Sweet Cherry Prunus avium 'Nabella' (F)

Water

Sweet Cherry trees, including the 'Nabella' variety, should be watered deeply to encourage root development, usually once a week during the dry season, with more frequent watering when they are newly planted or during prolonged dry spells. Mature trees typically require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. During the growing season, a young tree will often need between 10 to 15 gallons of water each week. Adjust the amount of water during the winter or rainy seasons to prevent overwatering, since excess moisture can lead to root rot.

Light

Sweet Cherry trees need full sun to produce the best fruit, so they should be planted in a location where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that is well-exposed to the sun throughout the day, without shade from buildings or other trees, will promote healthy growth and an abundant harvest.

Temperature

Sweet Cherry trees thrive in a temperate climate and have a chilling requirement to break dormancy. They can generally tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for sweet cherry trees like 'Nabella' is between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They may start to suffer damage when temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below the freezing point.

Pruning

Sweet Cherry trees benefit from pruning to maintain a strong tree structure, improve light penetration, and air circulation, which in turn encourages good fruit production. Pruning should be conducted during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. 'Nabella' trees should be pruned annually to remove dead or diseased wood, to shape the tree, and to thin out dense growth.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Sweet cherry 'Nabella' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix with compost and peat moss will improve structure and add essential nutrients.

Repotting

Sweet cherry 'Nabella' trees are not commonly repotted as they are grown outdoors; instead, they can be transplanted if necessary when they are dormant in late fall or early spring.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet cherry 'Nabella' prefers moderate ambient humidity but is adaptable to the humidity levels typically found outdoors in its growing regions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun exposure, space adequately.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Sweet Cherry, specifically the variety Prunus avium 'Nabella', begins with seed germination, which takes place when the conditions are right, usually in spring following a period of stratification during winter cold. The seedling develops into a juvenile tree over several years, with rapid root and shoot growth. As it matures, it enters the sapling stage, where the growth continues but at a slower pace until it reaches reproductive maturity. The tree then begins to flower, typically in the spring, with pollination commonly facilitated by bees and other insects. Following successful pollination, fruits develop and ripen to a red or dark red color in the summer, containing seeds that can be dispersed by birds and other animals. The adult tree can live for many years, producing flowers and fruits annually, and the cycle continues with the dispersal and germination of seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Propogation: The 'Nabella' variety of sweet cherry tree is commonly propagated through grafting, a method widely used for fruit trees to ensure fruit quality and tree characteristics. Grafting is often done in late winter or early spring, coinciding with the tree's dormant period just before the spring growth begins. Scion wood, which is a cutting from a mature 'Nabella' cherry tree with desirable traits, is typically collected during the dormant period. The scion is then grafted onto a compatible rootstock, which determines the overall size and vigor of the resulting tree. The graft union is carefully sealed and wrapped to promote healing and prevent disease, and over time, the scion and rootstock will grow together to form a new cherry tree that bears the 'Nabella' fruit.