When to Plant Cherry Trees in Missouri

If you’re a cherry lover living in Missouri, then you might be interested in planting cherry trees in your yard or garden. However, before you start digging holes and planting cherry seeds or saplings, it’s important to know the best time of year to plant cherry trees in Missouri to ensure their healthy growth and fruitful yield. In this article, we’ll guide you through the suitable planting time and conditions for cherry trees in Missouri.

The Ideal Time to Plant Cherry Trees in Missouri

Cherry trees can thrive in various climates and soils, but they typically prefer cool winters and mild summers, which make Missouri an ideal place for growing cherry trees. However, the perfect timing for planting cherry trees in Missouri depends on several factors, such as the cherry tree variety, the soil and climate conditions, and your desired harvest season.

In general, the best time to plant cherry trees in Missouri is in late winter or early spring, around late February to early April. This is when the soil is still moist from the winter snow and rain, but not too cold or frozen to hinder the root growth of the cherry tree. Planting cherry trees in the spring also allows them to establish a better root system and adapt to the outdoor environment before the summer heat and drought.

The Growing Conditions for Cherry Trees in Missouri

Cherry trees require specific growing conditions to thrive and produce quality fruit, and Missouri provides most of these conditions. Here are some of the essential conditions for growing cherry trees in Missouri:

Well-drained loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0

Full to partial sunlight exposure, ideally in a south-facing slope

Adequate ventilation and wind protection to prevent diseases and pests

Regular watering, especially during the first year of growth

Fertilization with balanced nutrients, such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5

Pruning to control the tree shape, size, and fruit production

The Cherry Tree Varieties for Missouri

When planting cherry trees in Missouri, you can choose from various cherry tree varieties that suit your taste, climate, and location. Here are some of the popular cherry tree varieties for Missouri:

Bing cherry: A large, dark red cherry with firm flesh and sweet flavor. Suitable for a warm and dry climate, such as southern Missouri.

Stella cherry: A medium-sized cherry with dark red skin and juicy, tart-sweet flesh. Best suited for a mild climate, such as central Missouri.

Rainier cherry: A yellow to red cherry with a mild and delicate flavor. Ideal for a cool and moist climate, such as northern Missouri.

Montmorency cherry: A sour cherry with bright red skin and juicy flesh. Great for making pies, jams, and juices. Thrives in a cooler climate, such as eastern and western Missouri.

Before buying cherry tree saplings or seeds, make sure to check their quality and compatibility with your soil and climate conditions. You can also consult a local arborist or gardening expert for advice on the best cherry tree variety for your area.

The Bottom Line

Planting cherry trees in Missouri can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as long as you follow the suitable planting time and conditions for cherry trees. Late winter or early spring is the best time to plant cherry trees in Missouri, and you need to provide them with well-drained soil, full to partial sunlight, adequate watering, and regular pruning. By selecting the right cherry tree variety and taking good care of your trees, you can enjoy the sweet and juicy flavor of cherries straight from your own garden.