What is the best watering method for the Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree?
Your Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree, like other fruiting cherries, is a relatively thirsty tree. It will need to be watered regularly, especially during the first three or so growing seasons. Cherry trees prefer to have moist soil, but no standing water, so allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again. Use a soaker hose to give the tree a nice, long drink, or simply soak the roots of the tree away from the trunk. One of our favorite tricks for watering new nursery stock? Circle the tree with a soaker hose, or "draw" a circle around the tree using a heavy soak from a bucket or hose.
What is the best pruning method for the Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree?
Cherry trees should be pruned minimally, so limit yourself to thinning cuts-those cuts used to open up the canopy by removing a branch at its point of origin. Use a saw, and make sure to clean your tools before starting. Prune in very early spring, before the tree breaks dormancy. Cut at the branch collar, and remove any damaged limbs or limbs pointing inward toward the center of the tree. Don't cut back more than a third of the tree's new growth.
Where is the best place to plant a Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree?
The dwarf size of the Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree makes it an appealing plant for the edge of a patio, or even for planting in a large planter. The self-pollinating Romeo Cherry is perfect for a single fruiting tree, as it doesn't need a mate to produce fruit. However, it will benefit from having other cherry varieties nearby, so, if fruiting is your goal, consider choosing a location that allows for cross-pollination. Make sure your location has well-draining soil and bright, daily sunlight.
How quickly do Dwarf Cherry Trees produce edible cherries?
You'll see edible cherries on this dwarf cherry tree in one to three years. These sweet, tart cherries are well worth the wait, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful flowers and an elegant shape in the meantime.
You'll notice that your Romeo Dwarf Cherry trees arrive as bareroot trees, not potted nursery stock. Bareroot trees tend to transplant more easily, and become established more quickly, than potted cherries. They're not pot-pound, and they'll become established directly into the soil in which they'll grow.
Are there any common Dwarf Cherry Tree diseases?
Romeo Dwarf Cherry is a disease-resistant cherry tree, which makes for exceptionally easy growing. Nonetheless, all fruit trees can attract some types of rot and fungus. Watch for fungal infection, especially among recently pruned or damaged branches, and treat those infections with fungicid. Black knot fungus and brown spot are two of the most common funguses among dwarf cherry trees. Both can be treated by applying fungicide. For brown rot, apply fungicide when buds emerge and again during blooming. For leaf spot, apply fungicide when the leaves emerge in springtime. You'll also want to keep an eye out for root and crown funguses, which can occur if the tree is planted in standing water.