CHAPTER X 

 The Cherry 



FEW fruits are more appreciated than Cherries, and they can be 

 grown successfully in small gardens, as they lend themselves to 

 various methods of training. Cherries prefer loamy soil that is 

 naturally well drained ; land that is fairly rich in lime is suit- 

 able, though this material can be added in the form of lime rubble. 

 In the case of heavy, clayey soils it is advisable to add a good 

 dressing of basic slag and old lime rubble when preparing to plant 

 the trees. 



Bush-trained Cherries are suitable for small gardens ; this 

 fruit may also be grown as a standard and espalier. One 

 advantage of the latter type of tree is that it can be grown by 

 the side of a walk and takes up very little space. Probably the 

 best fruits of dessert varieties are grown on walls, and the trees 

 succeed on almost any aspect. In favourable localities those 

 on north and east walls are a great success 



Morello Cherries are nearly always grown on a north wall, 

 and a better tree for the position cannot be found. Fan-trained 

 trees are the best for walls, and may be planted from 15 to 20 

 feet apart. Early autumn planting is to be preferred, and the 

 trees should be pruned the following February. Cut back the 

 growths fairly hard the first year, taking care to cut to a plump 

 wood bud on the upper side of the branch. Train the lower 

 branches out horizontally on each side, and allow the others to 

 rise gradually upwards ; but do not have a central stem ; if the 

 trees possess one cut it out, the centre will fill up in a year or 

 two. 



The Pruning of established trees is best done early in winter, 

 as the buds are not then so likely to be injured and gumming 

 will be less probable. In the case of sweet Cherries shorten back 

 the leading growths by one-third of their length, and prune 

 the side growths to three or four buds from the base of each. 

 Morello Cherries are treated differently, as they bear fruit on the 



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