Stop Thinking and Start Growing Sweet Cherries

I have always wanted to grow sweet cherry trees in my backyard orchard, but hesitated because they normally require at least 800 chill hours. In Houston, we have an average of 450 chill hours per year. The last time I was at my local Home Depot, they only stocked Barbados cherry shrubs, labeled as sweet cherry. Against local recommendation, I decided to plant three bare-root cherry trees this year.

Three Varieties That I Planted

From a mail order nursery, I bought two low chill varieties, Compact Stella and Royal Rainier. The third was a relatively new variety, Vandalay. Many nurseries listed Compact Stella as a similar and smaller version of Stella. Actually, Compact Stella requires 500 to 800 chill hours while Stella requires only 400. If I could go back, Stella would be a better choice for my area.

So Far, So Good

After two months in the ground, the cherry trees are doing better than I expected. They are thriving. The Vandalay grew the most, but it initially arrived with the biggest trunk and had more afternoon shade. The pest pressure is high here in which the Compact Stella got its leaves eaten the most. Can sweet cherry trees handle Texas summer heat and humidity? Will they fruit?

Compact Stella cherry on Gisela 5 rootstock

Royal Rainier cherry on Newroot-1 rootstock

Vandalay cherry on Gisela 5 rootstock

Follow Up on Their Growth

Updates: Can Cherry, Persimmon & Plum Trees Survive Texas Hot Summer 2023?

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