How to Grow Cherry in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Cherry rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated advanced to grow. Saves ~$8-15/kg, cherries are one of the most expensive fruits in Australian supermarkets.
This guide covers when to plant Cherry in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Cherry is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Stella
Self-fertile sweet cherry. Dark red, excellent flavour. The most popular home garden cherry in Australia.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Lapin
Large dark red, sweet and firm. Self-fertile. Late season. Heavy cropper. Excellent for cool climates.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings
Sunburst
Large, dark, sweet. Self-fertile. Mid-season. Reliable and widely available.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Cherry full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Cherry into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 500 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Needs serious chill hours (700-1200+), so only reliable in cool climates like Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide Hills, Victorian highlands and Orange NSW. Will not fruit in SEQ or warm coastal zones. Plant bare-root in winter. Most sweet cherries need a pollination partner. Bird netting is absolutely essential. First real crop in year 3-4. Prune to an open vase or central leader shape.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Birds, Fruit fly, Cherry slug and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Brown rot, Bacterial canker and Silver leaf. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Cherry is typically ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze pitted for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, cherry is good eaten fresh straight from the tree, made into cherry jam and preserves, baked into pies and clafoutis and frozen for smoothies and baking. Nutritionally: rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants and good source of vitamins C and K.
Companion Planting
Cherry grows well alongside Nasturtium, Garlic, Chives and Marigold. Keep it away from Walnut. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Cherry Growing
Add cherry to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cherry in Australia?
Cherry is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Cherry take to grow?
Cherry is generally ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Cherry need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Cherry in the Plant Library
