Welcome to the world of growing Merchant Cherry trees, where beauty, flavor, and abundance come together to create a truly remarkable fruiting experience. The Merchant Cherry, known for its vibrant red color, sweet taste, and versatility, is a favorite among gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will guide you through the process of successfully cultivating Merchant Cherry trees, from selecting the right variety to providing optimal growing conditions and ensuring a bountiful harvest. Get ready to embark on a journey of nurturing these magnificent trees and reaping the rewards of your labor with an abundance of luscious, juicy cherries.
What is a Merchant Cherry?
Merchant Cherry is a popular variety of cherry tree known for its exceptional fruit quality and productivity. It is a deciduous tree that typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers. The tree has an upright, spreading growth habit with glossy green leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall.
Merchant Cherry produces medium-sized, dark red cherries with a sweet and juicy flavor. The fruit is firm and holds up well during transportation, making it a favorite among commercial growers. The cherries ripen in mid to late summer, usually around July, and are perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
This variety is known for its high yield, with mature trees capable of producing up to 50 pounds of cherries per season. It is also relatively disease-resistant, making it easier to maintain and less prone to common cherry tree ailments. Merchant Cherry trees prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.
Regular pruning and proper care will help maintain the tree’s shape and promote optimal fruit production. Overall, Merchant Cherry is an excellent choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers looking for a reliable and productive cherry tree variety with delicious fruit.
What does a Merchant Cherry taste like?
Merchant Cherry is known for its exceptional flavor profile. The cherries have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them incredibly enjoyable to eat. The flavor is often described as rich, juicy, and slightly tangy. The sweetness of the cherries is not overpowering, allowing the natural tartness to shine through, giving them a refreshing and vibrant taste.
The cherries have a distinct depth of flavor, with hints of cherry blossom and a subtle floral note. They possess a wonderful complexity that adds to their overall appeal. The flesh is firm and succulent, providing a satisfying texture with every bite.
Merchant Cherries are also known for their intense aroma. The scent is fragrant and enticing, with a delightful combination of fruity and floral notes. This aromatic quality enhances the overall experience of consuming these cherries.
Whether eaten fresh or used in various culinary applications, Merchant Cherries are sure to impress with their exceptional flavor profile. They are perfect for snacking, baking, making preserves, or even incorporating into savory dishes.
How to start Merchant Cherry from seed
Starting Merchant Cherry trees from seeds can be a bit challenging as they may not come true to type, meaning the resulting tree may not have the same characteristics as the parent tree. However, if you are determined to grow Merchant Cherry from seeds, here is a guide to help you get started:
- Seed Selection: Obtain fresh, ripe Merchant Cherry seeds from a reputable source. Look for fully matured fruits and extract the seeds carefully.
- Seed Preparation: Cherry seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to be scarified to improve germination. You can do this by gently rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for 24 hours.
- Cold Stratification: Cherry seeds require a period of cold stratification to break their dormancy and stimulate germination. Place the scarified seeds in a moist paper towel or peat moss, seal them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate them for 60-90 days. Check the moisture levels regularly and ensure they don’t dry out.
- Germination: After the cold stratification period, sow the seeds in individual pots or seed trays filled with well-draining potting mix. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Cherry trees prefer full sun, so place the pots or trays in a sunny location or under grow lights. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
- Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with regular watering and fertilize them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are around 6-8 inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground. Choose a well-draining location with fertile soil.
- Pruning and Training: As the tree grows, prune it to develop a strong central leader and remove any crossed or damaged branches. Cherry trees can be trained to a desired shape, such as an open vase or central leader system, depending on your preference.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your cherry tree regularly for common pests like aphids, cherry fruit flies, and diseases like cherry leaf spot or powdery mildew. Take appropriate measures to control these issues, such as using organic insecticides or fungicides if necessary.
- Patience and Time: Growing cherry trees from seeds can be a slow process, and it may take several years for the tree to start producing fruits. Be patient, provide proper care, and enjoy the journey of watching your Merchant Cherry tree grow.
Remember, grafting is the preferred method for growing cherry trees as it ensures the desired characteristics of the parent tree. If possible, consider obtaining a grafted Merchant Cherry tree from a reputable nursery for a more reliable and faster-growing option.
When to plant Merchant Cherry outdoors
The ideal time to plant Merchant Cherry trees is during the late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to bud. This is typically between February and April, depending on your location and climate. Planting during this time allows the tree to establish its root system before the warmer months, ensuring better growth and development.
Growing & care guide
Caring for Merchant Cherry trees requires attention to several key aspects, including proper planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. By following these best practices, you can ensure the health and productivity of your cherry tree.
- Planting: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the bud union is above the soil level, and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Watering: Cherry trees require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deep watering is essential to encourage deep root growth. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just as the tree begins to emerge from dormancy. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a well-balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Pruning: Pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape, size, and overall health of your Merchant Cherry tree. Prune during late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Also, prune to maintain an open center or vase shape, which helps with fruit production and reduces the risk of disease.
- Pest Control: Merchant Cherry trees are susceptible to various pests, including aphids, cherry fruit flies, and cherry leaf spot. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of infestation, such as distorted leaves, sticky residue, or damaged fruit. Use organic insecticides or horticultural oils to control pests, following the instructions carefully. Additionally, practicing good garden hygiene by removing fallen leaves and fruit can help prevent disease and pest problems.
- Harvesting: Merchant Cherry trees typically produce fruit in late spring or early summer. Harvest the cherries when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by their deep red color and firmness. Gently twist or cut the cherries from the tree, being careful not to damage the branches or buds.
By following these best practices, you can ensure the successful growth and productivity of your Merchant Cherry tree. Regular care and attention will reward you with a bountiful harvest of delicious cherries for years to come.
Harvesting guide
Merchant Cherry is a popular variety of cherry tree known for its large, firm, and juicy fruit. Harvesting Merchant Cherries at the right time ensures optimal flavor and sweetness. Here’s a guide on when and how to harvest Merchant Cherry:
- Timing: The timing of the harvest is crucial for Merchant Cherries. They are typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, depending on your specific climate and location. Keep an eye on the color of the cherries; they should be a deep red or dark burgundy when fully ripe.
- Checking for ripeness: Gently squeeze a few cherries to check for ripeness. Ripe Merchant Cherries will be firm but yield slightly to pressure. Taste a few cherries to ensure they have reached the desired level of sweetness. If they are still tart, leave them on the tree for a few more days before checking again.
- Harvesting: To harvest Merchant Cherries, use a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. Approach the tree carefully to avoid damaging the branches or knocking off other cherries. Hold the cherry stem gently and cut it about half an inch above the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the cherries, as this can damage the tree and affect future fruit production.
- Collecting the cherries: Place the harvested cherries in a shallow container or basket to prevent them from getting crushed. Be careful not to stack too many cherries on top of each other, as this can cause bruising. If you plan to store the cherries, handle them with care to avoid any damage.
- Post-harvest care: Once harvested, it’s essential to handle the cherries properly to maintain their freshness. Store them in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator, to slow down the ripening process. If you plan to consume them within a day or two, you can leave them at room temperature. However, cherries tend to spoil quickly, so it’s best to refrigerate them if you’re not using them immediately.
Remember, Merchant Cherries are highly perishable, so it’s crucial to harvest them at the right time and handle them with care. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!
