Quick question about pollinating a Black Cherry tree........ (weeping cherry, Fruit Trees, yard)

[sharpie1234]

hi, i'm in Northern VA and thinking about buying a black cherry tree from naturalhill.com

I have a question about pollinating the tree (it's needed); i have 6 other fruit trees (2 apples, 1 peach, 1 nectarine, 1 plum, 1 fig and one weeping cherry - no fruit) and wanted to know if i could pollinate using the trees i already have or do i need another cherry tree!

please advise.

[johnny999]

You can pollinate it with a Bing Cherry or another sweet cherry if it isn't self pollinating. If it don't get pollinated you will never see a cherry on it.

[sharpie1234]

Can i pollinate it with any other type of fruit tree like apple, peach, etc.?
Can i wait a couple of years before pollinating or does it have to be done 'right away'? (it'll take 3-5 years for the tree to mature).

[johnny999]

It will have to be pollinated by another cherry tree. Trying to pollinate it with an apple or peach would sort of be like trying to crossbreed a dog & a cat.

[sharpie1234]

Can i wait a couple of years before pollinating or does it have to be done 'right away'? (it'll take 3-5 years for the tree to mature).

[paperhouse]

Originally Posted by sharpie1234

Can i wait a couple of years before pollinating or does it have to be done 'right away'? (it'll take 3-5 years for the tree to mature).

The way it works is that both trees will need to be in bloom at the same time. Bees and the wind will carry the pollen to the two trees. Adding a Bing Cherry to a Black Tartarian means that you will get two kinds of sweet cherries. They pollinate each other. You can wait to buy the second tree, but you'll probably not have any fruit until they're both in bloom at the same time.

[sharpie1234]

Originally Posted by paperhouse

The way it works is that both trees will need to be in bloom at the same time. Bees and the wind will carry the pollen to the two trees. Adding a Bing Cherry to a Black Tartarian means that you will get two kinds of sweet cherries. They pollinate each other. You can wait to buy the second tree, but you'll probably not have any fruit until they're both in bloom at the same time.

thanks for that info.
unfortunately, i don't have any more room in my yard for any more trees, and since i don't currently have a bing tree, i'm left wondering if there are other options.

i've heard of cutting a branch from a blooming bing tree and putting it water near a blooming black cherry.

does that work?
if not, are there any 'other' options?

[paperhouse]

There is one other option. Learn to graft. Find a piece of scion wood from another cherry tree and have someone graft it onto the rootstock of yours. I know there are people that create "Fruit Cocktail" trees with several apple species grafted onto a single trunk. They also do it with pears and plums. I don't see why it couldn't be done with cherries. It's not something the average suburban gardener would be able to do, I haven't had a single success yet. It can take years to learn the technique. But a master gardener might be able to help you locate someone that can do it for you. Early next spring would be the best time.

[johnny999]

If any of your neighbors have cherry trees and aren't more than 1/2 - 1/4 mile away your tree will probably get pollinated. If not its time to punt.

[hcgCali]

Stella and Stella Compact (a dwarf) are self-pollinating black cherry trees.

Pacific Groves - Plant Descriptions - Fruit Tree Varieties (Apricots, Cherries, Nectarines)


Oh, you said Nature Hills Nursery.... they have it Stella Cherry