A wall, or a large container

Fans and pots

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 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

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

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