How to Grow Governor Wood Cherry

Governor Wood Cherry

Prunus avium 'Governor Wood'

tree

Governor Wood is a classic sweet cherry cultivar known for its light yellow skin with red blush and excellent sweet flavor. This medium-sized tree produces medium to large fruits and is valued for both fresh eating and ornamental appeal. It is a mid-season variety that blooms in spring and requires cross-pollination from a compatible cherry cultivar.

When should you plant Governor Wood Cherry in your zone?

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Example Governor Wood Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Governor Wood Cherry
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Governor Wood Cherry
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Governor Wood Cherry dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Moderate and consistent moisture during growing season; approximately 1-1.5 inches per week. Reduce watering after fruit set. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

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Spacing: 300 inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (3-4 years from planting to first production)

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Planting depth: Graft union should be 2-3 inches above soil level; plant depth same as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost organic matter perlite if drainage is poor

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-7, hardy to zone 4b

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

Dormancy & Establishment

October-March

Tree is bare or leafless; root system establishes in soil

Plant in late fall or early spring when dormant. Water deeply after planting. Mulch around base. Ensure graft union is properly positioned.

Spring Growth & Flowering

March-May

Leaves emerge; abundant pink-white flower clusters appear

Monitor for late spring frosts that can damage flowers. Thin competing stems. Maintain consistent moisture.

Fruit Development

May-June

Small green fruits form after pollination; grow and begin to color

Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart to improve size and quality. Provide consistent water (1-2 inches per week). Support heavy branches with props.

Ripening & Harvest

June-July

Fruits turn light yellow with red blush; flesh becomes firm and sweet

Watch for bird predation. Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Prune dead or crossing branches.

Post-Harvest & Dormancy

July-October

Tree produces new growth; foliage matures before senescence

Pruning can be done in late summer or fall. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Monitor for pests and diseases. Prepare for winter dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Bing Cherry Black Tartarian Cherry Napoleon Cherry Rainier Cherry Stella Cherry

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut grass (competing root zone)

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early summer; prune affected leaves
Use strong water spray to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps; apply spinosad if severe
Remove affected fruits; improve air circulation; apply sulfur or copper fungicide at bloom
Remove infected leaves; apply copper fungicide; ensure good drainage and air circulation
Use bird netting over ripening fruits; hang reflective tape or bird scare devices

Uses

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Fresh eating and preserves

Culinary

Governor Wood cherries are prized for eating fresh due to their sweet, delicate flavor and attractive appearance. They are also excellent for making jams, juices, and desserts. [source]

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Baking and cooking

Culinary

These cherries work well in pies, cobblers, and other baked goods. Their firm flesh holds up well during cooking. [source]

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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

Medicinal

Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins and other polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]

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Ornamental landscape tree

Household

Governor Wood is valued as an ornamental for spring flowers and attractive foliage, making it suitable for larger gardens and small orchards. [source]

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Wildlife food source

Wildlife

The fruits provide food for birds and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing garden biodiversity. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pick when fully colored (light yellow with red blush) and fruits yield slightly to gentle pressure, typically in late June or early July. Harvest in early morning for best flavor and quality. Leave the stem attached. Chill promptly after picking. A mature tree yields 30-50 pounds of fruit annually.

Fun Facts

🌱 Governor Wood cherry was named after John Wood, the Governor of Connecticut in the early 1800s, and is one of the oldest documented sweet cherry cultivars in North America.
🌱 This cultivar is self-sterile and requires cross-pollination from another sweet cherry variety that blooms at the same time, such as Bing or Black Tartarian.
🌱 The elegant pale yellow fruit with red blush is distinctive among cherry varieties and was historically favored by commercial growers before modern cultivars dominated the market.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Pollination

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