There are many plants that do well here in Henderson County. Ornamental cherries do exceptionally well here. You would think that fruiting cherry trees would produce here but they seem to struggle.

Unfortunately, fruiting cherry trees do not usually do well here, especially sweet cherries. We have lots of heat, humidity, insects and diseases that make growing fruiting cherries a problem. That is why you won't find many farmers or home gardeners growing fruiting cherry trees here.

Cherry trees are beset by many pests. Black knot fungus, gummosis, and insects pests can infest the fruit trees. Without a good pest management spray program the trees usually will do poorly.

However, if you are a gardener with plenty of space I would not discourage you from trying a sweet or tart cherry tree or two for fun. Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) are self fertile while sweet cherries (Prunus avium) need two varieties to pollinate. With proper care you will likely get a crop on some years.

Tart cherry varieties: Meteor, Montmorency, North Star

Sweet cherry varieties: Black gold, Sam, Van

Plant the trees in full sun, prepare the soil properly, fertilize regularly and water during drought. Use an organic spray schedule and you might get fruit during years with favorable weather. Practice good sanitation by cleaning up any old or diseased fruits and leaves at the end of each season. Prune in the winter.

Cherries in the Garden

Fruits that we do recommend locally for backyard fruit in Henderson County are blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, table grapes and strawberries. Learn more in our articles: Home Fruit Options for Henderson County and Backyard Fruits in Henderson County.