Edibles – Sweet Cherry Tree

Botanical name: prunus avium

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 15-30 ft in height and in width

Harvest time: summer

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Flower color: white

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about 1 ft per year

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth emerges

Propagation methods: sowing

Landscape use: edible garden

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: fragrant blooms

Watering instructions: allow the first 2 inch of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use 10-10-10 once in the spring and once in the fall

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: loam

Companion plants: lavender, garlic, nasturtiums

Toxicity level: all parts of this plant except for the fruits are mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested

Invasive species: yes