Everything You Need To Know about 4-in-1 Cherry Trees
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Gardeners who are reluctant to invest in cherry trees because of the trees’ large sizes or short growing seasons should consider investing in 4-in-1 cherry trees. These cherry trees produce four different types of cherries over several seasons, which means you’ll get a significant bang for your buck. Read how to plant, care for, and harvest 4-in-1 cherry trees in our guide below.
4-in-1 Cherry Trees at a Glance
Read about some of the most notable features of the 4-in-1 cherry tree below.
- Drought-tolerant
- Good for narrow yards and tight spaces
- Grows more cherries than a traditional cherry tree
- Self-pollinating
- Staggered harvests
What Is a 4-in-1 Cherry Tree?
The 4-in-1 cherry tree grows four different cherry varieties but not every tree has the same types of cherries. These trees grow up to 15–20 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide, which makes the tree compact enough to fit in narrow yards and small spaces.
If you decide to get a 4-in-1 cherry tree, you’ll get to choose which cherries you want to grow. Below are some popular options:
- Bing: A large, dark red, sweet cherry
- Lapins: A large, dark red, sweet cherry that’s resistant to cracking
- Montmorency: A bright red, tart cherry that’s excellent for baking
- Rainier: A yellow-red, sweet cherry that has a delicate flavor
- Stella: A self-fertile, sweet cherry that has a great flavor
Benefits of Growing a 4-in-1 Cherry Tree
The 4-in-1 cherry tree has many advantages, including those below.
- Extended harvest season: Different cherry varieties ripen at different times throughout the year, so you’ll have a long harvest season. You’ll be able to yield a steady supply of fruit and won’t feel the pressure to use or eat all your cherries at once.
- Space-saving design: The 4-in-1 cherry tree’s small size allows homeowners with limited gardening areas to grow a cherry tree.
- Variety of cherry flavors: You’ll get to experience a handful of different flavor profiles, from sweet to tart.
How To Plant and Care for Your 4-in-1 Cherry Tree
Learn how to plant and care for your tree below so that it thrives and yields bountiful fruit.
Considerations for Your Climate Zone
The 4-in-1 cherry tree grows best in Hardiness Zones 4–8, according to the USDA. It fares especially well in colder, northern regions.
Selecting the Ideal Planting Location
A 4-in-1 cherry tree needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Find a location that has soil that drains well and offers some protection against strong winds. If you’re planting multiple trees, make sure you give your cherry tree space.
Soil Preparation and Planting Techniques
Your cherry tree will need light, sandy soil, and a pH that’s somewhere between slightly acidic and neutral. Follow the steps below to plant your tree:
- Test your soil and adjust it if necessary.
- Dig a hole twice that’s as wide as the root ball and equally as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole and make sure the graft union is above the soil line.
- Backfill with soil and tamp the area to remove air pockets.
- Water the area thoroughly after you’re done planting.
The 4-in-1 cherry tree self-pollinates, so you’ll only need one. Growing another is still worthwhile because of the additional harvest. Be sure to plant your trees at least 20 feet apart from each other.
Watering and Fertilization Requirements
You need to water your new 4-in-1 cherry tree regularly so that it can successfully establish its root system. Offer the tree 1 inch of water once per week.
You can fertilize your 4-in-1 cherry tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that’s meant for fruit trees.
Harvesting Cherries from Your 4-in-1 Tree
You’ll start to see cherries within two years of planting your 4-in-1 cherry tree. Each cherry variety ripens at different times of the year, so you’ll harvest different cherries in different seasons.
When To Harvest Each Variety
Cherries typically ripen sometime between late spring and mid-summer. Keep an eye on the signs below, which signal your cherries are ready for harvest:
- Check the color: Your cherries will feature full color when they’re ripe.
- Feel the firmness: Ripe cherries will be firm but have a slight give when you squeeze them.
- Taste test: Sample a cherry to make sure it has reached peak flavor.
Proper Picking and Storage Methods
Follow the steps below as you pick your cherries:
- Twist and pull the cherry from the stem.
- Place cherries in a shallow container to prevent them from bruising.
- Avoid washing cherries until you’re ready to eat or process them.
You can store unwashed cherries in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also can or freeze them if you want to store them for a longer period of time.
Common Challenges and Solutions for 4-in-1 Cherry Trees
You may encounter some challenges as your 4-in-1 cherry tree grows. Learn how to address common issues below.
Dealing with Uneven Growth
Different cherry trees may grow at different rates. To keep your trees balanced, adjust the fertilizer, make sure your trees receive proper sunlight by keeping the trees’ centers open, and prune fast-growing trees to support weaker sections.
Managing Cross-Pollination Issues
If you notice your tree isn’t growing a sufficient amount of fruit, there might be a cross-pollination issue. Remedy this by avoiding using pesticides to protect beneficial insects. You can also plant another cherry tree to boost pollination or plant bee-friendly flowers in your garden to attract pollinators.
FAQ About 4-in-1 Cherry Trees
Do 4-in-1 cherry trees have different types of cherries?
Yes, 4-in-1 cherry trees have different types of cherries. A single tree produces four different types of cherries.
Do you need two 4-in-1 cherry trees to get cherries?
No, you don’t need two trees. The 4-in-1 cherry tree is self-fertile, so it pollinates itself.
Are all the cherries ready at the same time?
Different types of cherries are ready to pick at different times of year.
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