Oh, Cherry!
Fresh cherries are a real treat, whether eaten raw, used in baked desserts or homemade ice cream, made into jam, or even pickled. Here’s how to get started so that you can one day harvest cherries straight from your garden.
According to records, South Africa’s first small cherry orchard was planted in the Gydo Pass outside Ceres in 1890, while the first commercial production started in 1904, near Clocolan in the Free State. Cherry farming has been growing ever since and today, there are around 23 commercial producers, with a total cherry production of just over 1 000 tonnes in the 2018/19 season.
Cherry trees can only be grown in certain areas in South Africa, and most of the country’s production takes place in the eastern Free State and the Ceres area of the Western Cape. They prefer cold winters, don’t like hot summers, and have a real problem with frost, so these areas are ideal. Cherry trees are certainly more finicky than say, blueberries or gooseberries, but if you have the right climate and soil, there’s no reason you can’t grow your own.
CHOOSING YOUR VARIETIES
While it is possible to grow cherries by seed, it might not prove too successful, so it’s better to purchase your cherry trees from a nursery. You will most likely need two varieties for cross pollination, so consider this when shopping for your trees. If you have the space, consider planting a neat row of 4 - 8 cherry trees, so that you can really reap the benefits come harvest-time.
The most popular varieties grown in South Africa are the sweet varieties like Giant Hedelfinger, Early Red, Bing, Van, Sweetheart, Lapins and Royal Dawn. Another variety to consider is the Mexican or Capulin cherry tree. It’s semi-deciduous, can grow up to 15 metres, and is really lovely in the garden, especially when in full bloom. Because the Mexican cherry tree is a hermaphrodite species, you only need one tree to get fruit – ideal if you have limited space.
SITE AND SOIL
Cherry trees are at risk for root rot, so it’s essential that the soil is well-drained and properly prepared. Start by choosing your site. You want to find a sunny, high-lying area, that is frost-free, sheltered from the wind and with excellent air circulation.
Dig big square holes, at least 0.5 x 0.5m and around 4 metres apart if you are planting more than one tree. Mix the soil from the hole with an equal amount of compost, along with some bone meal and potassium. Plant your trees, leaving 10cm of rootstock above the soil level and adding stakes if necessary to support tender trees. Don’t tie the stake right up against the tree, and use a loose tie that has some stretch and flexibility in it. Water well, cover with your soil mixture and add plenty of mulch.
CHALLENGES
Cherry trees are fairly tough and with the right care, you should be able to avoid any problems. Depending on your area, specific diseases and pests can occur, including bacterial canker, root phytophthora, brown rot, powdery mildew, apple maggots and bollworm. Of course, birds will also enjoy your cherries, so you could consider fine netting to deter them and save your harvest. You might also want to encircle the trunk of each tree with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect it from animal and insect pests. Young cherry trees are especially at risk from insects that bore into the main trunk.
PRUNING
During the growing season, choose two or three leader branches that will grow upwards, removing the lower branches. Soon, lateral branches will begin to develop on the leaders. These shouldn’t become stronger than the leaders, so cut them back in summer if they threaten to take over.
HARVESTING
Your fruit production will begin after three years or so, and within six or seven years, your trees will be bearing a lot of fruit.
You’ll need to pay extra attention to your cherries when it’s harvesting time, checking the size and colour of the fruit daily. The best indication of whether they’re ready to be harvested or not is the taste, so harvest them when they are at their most delicious!
As for what to do with your cherries once harvested, the options are endless! If you own your home and plan to be there for a long time, planting cherry trees will be an investment that will pay off for many years to come.
For the braai
If you are already harvesting from your own trees or happen to get your hands on some fresh cherries, try this spicy cherry chutney, perfect as an accompaniment to braai’d pork or chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh pitted tart cherries
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Directions
In a large saucepan, lightly fry your onion and pepper on low heat. Once caramelised, add all the other ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until it starts to go thick and dark, stirring occasionally. Serve warm or chilled with your braai meat.