How to Grow Cherries in a Greenhouse

Overview

A greenhouse is an enclosed structure that allows gardeners to grow plants anytime of the year, irrespective of whether they are in season or not. The greenhouse absorbs the sun's heat and retains it, thus raising the temperature to provide plants warmth they need to thrive. Cherries make an excellent choice for greenhouse gardening, as they are susceptible to cold weather outside and birds that pick on them. Grow cherries in a greenhouse to get a head start on the season, or extend their growing season so you enjoy them in savory dishes long afterward.

Step 1

Purchase a good quality, young cherry tree from your local nursery. Make sure it is a self-sufficient variety, such as a sour cherry tree, that does not require another tree to cross-pollinate to produce fruit. If you opt for sweet cherries, grow more than one tree as they are cross-pollinating.

Step 2

Fill a large heavy-duty plastic tub with good quality potting soil. Make sure the tub has adequate drainage holes in its base. Add a small amount of peat moss to improve drainage.

Step 3

Remove the young cherry tree from the nursery container or burlap and lower it into your tub, ensuring the crown of the root ball is buried just under the soil surface. Separate any stuck roots carefully so they spread and grow. Place some potting soil over the roots to cover them, and tamp it down with your hands to remove air bubbles.

Step 4

Water the soil well until water drains out from the holes. Place a large saucer under the tub to collect drained water, and place the tub in a sunny spot in your greenhouse.

Step 5

Maintain moderate temperature in your greenhouse. Cherries do not like extreme heat, so make sure you have several fans circulating air in your greenhouse if temperatures in the summer reach 100 degrees F. Cherries prefer cold temperatures in the winter, but prevent the temperature from falling below freezing.

Step 6

Prune your cherry tree lightly with pruning scissors by removing all broken or dead branches.