Fact-check log

The RHS says cherry trees are an asset to any garden, with pretty spring flowers that attract pollinators, delicious fruits and bright autumn foliage. RHS

Cherry trees produce either sweet cherries for eating fresh or acid cherries for cooking, the RHS says, and come in various sizes to suit most gardens. RHS

If space is tight, the RHS says, you can grow a fan-trained cherry flat against a wall or fence, or even a compact tree in a large container. RHS

Cherries grow well in fertile soil that doesn’t get waterlogged or dry out for long spells, the same guide says. RHS

For the sweetest fruits, the RHS says, plant in a sunny spot, although acid cherries will also crop well in partial shade. RHS

Many modern varieties are self-fertile, which means you only need one tree for a good crop, the RHS says. RHS

Birds love cherries, the RHS says, so it’s best to net the tree or grow it in a fruit cage if you want the whole crop for yourself. RHS

There are two main types of cherry, the RHS says: sweet cherries, derived from Prunus avium, which are delicious eaten fresh and best grown in a sunny position. RHS

Acid cherries, derived from Prunus cerasus, are excellent for cooking and grow well in sun or partial shade, the same page says. RHS

There are many varieties of each type, the RHS says, producing either red, near black or yellow fruit, from early to late summer. RHS

Acid cherries are self-fertile, so you only need one tree, the RHS says. RHS

Many modern varieties of sweet cherries are self-fertile, while others need a pollination partner — another cherry nearby that flowers at a similar time — to ensure a good crop. RHS

Even self-fertile trees usually produce a larger crop when there’s a compatible pollination partner nearby, the RHS says. But if you only have room for one tree, be sure to buy a self-fertile variety. RHS

When choosing a variety, the RHS says, look for those with an Award of Garden Merit (AGM), recommended by RHS fruit experts as they performed well in trials. RHS

If you want a reliable crop, the RHS says, it’s worth investing in a good-quality grafted tree of your chosen variety, bought from a reputable supplier. RHS

Cherry trees sold commercially are usually grafted onto the roots (rootstock) of a different variety that controls the tree’s size and vigour, the RHS says. Ungrafted cherries grow into large trees that aren’t suitable for smaller gardens. RHS

The most popular cherry rootstocks, the grow guide says, include ‘Gisela 5’, a semi-dwarfing rootstock that restricts trees to 3–4m (10–13ft) tall, so suitable for smaller gardens and containers. RHS

Trees trained as fans on ‘Gisela 5’, that page says, will reach about 1.8m (6ft) tall and 3.5m (12ft) wide. RHS

‘Colt’ is a semi-vigorous rootstock, the same guide says, producing trees 6–8m (20–26ft) tall, or when fan trained 2.5m (8ft) tall and 5.5m (18ft) wide. RHS

Acid cherry trees, which are less vigorous, reach about 3.5m (11ft) on ‘Colt’, the RHS says. RHS

Bare-root trees are only available while dormant, from late autumn to early spring, usually from specialist suppliers, the RHS says. Container-grown trees are available all year round. RHS

Choose a warm, sheltered location that isn’t prone to late frosts, as these can damage the flowers, the RHS says. A sheltered site will aid pollination too, as insects will have easier access to the flowers. RHS

Sweet cherries like a sunny spot, such as against a south- or south-west-facing wall, the RHS says, while acid cherries will tolerate some shade, so are suitable for a north-facing wall. RHS

Cherries grow particularly well in southern and central England, the RHS says. RHS

All cherries prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with an ideal pH of 6.5–6.7, the same page says. They grow less well in shallow or sandy soil. Poorly drained conditions can cause the roots to rot. RHS

Planting is best done while the trees are dormant, between November and March, the RHS says. RHS

If planting in a lawn, the RHS says, remove a circle of grass at least 1m (3¼ft) in diameter, so the tree’s roots don’t have to compete with the grass for water. RHS

If your tree is going to be trained against a wall, the RHS says, plant it at least 25–35cm (10–14in) away from the wall. RHS

Cherry trees crop best in the ground, the RHS says, but if you don’t have suitable soil or an available site, you can plant in a large container. Choose a tree on a semi-dwarfing rootstock (‘Gisela 5’) — acid cherries are naturally less vigorous, so are better suited to growing in pots. RHS

The container should be at least 45–50cm (18–20in) wide and deep, the RHS says — terracotta pots or half-barrels are suitable options. RHS

Use a good quality loam-based compost such as peat-free John Innes No 3, or a peat-free multi-purpose compost mixed with some horticultural grit, the same guide says. RHS

Established cherry trees in open ground shouldn’t need watering, the RHS says. Young cherry trees and trees grown in pots will need some additional watering throughout the growing season. RHS

Newly planted cherry trees should be watered during dry spells for at least the first year, the RHS says. Trees in containers need a steady supply of moisture, but should never be left standing in water, especially in winter, as roots in saturated compost can rot. RHS

Fan-trained cherry trees may require some additional watering if they’re in a rain-shadow, where the wall or fence reduces the amount of rainfall they receive, the RHS says. RHS

Be careful not to overwater in summer, the RHS says — too much watering or very wet weather can cause ripe fruits to split. RHS

Mulching around cherry trees in late winter or spring will improve your soil, help to retain moisture and suppress weeds, the RHS says. Trees growing in regularly mulched soil shouldn’t need any additional feeding. RHS

Cherries growing in containers benefit from regular feeding, the RHS says: either an organic, high potassium liquid fertiliser every fortnight from April to August, or a granular, general-purpose fertiliser each spring. RHS

Cherry blossom is susceptible to frost damage, which can reduce the crop, the RHS says. If the tree is small enough, cover it to protect the blossom overnight if frost is forecast, then remove the cover during the day so pollinating insects can reach the flowers. RHS

Potted trees can also be moved into a greenhouse, porch or other sheltered location to avoid frosts when in blossom, the same page says. RHS

Netting will help to deter birds, the RHS says. Cover the tree or individual branches, raise the netting above the fruits, and keep it taut and fastened securely so birds and other wildlife don’t get entangled. Cover the tree before the fruits start to colour up. RHS

Trees trained against a wall are much easier to protect with netting than free-standing trees, the RHS says. A fruit cage is a great option to protect small cherry trees. RHS

Growing cherry trees from seed or stones is not usually worthwhile, the RHS says: the resulting trees will grow into much larger trees than those grafted onto a rootstock and will be slower to start fruiting. There are also disease risks associated with growing from the seed of supermarket-bought fruit, so this should be avoided. RHS

Cherries are usually grown as small open-centred trees (known as bush trees), larger pyramid trees, or as fans trained flat against a wall or fence, the RHS says. Cherries are too vigorous to be trained as espaliers or cordons. RHS

Pruning should be carried out annually, as soon as harvesting is finished — usually in late July or August, when the risk of silver leaf disease and bacterial canker is lower, the RHS says. Prune on a dry day, when dry weather is forecast for at least the next two days. RHS

Acid cherries, the RHS says, bear almost all their fruit on the previous year’s shoots, so if left unpruned the crop would be produced at the ends of overlong branches. RHS

Harvest only fully ripe cherries, the RHS says, as they won’t ripen further after picking. They ripen from early summer onwards, depending on the variety. Pick during dry weather if possible, and hold the stalk rather than the fruit, which bruises easily. RHS

Too much rain or overwatering just as the fruit is ripening can cause the skin to split, the RHS says. Harvest before any heavy rain if possible. RHS

Die-back of branches and discoloured leaves can be caused by the fungal disease silver leaf, the RHS says. To avoid infection, prune in summer after harvesting. RHS

Dead patches of bark and small holes in leaves can be signs of bacterial canker, the RHS says, which may eventually result in branches or whole trees dying. RHS

The RHS’s list of best top fruit for the garden includes cherry ‘Stella’ AGM. RHS

Most apples, pears and some cherries, plums and gages are not self-fertile but need a pollination partner, the RHS says — a different cultivar of the same kind of fruit. RHS

For cross-pollination, the RHS says, choose a cultivar from within the same pollination group (flowering period) or from the adjoining groups, where flowering periods overlap. The RHS uses numbers to distinguish between individual pollination groups; other sources or suppliers may use letters. RHS

A fan, the RHS says, is a restricted form particularly well suited for peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries. RHS

For cherries, that page lists the rootstocks Gisela 5 or G5, described as semi-dwarfing, and Colt, described as semi-vigorous. RHS

Among sweet cherries, the RHS lists ‘Lapins’ AGM as self-fertile, with black fruits, for use in late summer. RHS

‘Stella’ AGM, the same list says, is self-fertile, with dark red fruits for picking, for use in late July. RHS

‘Sunburst’ is listed as self-fertile, with black fruits, for use in late July. RHS

‘Sweetheart’ is listed as self-fertile, with red fruit ripening gradually, for use in late August. RHS

‘Summer Sun’ AGM is listed as partly self-fertile, but crops better if cross-pollinated with, for example, ‘Stella’. RHS

‘Skeena’ is listed as self-fertile, with dark red skin, for use in early August; ‘Stardust’ as self-fertile, with orange flushed fruit, for use in late July. RHS

‘Kordia’ AGM is listed as a black cherry, pollinated by ‘Regina’/‘Sylvia’, Penny, ‘Summer Sun’ and ‘Stella’, for use in mid-August. RHS

Among acid cherries, the RHS lists ‘Morello’ AGM as self-fertile, with excellent flavour, for use in late summer. RHS

‘Nabella’ is listed as self-fertile, best for jams and pies, for use in mid-summer; ‘Meteor Korai’ as self-fertile and dual purpose, also for mid-summer. RHS

Many fruit trees are grafted onto rootstocks, the RHS says. These rootstocks control the vigour of the plant, allowing the cultivation of trees in a smaller space than if they were grown on their own roots. Rootstocks can also improve disease resistance. RHS

On the rootstocks page, Gisela 5 or G5 is described as semi-dwarfing, suitable for bush, pyramid and fan, starting to fruit in three or four years, with an ultimate height as trained as a bush of 2.4-3m (8-10ft). Staking is permanent; spacing 2.7m (9ft). RHS

Colt is described there as semi-vigorous, suitable for bush, half standard and fans, starting to fruit after three or four years, with an ultimate height as trained as a bush of 6m (20ft). Many soils are tolerated, including clay and light, chalky soils. Staking is permanent; spacing 6m (20ft). RHS

In some seasons, the RHS says, sweet cherries lose much of their fruit before it ripens. This loss is called cherry fruit drop or run off and, in severe cases, it can lead to an almost total failure of the crop. RHS

In Britain, the most common fruit to suffer this drop is the sweet cherry, the RHS says, and this is referred to as cherry run off. RHS

In 2000 in the UK, the RHS says, as much as 90 percent of fruit that initially set on sweet cherries was lost before maturity. RHS

The severity of the drop also varies by location, the same page says: cherries in northern areas such as the UK or Norway suffer more than those grown in the south of Europe or the USA. RHS

Many fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums and cherries, naturally shed some of their immature fruits in early summer, the RHS notes. The fruitlets fall over a short period, which may look alarming but is not generally a cause for concern, as a good crop usually remains on the tree. RHS

As ripening becomes imminent, much, and often most, of the fruit can fall to the ground. The fruit is immature, so can’t be eaten, the RHS says. RHS

Pruning trees to give an open canopy is one potential remedy, the RHS says, as it maximises light to the leaves. RHS

The RHS suggests reducing the number of fruits when there are more than 10 fruitlets per spur, when the fruitlets are less than 5mm (¼in) in diameter — usually when petals are still present and before the pit hardens. It also says more research is needed before clear guidance can be given on the balance between leaf area and fruit. RHS

Recent research, the RHS says, suggests that in sweet cherry a combination of climatic factors can be linked to heavier fruit drop, including poor weather and low light intensity at blossom time, and low temperatures in the early stages of fruit development. Fruit yields were lower following wet and cold autumns. RHS

Britannica says cherry refers to any of various trees belonging to the genus Prunus and their edible fruits. Britannica

Commercial cherry production, Britannica says, includes tart cherries (Prunus cerasus), which are frozen or canned and used in sauces and pastries, and sweet cherries (P. avium), which are usually consumed fresh and are the principal type preserved in true or imitation maraschino liqueur. Britannica

Cherries belong to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, Britannica says. Britannica

The native habitat of the species from which the cultivated cherries came, Britannica says, is believed to be in western Asia and eastern Europe from the Caspian Sea to the Balkans. Britannica

Cherries are grown in all areas of the world where winter temperatures are not too severe and where summer temperatures are moderate, Britannica says. They require winter cold in order to blossom in spring. Britannica

The trees bloom quite early in the spring, just after peaches and earlier than apples, Britannica says. Britannica

Three types of cherries are mainly grown for their fruits, which are fleshy drupes (stone fruit): sweet cherries, tart cherries, and, grown to a much smaller extent, the dukes, which are crosses of sweet and sour cherries. Britannica

The sweet cherry fruit measures about 2 cm (1 inch) in diameter and varies in colour from yellow through red to nearly black, Britannica says. The acid content of the sweet cherry is low. Britannica

The higher acid content of the tart cherry produces its characteristic sour flavour, Britannica says. The fruit is generally dark to bright red and has so much acid that it is not appealing for eating fresh. Britannica

The fruits of all varieties, Britannica says, provide vitamin A and small amounts of such minerals as calcium and phosphorus. Britannica

In Asia, particularly Japan, cherry varieties have been selected for the beauty of their pink or white flowers, and most of them do not set fruit, Britannica says. Members of the genus Prunus typically have flowers with five petals, though many ornamental cherries have been developed to produce double blooms. Britannica

In the United States, Britannica says, cherrywood used in furniture making is typically from black cherry (Prunus serotina). The wood of sweet cherry is also used. Cherry wood has a characteristic warm, deep red colour. Britannica

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium), Britannica says, is the species cultivated for its sweet, edible fruits. It is one of three types grown commercially, the others being tart cherries and dukes. Britannica

Sweet cherry trees are large and rather upright, Britannica says, attaining heights up to 11 metres (36 feet). The trees are deciduous and bear simple, toothed leaves alternately along the stems. Each leaf has a pair of characteristic glands at the base of the leaf blade. Britannica

Borne in small rounded clusters, the showy white flowers have five petals and numerous stamens, Britannica says. Britannica

The sweet cherry fruit is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit) borne on a long stem, generally heart-shaped to nearly globular, about 2 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with a low acid content and a sweet, mildly tart flavour. Britannica

Varieties named in that article include Bing, Rainier and Queen Anne, and the colour ranges from yellow through red to nearly black. Britannica

The trees bloom quite early in the spring, just after peaches and earlier than apples, and crops are susceptible to late frosts, Britannica says. Britannica

Sweet cherries are vulnerable to a number of plant diseases, Britannica says, including scab, bacterial canker, black knot, crown gall, leaf curl, and powdery mildew, among others. Britannica

Common insect pests include scale, aphids, and fruit flies, Britannica says, and backyard trees must be protected from bird predation. At a commercial level, that article says, crop losses from birds are usually considered insignificant. Britannica

The pit of each cherry fruit houses the seed and contains a cyanide compound known as amygdalin, Britannica says. An intact pit will likely pass harmlessly through the body if accidentally swallowed, but pits that have been ground, crushed or chewed can cause cyanide poisoning if consumed in sufficient amounts. Cherries should not be put whole into smoothies or juiced without first removing the pits. Britannica