How to Grow Cherry and Plum (Prunus species)
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Cherry and Plum (Prunus species)
Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina
treeCherry and plum trees are deciduous fruit trees belonging to the Prunus genus, prized for their sweet or tart fruits and ornamental spring blossoms. These trees range from 15-40 feet tall depending on variety and rootstock, producing abundant fruit in early to mid-summer. Both are relatively cold-hardy and long-lived, often producing fruit for 20+ years.
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Example Cherry and Plum (Prunus species) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cherry and Plum (Prunus species)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cherry and Plum (Prunus species)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Cherries thrive in zones 4-8; plums in zones 4-9. Sweet cherries prefer cooler climates; sour cherries are more cold-hardy
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Get my Cherry and Plum (Prunus species) timeline →Growth Stages
Dormant/Establishment
First 1-2 yearsBare branches in winter; tree focuses on root development and branch framework
Plant in fall or early spring. Stake young trees for first 1-2 years. Remove competing central leaders to create open-center or modified central-leader form
Vegetative/Canopy Development
Years 2-3Spring growth with leaves and branch extension; no flowering yet or minimal flowers
Prune to establish scaffold branches. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Thin competing shoots. Install support if needed
Flowering
2-4 weeksAbundant white or pink blossoms in early spring (late March-April in most zones); requires pollination for fruit set
Many varieties need cross-pollination—plant compatible pollinizer variety nearby. Protect from late frost if possible. Do not fertilize heavily during bloom to avoid vegetative growth at fruit set expense
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruitlets form and gradually enlarge and color over 6-8 weeks; fruit reaches full size and sugar content increases
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart on cherries, 6-8 inches on plums for larger individual fruits. Water consistently. Apply light fertilizer if needed. Monitor for pests and diseases
Harvest/Mature Fruit
1-2 weeks peak harvestFruit reaches full color and sugar content; ready for picking. Cherries turn deep red/dark; plums develop full varietal color (red, purple, yellow, or blue)
Harvest when fully ripe (will not ripen further after picking). Use two hands—twist and lift gently to avoid branch damage. Harvest within 1-2 weeks of peak ripeness before over-ripening or bird damage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove dropped fruit daily; apply neem oil or spinosad during fruit development; place drop cloths under tree and shake branches to catch beetles
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Prune infested twigs and burn; apply pheromone traps; use carbaryl or spinosad spray during peak egg-laying periods
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Yellow sticky traps; sanitary removal of all fruit debris; apply spinosad or carbaryl when adults are active (mid-June–July)
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Prune out infected twigs and mummified fruit; improve air circulation; apply sulfur or copper fungicides during wet spring; sanitation
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Prune out infected branches 6-12 inches below visible knots; burn infected wood; improve tree vigor and drainage
Uses
Fresh fruit, jams, and preserves
CulinarySweet cherries are delicious eaten fresh; both cherries and plums are excellent for making jams, pies, and preserves. High pectin content in some varieties aids natural gel formation in jams. [source]
Cooking and baking
CulinarySour or tart cherry varieties are ideal for pies, cobblers, and sauces where their acidity balances sweetness. Plums work well in compotes, glazes for meat, and desserts. [source]
Anti-inflammatory and digestive support
MedicinalCherry juice and whole cherries contain anthocyanins and other polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Plums are high in sorbitol, a natural laxative that supports digestive health. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife food
WildlifeCherry and plum blossoms provide early-season nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Fruit feeds birds and small mammals. [source]
Ornamental landscape value
CraftSpring blossoms provide stunning early color in gardens and landscapes. Many varieties are planted as dual-purpose fruit and ornamental trees. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cherries and plums do not ripen after picking—harvest when fully colored and sweet-tasting. For cherries, harvest by hand with the stem intact by gently twisting and lifting. For plums, pick when fully colored and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Morning harvest is best for juiciness. Use two hands to avoid branch breakage. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak ripeness to prevent over-ripening and bird losses. Some varieties (especially plums) benefit from leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sweet cherry trees require cross-pollination from a different compatible variety to set fruit, while most sour cherry varieties are self-fertile. Some sweet cherry varieties are graft-incompatible and cannot be planted together, requiring careful variety selection.
- 🌱 Cherry trees have been cultivated for over 2,000 years; the modern sweet cherry is believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent and was spread by birds and trade routes. Japanese flowering cherries (Prunus serrulata) are ornamental derivatives, not fruiting types.
- 🌱 Plums exhibit remarkable genetic flexibility: the Japanese plum, European plum, and American plum are distinct species that can sometimes be hybridized, leading to thousands of cultivar possibilities. A single mature plum tree can produce 50-100 pounds of fruit in a good year.
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