Nanking Cherry Tree

What Is a Nanking Cherry Tree?

The Nanking cherry tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Mongolia. This hardy plant produces small, bright red cherries that are packed with flavor and nutrients. The tree is beloved not only for its fruit but also for its ornamental value, as it bursts into a stunning display of white or pink blossoms in early spring.

Key Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows 6–10 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for small spaces.
• Fruit: Produces tart, sweet cherries approximately ½ inch in diameter.
• Flowers: Delicate, fragrant blossoms in white or light pink.
• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 2–7, making it incredibly cold-tolerant.
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub with a spreading form.

Why Choose a Nanking Cherry Tree?

There are countless reasons to consider adding a Nanking cherry tree to your garden. Let’s break down the benefits:

Planting and Growing a Nanking Cherry Tree

Growing a Nanking cherry tree is a straightforward process, but like any plant, it thrives when provided with the right conditions.

1. Choosing the Right Location

The success of your Nanking cherry tree begins with choosing the perfect spot to plant it. This tree thrives in environments that cater to its sunlight, soil, and spacing needs.

Sunlight

• Full Sun: Nanking cherry trees perform best in full sun, which means they need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Partial Shade Tolerance: While they can survive in partial shade, insufficient sunlight may result in fewer flowers and reduced fruit production.

Soil

• Well-Drained Soil: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
• Soil Amendments: If your garden has heavy clay soil, amend it with compost, aged manure, or sand to improve its drainage and fertility.
• pH Level: Nanking cherries prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). You can test your soil and adjust it with additives like lime or sulfur if necessary.

Space Requirements

• Spacing: Allow at least 6–8 feet between Nanking cherry trees. This ensures proper air circulation, minimizes the risk of disease, and provides enough room for the tree to grow to its full width of 6–10 feet.
• Wind Protection: Although Nanking cherry trees are hardy, planting them in a spot sheltered from strong winds can protect their delicate blossoms in early spring.

2. Planting Steps

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, planting your Nanking cherry tree is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for success:

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

• Clear the planting area of weeds, grass, or debris.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12–18 inches, breaking up any compacted clumps.
• Mix in compost, aged manure, or organic matter to enrich the soil.

Step 2: Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the tree’s root ball. A wider hole allows roots to spread easily in their new environment.

Step 3: Position the Tree

• Gently remove the tree from its container or wrap, being careful not to damage the roots.
• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root collar (where the trunk meets the roots) is level with or slightly above the surrounding ground.

Step 4: Backfill and Water

• Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.
• Water thoroughly to help the soil settle and establish good root-to-soil contact.
• Add a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, leaving space around the trunk to prevent rot.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Proper watering and feeding will ensure your Nanking cherry tree grows strong and produces abundant fruit.

Watering

• Young Trees: During the first year, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to help the tree develop a strong root system.
• Established Trees: Once the tree is established (after about 1–2 years), water only during prolonged dry spells. Nanking cherries are relatively drought-tolerant but appreciate occasional deep watering during dry periods.

Fertilizing

• Early Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or compost in early spring as the growing season begins.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Excess nitrogen can lead to vigorous foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
• Organic Alternatives: For a natural approach, use well-aged compost or organic fertilizers like bone meal or fish emulsion.

4. Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health, shape, and productivity of your Nanking cherry tree.

When to Prune

• Prune annually in late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant but before new growth begins.

How to Prune

• Remove Dead or Damaged Branches: Cut away any diseased, broken, or dead branches to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
• Thin Crowded Areas: Remove branches that are crossing or growing inward to improve air circulation and allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
• Shape the Tree: Prune lightly to maintain the tree’s natural, rounded shape.

Tools to Use

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers for small branches.
• For thicker branches, a pruning saw may be necessary.

5. Pest and Disease Management

While Nanking cherry trees are generally hardy and low-maintenance, occasional pests and diseases may appear. Here’s how to handle them:

Common Pests

• Aphids: These tiny insects may cluster on leaves and stems, causing curling or discoloration. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage them.
• Japanese Beetles: These beetles may chew on leaves. Hand-pick them off the tree or use traps if needed.

Common Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves. Improve airflow by thinning branches and avoid overhead watering.
• Cherry Leaf Spot: Causes small purple spots on leaves, leading to premature leaf drop. Remove infected leaves and use a copper-based fungicide if necessary.

Prevention Tips

• Ensure good air circulation around the tree by proper spacing and pruning.
• Keep the area around the tree clean of fallen leaves and fruit to reduce disease risks.
• Monitor your tree regularly to catch any issues early.

Harvesting and Using Nanking Cherries

Nanking cherries ripen in early summer and are ready to harvest when they turn a bright, glossy red. They don’t last long on the tree, so it’s best to pick them quickly to enjoy their peak flavor.

Harvesting Tips

• Gently twist or pull the cherries from the stems to avoid damaging the plant.
• Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive, as the stems can be slightly rough.

Using Nanking Cherries

The fruit is tart and sweet, making it versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for using your harvest:

• Fresh Eating: Enjoy them straight off the tree for a tangy snack.
• Jams and Jellies: Their natural tartness makes them ideal for preserves.
• Desserts: Use them in pies, tarts, or cobblers for a unique twist on classic recipes.
• Beverages: Make cherry wine, liqueurs, or refreshing summer beverages.

Comparison Table: Nanking Cherry Tree vs. Other Fruit Trees

Feature	Nanking Cherry Tree	Apple Tree	Plum Tree	Peach Tree
Size	6–10 ft tall and wide	15–25 ft tall and wide	10–15 ft tall and wide	15–20 ft tall and wide
Hardiness	USDA Zones 2–7	USDA Zones 3–8	USDA Zones 4–9	USDA Zones 5–9
Fruit	Small, tart cherries	Large, sweet or tart	Medium, sweet or tart	Large, sweet
Bloom Time	Early spring	Mid-spring	Early to mid-spring	Mid to late spring
Maintenance	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Best Use	Fresh eating, jams, wine	Fresh eating, cider	Fresh eating, jams	Fresh eating, desserts

Creative Landscaping Ideas with Nanking Cherry Trees

The Nanking cherry isn’t just functional—it’s also highly ornamental. Incorporate it into your landscape for both beauty and practicality.

1. Hedge Planting

Plant multiple Nanking cherry trees in a row to create a fruiting hedge. The dense foliage provides privacy, while the flowers and fruit add seasonal interest.

2. Companion Planting

Pair the Nanking cherry with other flowering shrubs or perennials to create a layered, colorful effect. Good companions include lavender, daylilies, or other low-maintenance plants.

3. Wildlife Garden

The tree’s flowers attract pollinators, while the fruit provides food for birds. Incorporate it into a wildlife-friendly garden for an eco-conscious landscape.

4. Container Gardening

With its compact size, the Nanking cherry can even thrive in large containers. This makes it an excellent choice for patios or small urban gardens.

FAQs About Nanking Cherry Trees

1. Do Nanking cherries need a pollinator?

Yes, Nanking cherry trees are not self-pollinating, which means they require another tree nearby to produce fruit. This is because they rely on cross-pollination, where pollen from the flowers of one tree fertilizes the flowers of another tree.

How Pollination Works in Nanking Cherries

• Cross-Pollination: Bees and other pollinators transfer pollen between flowers of two separate trees.
• Placement: To ensure effective pollination, plant the trees within 50–100 feet of each other. This distance allows pollinators like bees to travel easily between the two trees.
• Number of Trees: While two trees are the minimum for pollination, planting three or more can increase fruit production.

Key Pollination Tips

• Variety Selection: Fortunately, all Nanking cherry trees are compatible for cross-pollination, so you don’t need to worry about selecting specific varieties.
• Encouraging Pollinators: To boost pollination, plant flowers that attract bees and butterflies nearby. Lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers are great options.

Without a pollinator, your Nanking cherry tree will bloom beautifully but will not produce fruit, so it’s essential to plant at least two trees for a successful harvest.

2. How long does it take to produce fruit?

Most Nanking cherry trees begin producing fruit within 2–3 years of planting. However, this timeline can vary based on growing conditions, care, and the age of the tree when planted.

Factors That Affect Fruiting Time

• Tree Age at Planting: If you plant a young seedling (1–2 years old), it will likely take an additional 2–3 years to bear fruit. On the other hand, if you purchase a more mature tree, you may see fruit as early as the first year.
• Growing Conditions: Nanking cherries thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Poor sunlight or inadequate soil conditions may delay fruiting.
• Care Practices: Regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning will ensure the tree has the energy to produce fruit earlier.

Signs Your Tree Is Ready to Fruit

• Healthy Growth: Once the tree has established itself and grown to about 3–6 feet in height, it’s likely to begin producing fruit.
• Blossom Set: In early spring, watch for an abundance of flowers. This is a good indicator that the tree is maturing and fruiting is imminent.

Once your tree starts producing fruit, it will do so annually, and the yield often increases as the tree matures.

3. Are Nanking cherries edible?

Yes, Nanking cherries are entirely edible, and they’re not only safe to eat but also delicious! Their flavor is a delightful balance of tart and sweet, making them highly versatile for both fresh eating and culinary uses.

What Do Nanking Cherries Taste Like?

• Tartness: The cherries are naturally tart, similar to sour cherries or cranberries, but they also have a hint of sweetness when fully ripe.
• Texture: The fruit is juicy with a small pit in the center, similar to other cherries.

Ways to Enjoy Nanking Cherries

1. Fresh Eating: If you enjoy tangy fruit, you can eat Nanking cherries straight off the tree.
2. Jams and Jellies: The tartness of the cherries makes them perfect for preserves, as the flavor balances well with sugar.
3. Baked Goods: Add Nanking cherries to pies, cobblers, or tarts for a unique twist on classic desserts.
4. Beverages: Use the fruit to make homemade cherry juice, wine, or liqueurs.
5. Dried Fruit: The cherries can be dried and used in snacks or trail mixes.

Nutritional Benefits

Nanking cherries are not just tasty—they’re also packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of:

• Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and supports healthy skin.
• Antioxidants: Helps fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

A Note on Pits

The cherries have small pits inside, which should be removed before using the fruit in recipes. While the flesh is edible, the pits contain compounds that can release cyanide if ingested in large amounts, so they should not be consumed.

Conclusion

The Nanking cherry tree is a true gem for gardeners, offering a blend of beauty, hardiness, and practicality. Whether you’re looking to grow your own fruit, enhance your landscape, or create a pollinator-friendly garden, this versatile shrub has something to offer. With minimal maintenance and maximum rewards, the Nanking cherry is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to add a touch of charm and productivity to their outdoor space.

So why wait? Plant a Nanking cherry tree today and enjoy its many benefits for years to come!