Detailed Explanation of Spring Planting Time and Methods for Cherry Trees
Currently, in protected cultivation of sweet cherries, the main tree forms are the natural open-center form, the improved central-leader form, the central-leader stratified form, and the slender spindle form. The natural open-center form has a trunk height of 30-40 cm, 3-5 main branches, each main branch with 6-7 side branches, and an angle of 30-45 degrees between the main branches and the trunk. Tree height is controlled at 1.5-1.8 m, ...
I. Planting Time In protected cherry production areas in northern China, planting is generally done in spring after the soil thaws and before the nursery stock sprouts, mostly from mid-to-late March to early-to-mid April, planted close to the time of sprouting. Practice has proven that planting cherries at this time results in a high survival rate.
II. Planting Methods
1. Selection and treatment of nursery stock. Before planting, select healthy nursery stock with plump buds, a well-developed root system, and no pests or diseases. Then soak the roots of the nursery stock in water for 24 hours, and then treat the roots by dipping them in 3-5 degree Baume lime sulfur mixture or biological pesticides for disinfection before planting.
2. Planting method. Before planting, first measure and mark the planting points according to the row and plant spacing, then dig the planting holes with the planting points as the center, and then proceed with planting. The planting depth is usually based on the ground mark on the nursery stock being level with the ground surface, and the depth of soil filling is adjusted according to this standard. After the planting depth is adjusted, place the nursery stock into the hole with the graft union facing north, spread the roots out and distribute them evenly in all directions, and hold the nursery stock upright, aligning them left and right so that they form straight rows both lengthwise and crosswise, then fill with soil, firming it as you fill, until the soil reaches ground level, make a bed and irrigate, and after the water seeps in, seal the hole with soil, and build a mound of soil about 30 cm high around the trunk to help conserve soil moisture and prevent the nursery stock from being blown askew by the wind. Cherries are afraid of waterlogging, and the development of new roots also requires relatively high oxygen levels in the soil, so in the spring of the year of planting, do not cover the tree with plastic film, to avoid causing root rot and seedling death.