Will Cherries Grow In Florida?

Will Cherries Grow In Florida? A Sunshine State Cherry Dream?

The unfortunate truth is that growing true cherries (Prunus avium) in Florida is generally not successful due to the state’s warm climate and lack of sufficient chill hours. However, certain tropical cherries, like the Barbados cherry, can thrive and provide similar fruit.

The Cherry Reality in Florida

Florida’s climate presents a significant challenge for traditional cherry cultivation. Unlike temperate regions with cold winters, Florida experiences mild winters with insufficient chill hours – the period of accumulated cold needed to break dormancy and initiate proper flowering and fruiting in many fruit trees, including cherries. This lack of chilling prevents proper bud development and leads to poor or nonexistent fruit production.

What are “Chill Hours?”

Chill hours are defined as the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C) that a fruit tree needs to accumulate during the dormant season (typically winter) to ensure proper bloom and fruit set. Different cherry varieties have different chill hour requirements. Most sweet cherry varieties require 700-1400 chill hours, making them unsuitable for Florida. Sour cherries generally require fewer chill hours, but still more than most Florida locations can provide consistently.

Barbados Cherry: A Tropical Alternative

While true cherries struggle, tropical cherries, specifically the Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata), are well-suited for Florida’s warm climate. These are unrelated botanically to true cherries but offer similar-looking and -tasting fruit. Barbados cherries are small, bright red, and have a tangy, acidic flavor. They are also exceptionally high in vitamin C.

Cultivating Barbados Cherries in Florida

Growing Barbados cherries in Florida is relatively straightforward:

• Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Spring and early summer are the best times to plant.
• Soil: They tolerate a wide range of soil types but thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Watering: Young plants need regular watering until established. Mature plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
• Pruning: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage fruit production.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like aphids and scale insects. Treat as needed with appropriate insecticides or horticultural oils. Diseases are generally not a significant problem.

Comparing True Cherries and Barbados Cherries

Common Mistakes with Cherry Attempts in Florida

Even with knowledge of chill hour requirements, some people still attempt to grow true cherries in Florida. Here are common pitfalls:

• Choosing the Wrong Variety: Planting high-chill varieties guarantees failure.
• Ignoring Chill Hour Data: Many online sources provide inaccurate chill hour information for specific Florida locations.
• Improper Soil Preparation: Poor drainage leads to root rot.
• Insufficient Sunlight: Cherries need at least six hours of sunlight daily.
• Lack of Pest and Disease Management: Pests and diseases can weaken the tree and reduce fruit production (if any occurs).
• Expecting Immediate Results: Even under ideal conditions (which are rare in Florida for true cherries), it takes several years for cherry trees to mature and produce fruit.

FAQs: Unlocking Cherry Knowledge in Florida

FAQ 1: Are there any low-chill sweet cherry varieties that might work in Florida?

While the vast majority of sweet cherry varieties require significant chill hours, some are reported to have lower needs. However, even these “low-chill” varieties, such as ‘Flordaking’ peach (which is often mistakenly associated with low-chill cherries), are unlikely to produce reliably in most parts of Florida due to consistently insufficient chill. Success would be very limited and unpredictable.

FAQ 2: What is the best way to simulate chill hours for a cherry tree in Florida?

Unfortunately, there is no practical way to effectively simulate chill hours on a large scale for mature cherry trees in Florida. While some growers experiment with applying dormancy-breaking chemicals, these are expensive, labor-intensive, and often yield inconsistent results. The most successful small-scale operations involve refrigerating young trees during the dormant season, but this is not a feasible solution for most home gardeners.

FAQ 3: Can I grow cherries in a container in Florida and move it indoors during the winter?

While technically possible, this is extremely difficult and unlikely to succeed. The container would need to be very large, and moving a mature cherry tree is a significant undertaking. Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels indoors, along with providing adequate sunlight, presents further challenges. Furthermore, the artificial chill received may still not be sufficient.

FAQ 4: What does it mean when my cherry tree flowers but doesn’t produce fruit?

This is a common issue related to inadequate chill hours. The tree may have enough chill to initiate flowering, but not enough to allow for proper pollination and fruit set. The flowers may be weak or the pollen may not be viable, resulting in flower drop without fruit development.

FAQ 5: What are the benefits of growing Barbados cherries over true cherries in Florida?

The primary benefit is successful fruit production. Barbados cherries are adapted to Florida’s climate and will produce abundant crops of fruit. They are also relatively easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and are packed with vitamin C. True cherries, on the other hand, are likely to fail.

FAQ 6: How can I tell the difference between a Barbados cherry and a true cherry tree?

The most obvious difference is in the leaves. Barbados cherry trees have small, glossy, evergreen leaves, while true cherry trees have larger, deciduous leaves that turn color in the fall (which you won’t see in Florida!). The fruit also differs significantly, both in size, shape, and taste.

FAQ 7: What are some other fruits that grow well in Florida that have a similar flavor to cherries?

While no fruit perfectly replicates the flavor of a sweet cherry, Surinam cherries offer a tart and slightly sweet taste that some find similar. Lychees and longans also offer a unique sweetness, though their texture is different. Jaboticaba produces fruit directly on the trunk that can be eaten raw, and some people find it has a flavor that resembles grapes and cherries.

FAQ 8: How long does it take for a Barbados cherry tree to produce fruit?

Barbados cherry trees can begin producing fruit as early as one to two years after planting, especially if you start with a grafted or cutting-grown plant. Seedlings may take a bit longer.

FAQ 9: What is the best way to propagate Barbados cherry trees?

Barbados cherries can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Cuttings are the most common method as they produce plants that are true to type and fruit quickly. Grafting onto hardy rootstock can also be done to improve disease resistance or vigor.

FAQ 10: Are Barbados cherries as healthy as true cherries?

Barbados cherries are exceptionally high in vitamin C, significantly more so than true cherries. They also contain other antioxidants and nutrients. While true cherries have their own nutritional benefits, Barbados cherries are a powerhouse of vitamin C, making them a very healthy choice.

FAQ 11: Where can I buy Barbados cherry trees in Florida?

Many local nurseries specializing in tropical fruit trees will carry Barbados cherry trees. Look for reputable nurseries known for selling healthy, well-established plants. Online retailers that ship to Florida are also an option, but be sure to check reviews and ensure they are a reliable source.

FAQ 12: Can I grow true cherries in a very specific microclimate in Florida, like in the panhandle near the Georgia border?

While the Florida Panhandle might experience slightly more chill hours than other parts of the state, it is still unlikely to provide enough for reliable cherry production, even with low-chill varieties. The success rate would be very low, and the effort involved would likely outweigh the rewards. Opting for Barbados cherries remains the far more sensible and productive choice.

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