How to grow Cherry in the UK
Prunus avium
Cherry (Prunus avium) is a fruit that grows well in UK gardens. Birds will strip a tree overnight — netting essential as fruit colours up. This guide covers when and how to sow Cherry, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Cherry
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun Harvest | Jul Harvest | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov Plant | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Position
- Sun and shelter for good pollination
- Sowing depth
- Plant to the original soil mark; stake bare-root trees
- Spacing
- 3–4 m (dwarf rootstock for gardens)
- Sowing
- Plant bare-root Nov–Mar; modern types like Stella are self-fertile
- Growing
- Water well for the first 3 years; mulch and feed in spring
- Harvest & upkeep
- Prune in summer only; net from birds — they strip a tree fast
- Watch for
- Birds, cherry blackfly, bacterial canker
Companion planting for Cherry
Grows well with:
Add Cherry to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Cherry FAQs
What grows well with Cherry?
Cherry grows well alongside Chives, Comfrey, Garlic. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
How much sun does Cherry need?
Cherry prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Cherry ready to harvest?
Cherry is typically ready to harvest in June, July in the UK.
Is Cherry easy to grow?
Moderate. Birds will strip a tree overnight — netting essential as fruit colours up.