, as well. If you see white, flaky scaling, for instance, it could indicate that there's a pest living in the tree. [25]
X
Expert Source
Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- Watch the bark, as well. If you see white, flaky scaling, for instance, it could indicate that there's a pest living in the tree. [25]
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Expert Source
Matt Bowman
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo cherry trees need a lot of water?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.No, they do not need a lot of care with water, but if the top of the soil around the tree is dry, feel free to water to avoid drought stress.
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QuestionHow long does it take for a cherry tree to produce?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.Generally, it takes about 7-10 years for a cherry tree to start bearing fruit.
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QuestionCan you grow a cherry tree from a seed?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.Yes. Take 3 cherry pits and put them into a jar filled with planting soil and keep it watered. Once the cherry plant blooms to about 2 inches, thin the weakest of them and leave the strongest to continue.
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Tips
- Speak to a landscaper or nursery employee to help you determine if you have the ideal climate for growing a cherry blossom tree.Thanks
- If you plant your cherry blossom tree beside a path, the faded spring blossoms will drop to the surface to create a confetti of dainty petals.Thanks
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Warnings
- Watch the moss. Use a garden hose or hands to keep the moss of branches that can inhibit growth.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/growing-cherry-trees#growing0cherry-trees
- ↑ https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=812
- ↑ https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/cherry-blossom
- ↑ https://www.thetreecenter.com/all-about-cherry-blossom-tree/
- ↑ https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/cherry-blossom
- ↑ https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/cherry-blossom
- ↑ http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/457845/How-to-plant-a-winter-flowering-cherry-tree-to-brighten-up-your-garden
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/plant-finder/trees/flowering-cherries
- ↑ https://www.thetreecenter.com/all-about-cherry-blossom-tree/
- ↑ https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/cherry-blossom
- ↑ https://www.thetreecenter.com/all-about-cherry-blossom-tree/
- ↑ https://www.thetreecenter.com/all-about-cherry-blossom-tree/
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.thetreecenter.com/all-about-cherry-blossom-tree/
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To grow a cherry blossom tree, start by getting a young tree that's 2-3 years old from a nursery. Once you have your tree, plant it in a sunny spot that has deep, fertile soil. Tie the tree to some stakes in the ground to protect it from strong gusts of wind until it gets more established. After you plant your tree, don't worry about watering it regularly unless you experience a drought. To help your cherry blossom grow healthy and strong, apply a general fertilizer every spring. To learn how to plant a cherry blossom in the ground, scroll down!
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