Cherry (sweet) 'Stella' Prunus avium 'Stella' (F)

Water

The Stella cherry tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season; however, if there is significant rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. In terms of the amount, each watering should provide the Stella cherry tree with about 1 to 2 gallons of water, ensuring it reaches the root zone. During hot and dry periods, the frequency of watering may need to increase, and the amount of water per session may need to be slightly higher to maintain soil moisture levels. Make sure to reduce watering as the tree goes dormant in winter, providing only enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.

Light

The Stella cherry tree thrives in full sun conditions and should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot with southern or western exposure is ideal to ensure it gets an ample amount of light for healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid planting the tree in shaded areas as this can lead to poor fruiting and increase susceptibility to diseases.

Temperature

Stella cherry trees perform best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 35°F and 90°F. They require a period of winter chill to set fruit, preferring colder nighttime temperatures in the winter months. The trees can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures down to about -20°F but are vulnerable to frost damage during the blooming period in the spring. Ideal fruit production occurs when spring and summer temperatures are moderate, without extreme heat.

Pruning

Pruning Stella cherry trees is essential to maintain a strong structure, stimulate the growth of fruiting wood, and ensure good air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease. Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches as well as any suckers at the base of the tree. The tree should be pruned annually to open up the canopy and allow sunlight to reach the interior branches.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Sweet Cherry 'Stella' consists of well-draining loam with compost to enhance fertility. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.2 and 6.8 for optimal growth and fruit production.

Repotting

Sweet Cherry 'Stella' is typically grown as an outdoor tree and does not require repotting. Instead, it is planted in the ground where it can reach full size.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Cherry 'Stella' prefers moderate ambient humidity outdoors but is tolerant of a range of conditions and does not have precise humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Sweet Cherry 'Stella' in bright light; large space is necessary.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, provide ample space, water, and fertilize.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Stella Cherry trees begin their life as a seed which, when planted, will germinate and emerge as a seedling. The seedling stage is followed by a period of vegetative growth where the young tree develops a strong root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As the tree matures, it enters the sapling stage where it continues to grow in height and girth. After several years, the Stella Cherry reaches maturity and begins the reproductive stage, characterized by the blossoming of flowers which, after pollination, produce cherries. The plant will enter a yearly cycle of flowering in the spring and fruiting in early summer, which is then followed by a period of dormancy during the winter months. As a perennial, the Stella Cherry can continue this cycle for many years, often several decades, before eventually aging and dying.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Prunus avium 'Stella', commonly known as Stella Cherry, is by grafting. This technique is generally carried out in late winter or early spring before the tree begins active growth. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a short length of a stem with buds, from a healthy Stella Cherry and inserting it onto a rootstock of another cherry variety that offers disease resistance and hardiness. The scion must be cut at an angle to expose a large surface area and it is then joined to a corresponding cut in the rootstock. It is crucial to align the vascular cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock for successful grafting. Once secured together with grafting tape or a similar material, the grafted joint is kept moist until the scion has fully joined onto the rootstock and has commenced growth, indicating successful propagation.