Guide for Cultivating Sunburst Cherry Trees
The Sunburst cherry tree (Cherry 'Sunburst') is a popular choice among gardeners, renowned for its consistent high yield and resilience against frost and cold temperatures that often affect pollination in other cherry cultivars. Originating from the Summerland Research Station in Canada and introduced in 1965, this versatile tree is primarily sold in the United Kingdom and out of Australia. It matures in mid-season, a day after Van cherries and 11 days prior to LaPins, making it an ideal addition to any fruit garden. Sunburst cherries are best consumed soon after picking, due to their softer texture compared to most other commercial cultivars. They have a medium length stem, which makes them easy to handle during harvest. ## Growing a Sunburst cherry tree Sunburst cherry trees are self-fertile, meaning they do not need another cherry tree to set fruit. They require a site in full sun for optimal growth and should be planted at the same depth as they were in the pot, keeping the graft line above the soil. When planting, water the tree well and maintain consistent watering for the first year, providing a good deep watering once a week during the growing season. For the first couple of years, if the tree is on Colt rootstock, it should be staked. However, if grown on Gisela rootstock, the tree will need staking for its entire life. Mulching is essential for Sunburst cherry trees. Spread a 3-foot (1 m.) circle of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it 6 inches (15 cm.) away from the tree's trunk. The mulch helps retain moisture and retard weeds, promoting healthy growth. ## Caring for your Sunburst cherry tree Sunburst cherry trees typically grow to around 11 feet (3.5 m.) in height at maturity, but can be pruned to a more manageable 7 feet (2 m.). Proper pruning ensures the tree remains healthy and produces an abundance of cherries. It's crucial to note that Sunburst cherries require 800 to 1,000 chill hours for best production. This means they need a period of cold temperatures during winter to flower properly. ## Harvesting Sunburst cherries Sunburst cherries should be harvested in the second to third week of July for about a week. Picked cherries should be consumed soon after picking to enjoy their full flavour and texture. In summary, the Sunburst cherry tree is a reliable and resilient choice for gardeners, offering delicious fruit and requiring minimal maintenance. With its self-fertile nature, full sun requirements, and adaptability to various rootstocks, it's no wonder that the Sunburst cherry tree has become a favourite among fruit growers.
