Description
Sweetheart cherry is a late-season sweet cherry known for its large, firm, dark red fruit and excellent sweet flavour. It is highly productive and valued for extending the cherry harvest season. Fruit is ideal for fresh eating and has good crack resistance.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong growth and high-quality fruit.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water deeply during dry periods. Avoid excess moisture near harvest to reduce fruit cracking.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Slightly acidic to neutral pH works well.
Fertilizing: Apply compost or a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before growth begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Pruning: Prune in late winter while dormant or in summer after harvest. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain an open canopy.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Support: Young trees may need staking for the first year or two. Mature trees usually do not require support.
Pollination: Self-fertile. Does not require a pollinator, but planting with other sweet cherries can improve yield.
Harvesting: Harvest in late summer when cherries are fully colored, firm, and sweet. Fruit should detach easily with the stem.