When the cherry tree doesn't want to bloom

When the cherry tree doesn't want to bloom

Young cherry trees without blossoms is no problem

If a young cherry tree does not produce flowers in the first 2-3 years after planting, there is still no reason to be alarmed. In young trees, shoot formation takes precedence over flowering until a strong, stable crown structure has developed. Only then does the cherry tree begin to bloom and bear fruit.

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Missing blossom in older trees

At a certain age, the tree is expected to bloom and bear fruit. Various factors play a role in flower formation, such as variety, climatic and location conditions, supply of nutrients, etc. Some types of fruit, including sour cherries, are extremely willing to flower, meaning that they set flower buds early without any special incentives. The sweet cherry, which already begins to bloom in mid-April, is defenseless in some spring when the frost occurs late.

Promote willingness to flower

It is not uncommon for gardeners to report that their cherry trees only bloom every 2nd or even every 3rd year. If you disregard the characteristics of the variety, every cherry tree of productive age can be stimulated to flower through various measures. Please note the following:

  • regular pruning measures at the right time promote flowering,
  • too many nutrients lead to increased shoot growth and thus to reduced flower bud formation,
  • Lack of nutrients initially causes excessive flower bud formation, but later premature exhaustion,
  • Cherry trees on weak roots are more blooming,
  • Limiting nitrogen fertilization prevents shoot growth and promotes the development of fruit shoots with flower buds.

Tips & Tricks

Even if blossoms appear on a young cherry tree in the first year, it is better to break them out. The tree should first be given the opportunity to grow properly, since flowering and subsequent fruiting are at the expense of growth.