Flowering Cherry Trees for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Flowering Cherry Trees – Buying & Growing Guide

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on January 25, 2022

There are many varieties of flowering cherry trees, most of which add spectacular floral displays to the early spring landscape. The blossoms of these trees cover their canopies entirely before the leaves emerge, making these ornamental species stand out in any garden scene.

How to Plant Flowering Cherry Trees

One of the best aspects of growing flowering cherry trees is that they are somewhat easy to plant and maintain. They can survive in several soil types, including sand, loam, and clay.

When choosing a location for your flowering cherry tree, ensure there is full sunlight. Soil rich in nutrients with excellent drainage will also benefit these trees. The pH of the soil in your planting location should be neutral or slightly acidic.

In certain locations, it is wise to plant flowering cherry trees where they can have some wind protection. Since these trees’ flowers arrive early, you don’t want to risk losing the blooms to a late winter storm.

How to Grow Flowering Cherry Trees

• When. Generally, two times of year are permissible for planting flowering cherry trees. The best time is fall, but you can plant them in early spring too.

• Where. Flowering cherry trees adapt to many soil types but typically prefer areas that receive full sunlight.

• How. Dig a hole that has ample width to allow your flowering cherry tree’s roots to spread horizontally. Backfill the hole while providing water. After backfilling, add a layer of mulch to help moderate soil moisture and temperature. Try to avoid piling mulch directly on the tree’s trunk.

How to Care for Flowering Cherry Trees

• Watering. Avoid overwatering. Newly planted flowering cherry trees appreciate water one to three times per week. After the tree has had time to adapt to its new growing location, reduce watering to about once per month.

• Nutrients. Use a fertilizer blend with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once in spring. Some trees will benefit from fertilizers with lower amounts of nitrogen.

• Pruning. Perform pruning just after this tree blooms in spring. Shape the tree as you like, and remove suckers. You should also remove any broken, crossing, or dead branches.

• Pollination. Flowering cherry trees typically rely on insects for pollination. While some need cross-pollination, others do not.
• Harvesting. Gardeners do not typically grow flowering cherry trees for their fruits. While these fruits may be edible, they are not as sweet as the cherries we are used to eating.