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Prunus spp.

Cherries

An early-blooming stone fruit whose success depends on cultivar, pollination and open structure.

Grows in Zones 4–8Reviewed guide
Cherries growing or ready to harvestPhoto: Gerda Arendt · CC0

Set your expectations

How long until you can harvest?

Usually 3–5 years from a grafted tree
Cold-weather noteThe tree may survive winter while late frost still damages flowers and reduces fruit.
Start withA grafted nursery tree
Life cycleLong-lived fruit or nut tree
DifficultyAdvanced

Your seasonal plan

When to grow cherries in Zone 6.

Planting usually begins later in spring than it does in warmer zones. These are useful planning windows, not exact weather guarantees.

Typical planting windowMarch–April
Typical harvest windowJune–July

Growing essentials

What cherries need to thrive.

Use the practical details below with your Zone 6 timeline. Current weather and the variety you choose can shift timing.

LightFull sun with good air movement
SoilDeep, well-drained soil; avoid low frost pockets and waterlogged sites
Planting depthBase of the trunk, where it widens into the roots, level with the soil
Spacing12–20 ft
WaterDeeply water the root zone during establishment; avoid frequent shallow irrigation.
Best conditionsChoose a variety with suitable winter hardiness and required hours of winter cold.

How to plant

Plant it well.

Plant bare-root trees while they are resting in late winter or early spring, or plant container trees during mild weather. Keep the base of the trunk visible above the soil and the visible bump where the tree was grafted above soil.

Indoors or containers

Not an indoor crop. Dwarf trees may grow in large outdoor containers with winter protection.

Keep it growing

Care through the season.

  • Train young trees to a strong open structure.
  • Mulch broadly but keep mulch away from the trunk.
  • Thin crowded fruit when recommended and remove fallen fruit.
What to avoid

Planting too deeply or choosing a variety with the wrong required hours of winter cold.

Ready to harvest

Know the cue, not just the date.

  • Pick at full variety color and flavor; sweet cherries store best with stems attached.
  • Harvest during the cool part of the day when practical. Use clean tools, then cool, store or use the harvest promptly.

Detailed plant guide

Choose a sunny site and verify pollination needs before buying.

Best timing: Early spring while the tree is dormant.

  1. 1

    Plant in well-drained soil with good air movement.

  2. 2

    Keep the visible bump where the tree was grafted above soil and the base of the trunk where it widens into the roots visible.

  3. 3

    Plant a compatible variety if the selected cherry is not self-fruitful.

How we know

Reviewed, traceable guidance.

This guide summarizes guidance from university Extension programs and combines it with practical seasonal planning.

Growing stone fruits in the home gardenUniversity of Minnesota Extension

October 2026