How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Bing Cherry Trees
Vibrant spring blossoms pave the way for a bountiful harvest of ripe, sumptuous cherries.
Bing Cherry Tree: The Gardenerâs Guide to Sweet Success
Bing cherries are prized for their large, juicy, sweet fruit and for their springtime ornamental display. With exceptional taste and growing reliability, Bing cherry trees (Prunus avium âBingâ) are a top choice for home orchards and gardening enthusiasts seeking both beauty and bounty. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plant, grow, and care for Bing cherry treesâfrom choosing the right spot to harvesting your own summer fruit.
Quick Facts: Bing Cherry Tree
| Botanical Name | Prunus avium ‘Bing’ |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zones | 5-8 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun (6-8 hrs daily) |
| Height | 12â35 feet at maturity |
| Fruit | Mahogany red, heart-shaped, early to mid-season |
| Pollination | Requires a compatible pollinator variety |
History and Significance of Bing Cherries
Bing cherry trees are an heirloom variety introduced in 1875 by horticulturist Ah Bing, a foreman in Henderson Luellingâs Oregon orchard. The cultivar quickly won gardeners and fruit lovers over for its rich flavor and ability to produce prodigious yields, making Bing cherries a reference point for other sweet cherry types.
Site Selection and Planting Bing Cherry Trees
Success with Bing cherries begins with choosing the right site and understanding their unique requirements:
- Sunlight: Cherries demand a full sun locationâplan for at least 6â8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize blossom and fruit production.
- Soil: Opt for well-draining, slightly sandy soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Avoid heavy clay or poorly draining spots. Test your soilâs pH and amend if necessary to stay close to neutral.
- Space: Plant Bing cherry trees at least 30 feet from other trees, buildings, or large shrubs to ensure good air flow and room for mature growth.
- Chill Hours: Bing cherries require at least 700 chill hours (temps below 45°F/7°C) during winter to properly set fruit.
- Wind Protection: In windy locations, use stakes to support young trees during establishment.
Planting Steps
- Clear away weeds and debris in the chosen area. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball to encourage outward root growth.
- Position the tree so the graft union is 2â3 inches above the soil level.
- Backfill with native soil, tamp gently, and eliminate air pockets.
- Create a shallow basin around the tree for easier watering. Apply organic mulch (keep 4â6 inches away from the trunk).
Light Requirements
Bing cherry trees rely on full sun for robust flowering and fruit set. Plant in your yardâs brightest spot to ensure healthy growth and prolific harvests. Afternoon sun is especially valuable in cooler regions for optimal tree metabolism.
Watering Bing Cherry Trees
- Young Trees: Water weekly for at least 30 seconds, ensuring thorough soak to a depth of two inches. For bare-root trees, maintain regular moisture for the first four months of establishment.
- Established Trees: Cherries typically need 1 inch of water per week. If rainfall doesn’t supply enough, irrigate accordingly.
- Water Testing: Probe two inches below the surface. If dry, water the tree; if moist, hold off.
- Hot/Dry Periods: Increase watering frequency during droughts or heat waves.
Soil and pH Preferences
Bing cherry trees thrive in well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6â7. If your garden soil is too acidic or alkaline, adjust with amendments like lime (for acidic) or sulfur (for alkaline) to create optimal conditions. Good drainage prevents root rot and nutrient lock-out.
What others are reading
Temperature and Humidity Tolerances
- Chill Hours: Require at least 700 chill hours (under 45°F/7°C).
- Cold Tolerance: Hardy to -10°F (-23°C).
- Humidity: Bing cherries perform best in areas with moderate to low humidity. Excess humidity increases risk of fungal diseases.
Pollination Requirements for Bing Cherry
Bing cherry trees are not self-fruitfulâthey must be cross-pollinated by another compatible cherry variety. Popular pollinators include:
- Black Tartarian
- Ranier
- Montmorency (a tart cherry)
Plant a pollinator cherry variety within 50â100 feet for bees to easily transfer pollen. Overlapping bloom times ensure successful fertilization and maximize yields.
Ornamental and Seasonal Appeal
- Spring Blooms: Bing cherries are early bloomers, producing showy clusters of fragrant white flowersâa beautiful garden highlight.
- Bark: Mature trees display attractive, reddish, smooth bark with horizontal striationsâa valuable ornamental feature.
Growth Habit and Pruning Needs
With upright growth reaching 12 to 35 feet tall, Bing cherries require targeted pruning to maintain shape, health, and fruit accessibility:
- Sweet Cherries: Train with a central leader system, similar to apples or pears, allowing a single strong trunk with evenly spaced lateral branches.
- Annual Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thin crowded areas for sun penetration and air flow.
- Mature Trees: After 5â6 years, trees can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit each season.
Fertilizing Bing Cherry Trees
- Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as buds begin to swell.
- Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which stimulate leaf rather than fruit growth.
- Mulch with compost annually to maintain soil fertility and structure.
Pest and Disease Management
Bing cherries are generally less prone to major pest outbreaks but remain vulnerable to several threats:
- Common Pests: Aphids, cherry fruit flies, and birds (netting can help protect ripening fruit).
- Disease Risks: Watch for leaf spot, brown rot, and powdery mildew. Good air circulation and prompt sanitation reduce risk.
- Remove fallen fruit and leaves promptly after harvest to disrupt pest and disease life cycles.
Harvesting Bing Cherries
- When to Harvest: Bing cherries ripen in early summer. Wait until fruit is deep mahogany redâcherries do not ripen further off the tree.
- How to Harvest: Twist gently off the stems. Taste a few first to confirm sweetness before picking a full batch.
- A mature tree can yield up to 100 pounds of fruit once established.
Post-Harvest: Storage and Use
Bing cherries are renowned for eating fresh, making pies, preserves, and other desserts. Store harvested cherries in a cool refrigerator for optimal shelf life. Use within a week for best quality.
Bing Cherry Tree Yearly Care Calendar
| Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Winter | Monitor chill hours, prune dormant trees, plan new plantings |
| Spring | Fertilize, watch for blossoms, water as needed; apply mulch |
| Summer | Harvest fruit, maintain watering, monitor for pests/diseases |
| Fall | Clean up debris, compost leaves, prepare for winter dormancy |
Companion Planting and Landscape Uses
- Grow with pollinator-friendly flowers (lavender, clover) to attract bees.
- Bing cherries are a valuable addition to edible landscapes, orchard designs, or as a standalone showpiece for yard or garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take for Bing cherry trees to produce fruit?
A: Bing cherries usually start producing significant fruit 5â6 years after planting. Some light fruiting may occur earlier, but yields develop as the tree matures.
Q: Can a Bing cherry tree pollinate itself?
A: No, Bing cherries are not self-pollinating. You must plant a compatible pollinator (such as Black Tartarian, Ranier, or Montmorency) nearby for fruit production.
Q: Do Bing cherry trees need special pruning?
A: Yes, sweet cherries prefer training with a central leader system. Prune annually to maintain structure, remove deadwood, and encourage healthy growth.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Bing cherries?
A: Plant Bing trees in zones 5â8, full sun, well-drained sandy soil with pH 6â7, and ensure at least 700 winter chill hours.
Q: How do I know when Bing cherries are ready to harvest?
A: Cherries are ripe when they reach a deep, mahogany red color and taste sweet. Do not harvest before this stage, as they will not ripen off the tree.
Conclusion: Why Grow Bing Cherry Trees?
Bing cherries combine ornamental beauty, prolific fruiting, and legendary sweetness, making them an essential choice for home growers. With proper site selection, care, and pollination, your Bing cherry tree will provide bountiful crops and reward you with stunning spring blooms and delicious summer fruit for many years.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
